logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson's Iconic Roles – Inside Her Successful Acting Career after American Idol

Gracious Egedegbe
Jul 13, 2020
10:30 P.M.

Jennifer Hudson has come a long way since 2004. The singer has built an award-winning Hollywood career. Hudson has starred in numerous hits and has another potential blockbuster in the works.

Advertisement

When Jennifer Hudson first appeared on FOX's "American Idol" in 2004, she was a gifted, but relatively unknown, 22-year-old.

Although she did not win the show, the Chicago native has become one of America's music and film industry's shining lights.

Jennifer Hudson at the world premiere of "Cats" on December 16, 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson at the world premiere of "Cats" on December 16, 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

Hudson debuted in Hollywood in 2005, when she played "Effie White" in the star-studded film, "Dreamgirls," which also featured Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Beyonce.

Her revered performance won her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. It was a sign of things to come as the then-25-year-old was also named Best Supporting Actress by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Golden Globe Awards.

Advertisement

The "Spotlight" singer then appeared as Carrie Bradshaw's assistant in the 2008 hit, Sex, and the City, before starring in "The Secret Life of Bees," with Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys.

Advertisement

In 2010, Hudson appeared in her first title role. She played Winnie Mandela alongside Terrence Howard in the South African icon's biopic, thus cementing her status in Hollywood as she earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Her inspiring performance was followed by the release of a trailer for the upcoming biopic.

However, the singer was far from finished and went on to star in numerous movies, including "Black Nativity" (2013). She then voiced a young Nana Noodleman in the 2016 animation, "Sing."

Advertisement

Over the past couple of years, the 38-year-old has been working on a more personal project. Hudson was handpicked by music legend Aretha Franklin, to portray her in the long-anticipated biopic based on Franklin's life.

Advertisement

The film is titled "Respect," a tribute to Franklin's 1967 hit song. Franklin later passed away in August 2018 but was very involved in the film's decision-making.

Hudson paid tribute to the legendary singer at this year's Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, the 20th edition, as she performed "Respect," donning a lovely gold gown and backed up by a gospel choir.

Her inspiring performance was followed by the release of a trailer for the upcoming biopic and new shots of Hudson sporting a cute afro as Franklin.

Hudson stars as Aretha, alongside Forest Whitaker, who plays her father, in the much-anticipated film. "Respect" is set to hit the big screen on Christmas Day this year, a culmination of a decade's work in the making.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Jennifer Aniston Flaunts Diamond Ring, Sparking Engagement Rumors: Who’s the Man She Was Last Seen on a Date With?

February 26, 2024

Jennifer Aniston, 55, Wears Short Tube Dress at Award Ceremony, Dividing Fans over Her 'Modest' Look

February 22, 2024

Boubacar Kone Was a Museum Curator and CCH Pounder's Late Husband

November 21, 2023

20 Pics That Prove Kurt Russell Is the Most ‘Brilliant’ & ‘Perfectly Maddening’ Partner for Goldie Hawn

November 19, 2023

Joyce Bulifant Learned She Had Disorder in Her 40s – Decades Later, She Is Still a ‘Lovely Lady’ Enjoying Family Life

December 20, 2023

Harrison Ford 'Wasn't Expecting' to Have Another Child before He Met Single Mom & Raised Her Adopted Son as His Own

January 16, 2024

Gracie Abrams' Parents: Her Father Is a Filmmaker & Her Mother Is the Co-CEO of Their Production Company

November 25, 2023

5 Celebrities with Rarely-Seen Kids You Possibly Didn’t Know About

January 30, 2024

Jennifer Garner Busts Out Her Dance Moves in a Video and Fans Are Amazed by Her Energetic High Kicks

December 03, 2023

JLo's Ex Became Dad Following Proposal to New Partner a Month after Singer Got Engaged to Ben Affleck Again

January 17, 2024

After Wife's Demise, Widower Finds Out They've Been Divorced for More than 20 Years – Story of the Day

January 17, 2024

Usher's Bride's White Pantsuit She Chose for Their Small Wedding Ceremony Strongly Divided Fans: Photos

February 15, 2024

Jennifer Lopez’s Rarely-Seen Twin Son Looks Like Dad’s ‘Clone’ on 16th Birthday, Leaving Fans Stunned

March 01, 2024

Jennifer Lopez’s Rarely-Seen Twin Son Looks Like Dad’s ‘Clone’ on 16th Birthday, Leaving Fans Stunned

February 26, 2024