In Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, which actress plays Sofia?

Oprah Winfrey plays Sofia in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple.

Sofia is a strong-willed woman whose refusal to submit to racist and sexist authority leads to severe consequences. Winfrey made her acting debut in the film, and her performance earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The 1985 movie adapts Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel. Whoopi Goldberg plays Celie, the story’s central character, while Margaret Avery plays Shug Avery and Akosua Busia plays Nettie, Celie’s sister.

Sofia’s character is often remembered for her determined personality and her declaration that she will not be controlled by the people around her. Winfrey later became the film’s producer for the 2005 stage-musical adaptation, but her original role in Spielberg’s film remains Sofia.