In 2003, Jessica Alba made her international breakthrough as aspiring dancer-choreographer Honey Daniels in the American dance film Honey. The Dark Angel actress was 22 when Honey was released on December 5, 2003.
Jessica Alba as hip-hop choreographer Honey Daniels and Mekhi Phifer as her boyfriend Chaz in Honey (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Clearing Up Rumors: Aaliyah Was Never Considered for the Role
Although it was widely believed that Jessica Alba was cast as Honey Daniels following the tragic death of Aaliyah Dana Haughton in a plane crash on August 25, 2001, the film’s director, Bille Woodruff, clarified that Aaliyah was never intended to play the role. Instead, the part was originally meant for Beyoncé, but scheduling conflicts with her Dangerously in Love tour prevented her from taking on the role.
“That’s incorrect. It was supposed to be Beyoncé. That’s been widely reported but it’s incorrect,” Bille Woodruff told Rated R&B about the Aaliyah rumors in a June 2020 interview. “She couldn’t do it because of her touring schedule for her first album Dangerously In Love.”
Jessica Alba portrays Honey Daniels, a determined aspiring choreographer, in a scene from the dance film Honey (Credit: Universal Pictures)
Behind the Scenes: Filming ‘Honey’ in Canada
Filming for Honey began in Toronto, Canada, in September 2002 and concluded two months later. Although the movie is set in New York City, nearly all was filmed in Canada. Jessica Alba’s dog, Sid, also made a cameo in the film, marking his on-screen debut. Sid lived a long life and passed away in 2017.
Born on April 28, 1981, in Pomona, California, Alba was 21 during the filming of Honey and celebrated her 22nd birthday in April 2003, just months before the film’s release.
Jessica Alba dazzles in a strapless, blush-colored dress at the Honey premiere in New York City on November 24, 2003 (Credit: WENN / Vallenilla)
Jessica Alba’s Dance Training for the Role
Jessica Alba underwent six hours of daily training for 3 ½ months, learning beginner’s ballet, jazz, and hip-hop to prepare for her role in Honey.
“Six hours of training for 3 ½ months is what I did. I took beginner’s ballet and beginner’s jazz and then I had to learn how to do hip-hop, which is really fast, and hitting things, and looking cool,” Alba told Black Film about taking dancing lessons to prepare for her role.
Beyond her early career success with Honey, Jessica Alba has continued to make a name for herself not only as an actress but also as a style icon. Over the years, she has graced numerous red carpets, always turning heads with her fashion choices. One of her most memorable appearances was at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where she truly dazzled in a glamorous ensemble.
Jessica Alba’s Glamorous Look at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Jessica Alba stuns in a white Roberto Cavalli gown paired with a black belt and statement necklace at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Credit: WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Adriana M. Barraza)
In February 2016, Jessica Alba looked almost regal in a long white gown at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
Jessica Alba complements her soft, vintage curls with a bold, gold statement necklace at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on February 28, 2016, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills (Credit: WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Adriana M. Barraza)
The then-34-year-old actress donned a white long-sleeve Roberto Cavalli gown that featured a plunging neckline and front slit.
Jessica Alba radiates elegance in a white, deep-V Roberto Cavalli gown, cinched with a black belt, and accessorized with a striking gold necklace (Credit: WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Adriana M. Barraza)
A Closer Look at Jessica Alba’s Accessories
Jessica Alba, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches (169 cm), styled the custom-made gown with a black ribbon belt, a mirrored metal clutch from Jimmy Choo, a bold David Webb necklace, and a statement-making pair of “Tribeca” sandals by Brian Atwood, which boosted her height to approximately 6 feet (183 cm) to 6 feet 1 inch (185.4 cm).
Jessica Alba showcases her feet in towering gold platform heels, adding significant height to her look (Credit: WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Adriana M. Barraza)
How do you like Jessica’s 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party ensemble? Unfortunately, the “Tribeca” leather platform sandals have sold out. They feature six-inch (150mm) self-covered heels and 1.25-inch (30mm) covered platforms.
Brian Atwood Gold ‘Tribeca’ Leather Platform Sandals, $950