Tracee Ellis Ross has never shied away from vulnerability, and her latest reflections are a reminder that being human doesn’t require perfection.
In a recent interview connected to her hit Roku series Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, the award-winning actor and producer spoke candidly about loneliness, self-acceptance, and the courage to live fully without fitting into societal boxes.
“What I am not afraid to do is be transparent about the reality of my humanity,” Ross said. “We all get lonely. It’s not evidence that my life is broken. People in marriages get lonely. It’s evidence that I am a human being who lives and has feelings.”
Ross’s remarks — delivered with her trademark mix of humor and grace — push back against persistent cultural narratives that equate singleness with incompleteness.
“There must be some examples that are between Joan of Arc and Cat Ladies,” she added. “You can live a stunning, gorgeous, full, robust life and still be lonely, still have heartbreak, and still have joy.”
A Star Who Rewrites the Narrative
The comments came as Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, one of Roku’s breakout original series, continues to attract attention for its intimate storytelling and honest portrayal of independence. The show follows Ross on a global journey of exploration, joy, and solitude — a counterpoint to the hyper-curated travel content that often dominates social media.
At the Fast Company Innovation Festival, Roku Media’s Head of Originals Brian Tannenbaum revealed that the project began with a single text from Ross’s agent: “Tracee Ellis Ross. Solo travel show.” That simple pitch led to a show that is now being celebrated for its warmth, humor, and radical honesty.
Ross herself likened solo travel to an emotional strength exercise.
“When the baseball player goes up to bat with two bats first, and then it feels easier when they go with one — that’s what solo travel is for me,” she said. “When I come back, things in life don’t feel as scary. I can go to a dinner, a party, by myself — and it’s okay.”
The Bigger Picture
In a culture obsessed with constant connection, Ross’s perspective lands as both refreshing and deeply resonant. Her insistence that loneliness isn’t a defect — but rather part of the human condition — speaks especially to women often pressured to equate success with relationships or external validation.
The success of Solo Traveling also marks a strategic win for Roku in the ever-intensifying streaming wars. As Tannenbaum put it, the project’s authenticity reflects what audiences crave now: “stories that feel human.”
More Than a Show, a Statement
Ross’s message transcends television. It’s a declaration that joy and solitude are not opposites — they can coexist beautifully. By being honest about her own humanity, she has created space for others to see the fullness in their own.
“You can enjoy your own company,” Ross said simply. “And that’s a beautiful thing.”
