More big names have been added to the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect starring Oscar winning actress and music icon Jennifer Hudson.
Tony Award winning actress and Broadway diva Audra McDonald (she was actually in the running to play Aretha) will be playing Aretha’s mother along with ATL’s own Saycon Sengbloh as Aretha’s eldest sister Erma, Hailey Kilgore as her sister Carolyn and Oscar winner Forest Whitaker as her father—Rev. C.L. Franklin.
Grammy Award winning singer and Oscar nominated actress Mary J. Blige will be playing jazz and blues singer Dinah Washington while Heather Headley will portray Gospel music legend Clara Ward.
Other additions include Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Marc Maron as Jerry Wexler, Tituss Burgess as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland and Skye Dakato Turner as the young Aretha.
Respect is being directed by Liesl Tommy and is being filmed here in Atlanta, GA. The movie is expected to arrive in theaters on August 14, 2020.
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