So as you know, “That Dude” is a series here at Michelle-Huxtable.com.  In case you aren’t familiar with what exactly “That Dude” means, Urban Dictionary defines it as, “The person that everyone is trying to be like or looking up to.  He influences the crowd and girls love him.” Well, there should be a female-counterpart to “That Dude”. “That Chick” sounds… you know… Lil Kim-ish. And that’s no bueno. [1] “That Girl”… eh I don’t know.  How about “That Dudette”? Corny maybe but it’s staying for now. If you have a better title leave it in the comments, por favor.[1] So, the inaugural “That Dudette” article is dedicated to Regina King!

Yes, yes. You’re excited. So there’s a few reasons why Regina King is “That Dudette”. First of all, she’s from Los Angeles, California so cool points there. But second, let’s break down her resume into three major roles that she plays.

1. The Real Wifey

What is a real wifey? Quite simply a real wifey is one who will do anything for her husband. It doesn’t matter what it is or what the circumstance may be. Jerry Maguire for instance, Regina King’s character Marcee was the real wifey. You know the story, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr) isn’t really showing anybody the money and his wife is there. She’s egging him on supporting him and telling him that he can do it and didn’t get a sudden case of nuptial amnesia and go find a different athlete or up and leave him.

My favorite might have to be Regina King’s character in Enemy of the State, though. Carla was the best and most realistic wife. So first of all, Will Smith (her husband in the movie) has had an affair previously. Then, some people send her pictures of him and that woman together! Conversation:

Regina King: You know what I’m looking at? Pictures of you and Rachel taken today.

Will Smith: Listen honey, I think something’s going on.

Regina King: I went to the store today. My money and credit cards don’t work!

Will Smith: I gotta go.

Regina King: How in God’s name can I trust you? I want you to leave! I want you to leave!

I mean granted this is a conspiracy theorists movie with the government after Will and what not and they were wrecking his life, but look at that conversation! She’s accusing him of cheating and by the way her credit cards don’t work. He’s just like “Deuces.” I know I claimed her as a ride or die chick and this seems contradictory to what just happened since she told him to leave but that’s just realistic. She later helps him out and takes him back and what not.

As evidenced in her roles as Marcee in Jerry Maguire and Carla in Enemy of the State Regina King can play that real wifey who will always be there no matter what, better than anybody.

Real Wifey Honorable Mentions: Ray, This Christmas

2. The Real Chick Period.

Note the 40 oz.

Shalika from Boyz N The Hood. That should be the point where I say, “Nuff said”. But I’ll explain. She had one of the greatest lines of all time in this movie, “Why is it every time you talk about a female you gotta say b—h, ho, or hootchie?” Her whole role in that movie was just pretty legitimate.

Honorable Mention: Dana from Friday[2]

And her greatest role of all… Huey Freeman and Riley Freeman on The Boondocks. I can’t tell you how awesome these two kids are. Huey being the political, intelligent, and radical older brother. Riley being the exact opposite, ignorant product of mainstream rap music younger brother. The two characters together might be the best representations of black people. Without getting into why The Boondocks is amazing, let’s get back to Regina King.

She consistently plays the best supporting actress and never the main actress which is unfortunate. From playing the ghetto chick (but doing it somehow in a classy way) to playing the wife that is there through the thick and thin, Ms. King injects her personal flare into everything she does.

[1] Yeah. Bilingual for the win.

[2] Maybe I should do a “That Dudette” on Nia Long. She tried to fight freakin’ Debo in this movie.