Lee Daniels: The Photo That Influenced Me Most

1 minute read
Paula Kelly in costume for the film 'Sweet Charity' at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California, 1969.
Paula Kelly in costume for the film 'Sweet Charity' at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California, 1969.Lawrence Schiller—Polaris Communications/Getty Images
By Lee Daniels

To celebrate the launch of TIME’s new multimedia project – 100 Photographs: The Most Influential Images of All Time – we asked leaders in a number of fields, from technology to the arts to business, to share the single photograph that most influenced their lives. Purchase the 100 Photographs book now.

When I was a kid, this photo of the divine Paula Kelly inspired me to go to the movies to see Sweet Charity. Never in my life had I seen such elegance, raw talent and breath taking honesty on screen. She is an unsung hero and the reason that I am here.

Lee Daniels is an Academy Award nominated filmmaker.

Paula Kelly in costume for the film 'Sweet Charity' at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California, 1969.
Paula Kelly in costume for the film 'Sweet Charity' at Universal Studios, Los Angeles, California, 1969.Lawrence Schiller—Polaris Communications/Getty Images

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