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Gabrielle Union Reflects on Early Hollywood Splurge
Actress Gabrielle Union, known for her roles in films like Bring It On, recently shared a story about her first significant purchase after achieving success in Hollywood. While a milestone at the time, Union now jokingly refers to the acquisition as a “stupid” decision in retrospect. The tale serves as a lighthearted lesson about financial wisdom and the realities of early fame, particularly concerning luxury car purchases. This reflection offers a relatable glimpse into the experiences of navigating newfound wealth and making savvy financial decisions.
The Mazda Miata Revelation
During a panel discussion at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June 12, Union recounted her initial feeling of accomplishment tied to owning a specific car brand, as reported by People.
“I’m like, ‘Oh, I’ve made it when I have a Mazda,’” she remembered. However, her father cautioned against buying new, pointing out the rapid loss of value: “My dad’s like, ‘Don’t buy a brand new car. It depreciates the second you drive it off the lot.’”

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A Costly Lesson in California Cool
Ignoring her father’s counsel, the actress proceeded with the purchase: a Mazda Miata sports car. But the California climate introduced an unforeseen issue that made her rethink her choice.
The Leather Seat Dilemma
“Lemme tell you about leather seats in Los Angeles,” she continued. “Do you know I scorched myself every time I got out? Yeah, that was my first purchase.”
The Reality of Depreciation
Union also acknowledged the accuracy of her father’s prediction regarding the car’s value.
- It depreciated the second I drove it off the lot,” Gabrielle added.
- This experience underscores the importance of considering practical aspects alongside emotional desires when making significant financial decisions.