Renée Elise Goldsberry offers a glimpse into her life as a mother and performer in her new documentary, “Satisfied,” which premieres on November 4. Throughout her time with “Hamilton,” she recorded candid moments on her phone—from auditions to backstage fun with her castmates.
This documentary presents a personal view of Goldsberry's life during the whirlwind of success. Alongside clips featuring icons like Beyoncé and the Obamas, there are sweet moments with her kids at home, wishing her a goodnight.
When asked if she ever felt torn between her roles, Goldsberry's response was insightful: “I didn't want to choose... I want everything... both at once.”
Motherhood Journey & A Life-Changing Demo
Goldsberry faced challenges with fertility before welcoming her son, Benjamin, after several miscarriages. Her daughter, Brielle, joined the family through adoption from Ethiopia. She recalls, “When Brielle came home, I thought, this is the picture on the mantel. I'm done.”
Just as her family dreams were coming true, she was offered an audition for what was then called “The Hamilton Mixtape.” Hesitant to disrupt her newfound joy, she initially declined. Eventually, her agent urged her to listen to the demo, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda singing Angelica Schuyler's song “Satisfied.” “I felt the ground shake... everything was about to change,” she recalls.
Goldsberry on Balancing Life and Career
Many young actors dream of starring in a Broadway hit that transcends entertainment, and Goldsberry found herself at the center of such a phenomenon. However, it came with sacrifices. As the only mom in the cast, she woke up early to spend time with her children despite long nights. “The only moments I shared with them were in the morning,” she says. “I missed many tuck-ins.”
Her husband, Alexis Johnson, played a crucial role in managing their family life. Early in their relationship, she candidly expressed her uncertain career path, joking about the possibilities of being supported or the one holding her purse at red carpets. “I needed to marry someone who could adapt to either scenario, and I knew he could, which is why I said, ‘I do.’”
Defining Success and Finding Fulfillment
Goldsberry continues to revel in the success of “Hamilton,” which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The milestone included the long-awaited release of the Broadway live-capture film after its initial Disney+ release during the pandemic.
Since leaving “Hamilton” in 2016, she has taken on various projects, including a lead role in the comedy series “Girls5Eva” on Peacock and a new part as the first lady in Kathryn Bigelow's upcoming drama “A House of Dynamite,” set to stream on Netflix.
Her latest passion is her album “Who I Really Am,” featuring 11 original tracks and a re-recorded version of “Satisfied.” Now that it’s released, she has big hopes for its impact.
Goldsberry shares, “I’d love for one of my songs to really resonate and climb the charts.” Even with her accolades, she remains grateful for her career. “That’s a miracle, right? It’s extravagant to earn a living doing what I love.”
