Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey held her annual upfront Thursday at NYC’s Jazz at Lincoln Center. During her presentation, she thanked her network collaborator Tyler Perry for his “crazy-ass shows” (The Have and the Have Nots, For Better or Worse, and Love Thy Neighbor) which have boost network programming and increased ratings.
Winfrey also announced that Grammy-winning singer, actress and reality-star Toni Braxton has been cast as the lead for OWN’s telepic based on the life of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Darlene Love. According to Variety, this is the network’s first scripted biopic and is based on Love’s book, My Name is Darlene Love.
The legendary singer is best known for her groundbreaking work with Phil Spector and has performed alongside some of pop and rock’s biggest artists. Her life’s work was chronicled recently in the Oscar-winning documentary, Twenty Feet from Stardom.
“I identified with Darlene when I saw ‘Twenty Feet from Stardom.’ I fell in love,” Braxton said. “I’m delighted and honored to play her. Her story is my story all over again.”
In addition to the biopic, OWN is kicking off a new season of Oprah’s Masterclass on May 11 with Justin Timberlake. Oscar winning actress Octavia Spencer will star in a two-night miniseries, Tulsa. Perry’s top-rated series, The Haves and the Have Nots and the upcoming Single Mom’s Club have both received orders for 20-episodes.
Photo Credit: urbanislandz.com