Rutina Wesley, More Than Just a Best Friend

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Rutina Wesley, More Than Just a Best Friend

Rutina Wesley plays bartender Tara Thornton on the HBO series "True Blood." She feels the multifaceted role makes her a bit of a cultural pioneer.

With the part, she has moved beyond the "Black Best Friend" with which so many African American actresses find themselves stuck.

In fact, the character of Tara is white in the "Sookie Stackhouse" books on which the show is based.

Wesley hopes that the TV series is a stepping stone not only for herself, but for other struggling black actresses.

Gina Wilhelm Actress