What did Henry Louis Gates Jr say about Jodie Foster?

During his tenure at Yale University, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. not only mentored numerous students but also found an unexpected ally in the form of Jodie Foster, the renowned actress. Their relationship went beyond academic boundaries, as Foster willingly took on the role of babysitter for Gates’s daughters, Liza and Maggie, during her undergraduate years at Yale in the mid-1980s.

In an interview with PEOPLE magazine featured in this week’s issue, Gates fondly reminisced about Foster’s eagerness to help with childcare duties, recalling how she steadfastly refused any payment for her services. Gates, who recently premiered Gospel, a PBS docuseries exploring Black spirituality, and an accompanying special, Gospel Live!, served as Foster’s senior advisor during her time at Yale. He described her as a “genius,” highlighting her remarkable work ethic and dedication to her studies, even while balancing a burgeoning acting career that saw her starring in five films during her college years.

Foster’s academic pursuits extended to her senior thesis, where she expressed a keen interest in focusing on the works of Toni Morrison, the esteemed author. Recognizing the value of an interview with Morrison for Foster’s project, Gates reached out to the notoriously selective writer, assuring her of Foster’s exceptional abilities. Morrison agreed to meet with Foster, albeit under the guise of her real first name, Alicia, to ensure fairness.

Upon meeting Foster, Morrison was reportedly taken aback by her intellect, engaging in a conversation that left a lasting impression on the young actress. Gates recalled the encounter, noting the profound exchange between two brilliant minds, with Morrison sharing insights that she entrusted only to Foster, on the condition that they remain confidential.

Despite Foster’s subsequent rise to fame in the acting world, she and Gates have maintained a close friendship over the years. Gates revealed that they still enjoy regular dinners together, often accompanied by Foster’s partner, Alexandra “Alex” Hedison. Additionally, the couple occasionally visits Gates at his home in Martha’s Vineyard during the summer months.

Reflecting on Foster’s multifaceted talents, Gates emphasized her lesser-known prowess in African-American literature, highlighting the depth of her intellectual curiosity beyond her celebrated acting career. In doing so, Gates reaffirmed Foster’s status not only as a Hollywood icon but also as a formidable intellect with a genuine passion for learning and exploration.