Jennifer Hudson recalls her final conversation with Aretha Franklin, who she plays in the new MGM film 'Respect': 'I truly miss hearing from her.'
That includes Hudson, who was personally selected by Franklin to play her. The two began conversations years ago, shortly after Hudson won an Oscar for her star-making turn inin 2007. They stayed in touch and became longtime friends that would speak on a near-weekly basis. During a brief conversation withon the carpet, Hudson recalled her last conversation with Franklin, a chat that happened days before her passing at age 76 on Aug. 16, 2018.
Draped in a custom, glittering Dolce & Gabbana dress with a silk chiffon veil, Hudson, who arrived with son David Otunga Jr., spent a lot of time talking about family, specifically paying tribute to Franklin’s family members, some of whom were in attendance. Franklin’s granddaughter Grace and son Edward performed “Ain’t No Way” and “My Girl,” respectively, during the afterparty that took place on Broxton Avenue outside the theater.
The Respect family also turned out in full force. Joining Hudson, Tommy and Wilson were actors Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Audra McDonald, Tate Donovan, Hailey Kilgore, Saycon Sengbloh, Skye Dakota Turner and Gilbert Glenn Brown, production designer Ina Mayhew, costume designer Clint Ramos, makeup department head Stevie Martin, hair department head Lawrence Davis and producers Scott Bernstein, Jonathan Glickman and Stacey Sher.
Tommy called out many of her collaborators and asked them to stand for a round of applause ahead of the screening, thanking them for their contributions. “I hope everybody understands the love that brought us all here. Aretha Franklin gave us gifts unended. She never stopped giving to us,” Tommy said.
She saved Hudson for last and when her name was called, she sprinted to the front of the theater and offered brief remarks that played like a prayer. “God bless Aretha and her legacy and her beautiful, beautiful family, who is her legacy. Thank you, Lord, for this opportunity. In Jesus’s name…” And the audience responded with, “Amen.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jennifer Hudson in Aretha Franklin Biopic ‘Respect’: Film ReviewDirector Liesl Tommy traces the formative years during which the Queen of Soul emerged from the shadow of the controlling men in her life to take decisive ownership of her magnificent voice.
Read more »
‘Respect’ Review: Jennifer Hudson Gives Flattering Yet Flat Aretha Franklin PortraitFrom age 10 till 30, Aretha Franklin sure could sing, but she hadn’t yet found her voice. At least, that’s the take served up in “Respect,” a solid if somewhat conventional feature directing debut …
Read more »
How Jennifer Hudson found new 'Respect' for Aretha Franklin in the role of a lifetimeJennifer Hudson knew she had her work cut out for her when she agreed to play the Queen of Soul. “You just can’t wake up one morning and decide ‘I’m gonna be Aretha Franklin.’”
Read more »
Jennifer Hudson Recalls Final Conversation With Aretha Franklin: “I Truly Miss Hearing From Her”The new MGM film 'Respect' casts Jennifer Hudson as the late Queen of Soul, who personally selected the Oscar-winning actress and singer to topline the biopic years before her death.
Read more »
‘Respect’ Review: Jennifer Hudson Electrifies In Role Aretha Franklin Personally Chose Her To Play“R-E-S-P-E-C-T.” That is the name of one of Aretha Franklin’s best-known hits, and it also happens to be the word I would use to describe my admiration not only for the Queen of S…
Read more »
Jennifer Hudson on Why She Thinks Aretha Franklin Chose Her to Star in Biopic ‘Respect’The story goes that the legendary singer Aretha Franklin thought long and hard about exactly which multitalented performer had both the musical chops and the acting depth to play her in “Respect,” …
Read more »