Brandon Hammond just gave Soul Food fans a dose of nostalgia, as he shared photos of him reuniting with his onscreen “Big Mama,” Irma P. Hall, for her 90th birthday. The actor, who famously played Ahmad in the 1997 classic, took to Instagram to share heartfelt photos and memories with Hall.
“Happy 90th Birthday to the LEGENDARY Ms. Irma P. Hall [June 3, 1935]! It is not an overstatement to say that Irma’s career is nothing short of ICONIC,” the 41-year-old wrote.
Hall, who’s last film credit was 2017’s Hap and Leonard, is best remembered as the heart and soul of Soul Food. Her portrayal of the strong-willed, loving matriarch “Big Mama” universally became a symbol of family togetherness, Sunday dinners, and the power of a grandmother’s wisdom. And according to Hammond, the bond they built on screen has lived far beyond their time in the film.
SOUL FOOD, Irma P. Hall, Brandon Hammond, 1997.
Everett Collection
“Of course, I know Irma from our time together on the film Soul Food. I met her as a 12-year-old boy whom she immediately treated like her grandson,” he captioned photos of her from over the years. “Because of Soul Food, Irma would affectionately be known by so many as ‘Big Mama’ and I, as her ‘favorite grandbaby’ — and she and I would be forever linked. I am honored to share not only the screen but a friendship with her.”
The film’s iconic cast also included Vanessa Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, and Mekhi Phifer. Acoording to Hammond he has been putting together a reunion for the last few years.
“Most of you don’t know that for the past couple of years I’ve been in the process of directing a Soul Food Reunion documentary (yes, really! — I am suuuuuuper excited for you all to see this!!),” he continued in his post. “And this afforded me the opportunity to visit Irma and her wonderful family a couple of years ago in Texas where she now resides.”
“Her hugs and smile were as I remember them and being able to reminisce about that special time filming Soul Food almost 30 years ago is something that I will hold onto for dear life. We even sat at the table for a nice soul food-esque dinner and just enjoyed one another.”
He ended his tribute with the reflection that, “People truly do come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime,” adding that Irma’s presence “fit all three of those categories.”
For those who want to revisit Soul Food, it is currently streaming on Apple TV and Tubi. As of now, details for Hammond’s documentary has not been disclosed.
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