Golden Brooks, best known for her iconic role as Maya Wilkes on the hit series “Girlfriends,” has spent over two decades carving out a successful acting career. From television to film, Brooks has continued to evolve as a performer. As “Power Book II: Ghost” concludes, she reflects on a full-circle moment — starring in 50 Cent's 2007 "Straight to the Bank" music video to playing a pivotal role in his hit show. This return to 50 Cent’s world highlights Brooks’ journey as an actress, more experienced and refined, thriving in a new chapter of her career.

“It's really great to come back full circle to be under 50’s regime,” the San Francisco native tells BET. “I did this 50 Cent video many years ago, and now I am here actually playing in his world, many years later, as a different type of person, a different type of artist that I am, older and more seasoned.”

Brooks continues, “Listen, this world? The Power Universe is real, and I think that the writers and the producers are phenomenal at keeping fans on their toes and keeping them running for more. I was just as excited as the fans. Whenever I read the script, I'm like, ‘Wait, what? Oh, no,’” she laughs. “I know it's bittersweet as it comes to a close because I think the fans have lived with these characters for many years. So, just to see the level of how the states evolve, I think they did a good job at keeping them pretty happy.”

In the season finale of “Power Book II: Ghost,” Brooks portrays Janet, Monét Tejada’s (Mary J. Blige) cousin, who serves as the voice of reason within the Tejada’s. Janet holds key insights into the family’s hidden secrets, emphasizing Monét’s personal history and adding depth and tension to the storyline.

“She's someone who understands Monét. These are two people who walk the same walk and talk the same talk. Janet is not in that life anymore, but she once was. Even though she's taken a turn in her life, she still is that voice of reason for Monét. She's still that person who can bring Monet back to balance and offer her that safe and soft place to land,” she explains. “Monet's the type of person where, if you don't walk her walk and you don't know where she comes from, she can can't ‘bleep’ with you. So I think that Janet serves that. And she's trustworthy, she's safe. She knows all of Monet's secrets and the family secrets. And for Monet, I think there's comfort in that. She needs someone close to the hip that is going to help her kind of keep that family together.”

"I love playing roles like this," Brooks reflects. "I mean, Maya [Wilkes] was lovely and 'Girlfriends' will always be my first love." She recently celebrated the 24th anniversary of the hit series, which debuted in 2000 and ran for eight seasons. Brooks starred alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, Persia White, Jill Marie Jones, Reginald C. Hayes, Khalil Kain, and Keesha Sharp in the beloved comedy-drama that made an enduring impact on television. She adds, “But, playing Janet, who is not glamorous and not a fancy person, I really enjoy that. I sometimes enjoy metamorphosizing and communizing with myself. You know, playing the strength behind the person and not all the other stuff. So I really enjoyed being able to explore that.”

Brooks shares her excitement about working with Mary J. Blige, revealing that she had to "pinch herself" every day on set. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed how surreal it felt to collaborate with such an iconic figure, highlighting her admiration for Blige both as a co-star and a legendary artist. “Working with Mary Jay is like taking a master class. She's so intentional in how she creates and develops Monet as an actor. It doesn't matter how much you've done, how much you've done, how much you train, you can always learn something from the way another artist approaches a character,” the 53-year-old says. “And I think Mary Jay is such a triple threat on that level just because she's a musician. So, musicians look at creativity a little differently. And I just watched her and the realness of it. It was just mind-blowing. I just learned a lot from her.”

"Power Book II: Ghost" season four returned Sept. 6. The final two episodes air on Sept. 20 and Oct. 4 at 8 p.m on STARZ.