Blair Underwood Honors His Mother’s Legacy in New Memoir ‘A Soldier’s Wife’
For legendary actor Blair Underwood, the most influential role in his life wasn’t found on a film set or a theater stage, but in the lessons taught by his mother. In his new memoir, A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood, Underwood delivers a poignant “love letter” to the woman who shaped his worldview and inspired his creative journey.
Key Takeaways
- A Creative Foundation: Marilyn Underwood’s passion for fashion and design served as the “seed” for the artistic pursuits of all her children.
- Breaking Barriers: Before prioritizing family, Marilyn was the only Black executive at a fashion house in Buffalo, New York.
- Lifelong Ambition: The memoir highlights a powerful lesson on perseverance, detailing Marilyn’s decision to apply to college at age 82.
- Personal Balance: Underwood discusses his current life in Utah, balancing celebrity with a blended family of nine children and a passion for ranching.
The Extraordinary Life of Marilyn A. Underwood
Marilyn Underwood’s journey was one of ambition, and resilience. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, as the only child of a single mother, she developed a deep passion for clothing and design. This drive led her to New York City, where she studied at The Traphagen School of Fashion.
Upon returning to Buffalo, she achieved a significant professional milestone, becoming the only Black executive at a local fashion house. However, her career path shifted when she met Frank Underwood, a lieutenant in the United States Army. While she chose to put her professional aspirations on hold to prioritize her family, Underwood emphasizes that her artistic spirit remained intact.
“But when you’re an artist, it never leaves you,” Underwood explained.
A Legacy of Creativity and Faith
The creative spark Marilyn possessed didn’t stop with her. it extended to her children. Underwood credits his mother for planting the “seed” that led him to performing arts and his brother, Frank Jr., to painting and writing. His sisters, Marlo and Mellisa, also pursued their own creative paths.
Beyond artistry, Underwood notes that his mother instilled a deep sense of faith and responsibility in her children. He believes that blessings come from a higher power and that these gifts carry an expectation of service. Underwood now uses his celebrity as “currency” to reinvest in meaningful storytelling, including through his own book imprint.
It’s Never Too Late: A Lesson in Perseverance
One of the most moving segments of the memoir focuses on the belief that it is never too late to pursue a goal. After Underwood mentioned the accessibility of online education, Marilyn applied to an online college at the age of 82. Underwood even wrote her letter of recommendation.
Although she passed away two years later before completing her studies, the act itself served as a lasting inspiration. For Underwood, her courage proved that regardless of circumstances, one should never stop reaching for their goals.
Finding Balance in Utah
While Underwood remains connected to Manhattan—which he calls his “second home”—his current life is centered in a mountain community in Utah. He has been married to his longtime friend, Josie Hart, for three years. Together, they manage a large blended family of nine children (six for Hart and three for Underwood).
In a departure from the Hollywood spotlight, Underwood has found peace in the mountains, where he and his wife recently began raising buffalo and bison. He describes this environment as his “happy place,” providing the essential balance he needs to sustain his career and personal fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of Blair Underwood’s memoir?
The book, A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood, is a biography and memoir that honors the life, lessons, and creative influence of Underwood’s mother.
What was Marilyn Underwood’s professional background?
Marilyn studied at The Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City and later became the only Black executive at a fashion house in Buffalo, New York.
How did the book come to be written?
Writing a book was a long-time dream of Marilyn’s. Eventually, Underwood’s sister, Marlo, sat down with her to conduct interviews, which provided the foundation for the chronicle of her life.
Through the exploration of his mother’s life, Blair Underwood reminds readers that the wisdom imparted by parents often serves as the ultimate guide for the lives their children build. A Soldier’s Wife stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, family, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams at any age.