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Halle Berry is a busy woman these days, but the Oscar winner told reporters on the Golden Globes Awards red carpet last week that there was one role she wasn't so eager to play -- Aretha Franklin.
As previously reported, the celebrated actress said, "If I could carry a tune, I'd consider it," before adding, "someone should tell Aretha I can't do her justice."
Despite Berry's outright disinterest, Franklin is still letting it be known that she wants the 'Frankie and Alice' star to play the lead in her movie.
"I would have liked Halle Berry to portray the older Aretha in the upcoming biopic of my life based on my memoir, 'Aretha: From These Roots.' She was my first, but not my only choice," the 68-year-old soul Grammy Award-winning music icon said in an exclusive statement to 'The Wendy Williams Show.'
Berry previously won acclaim for her star turn in the biopic 'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,' a role for which she did not have to sing. Franklin believes that Berry could pull off playing her without actually singing, as well.
"I never expected Halle Berry to sing; she's an actress, not a singer. Many actors have portrayed vocalists by lip-syncing to the artist's original recordings," Franklin revealed.
Should Berry not be swayed to sign on for the project, producers are now ready to entertain offers from other actresses.
"Everything is subject to negotiation and she shouldn't underestimate her own talent. There are a number of other leading ladies out there that can definitely handle the role," Franklin added.
A few weeks back, Franklin gave her first televised phone interview since undergoing surgery to Wendy Williams' syndicated television show. The former radio jock and New York Times best-selling author made her own suggestions for who should take on the Grammy Award winner.
"Well Ms. Franklin, while Halle Berry is a wonderful actress and a nice lady, I'm still rooting for you to just take a peek at casting Jennifer Hudson as you," Williams said.
Other possible castings could include Queen Latifah, Fantasia, Karen Clark Sheard or Tisha Campbell-Martin.Franklin is currently recovering from a serious medical condition, which she recently confirmed is not pancreatic cancer. She plans to reschedule last year's canceled concert tour dates later this year.
Her Royal Highness
After recording a string of jazz and blues projects for Columbia Records, Memphis born songstress Aretha Franklin landed at Atlantic Records in 1966. "They made me sit down on the piano and the hits came," she later said about her legacy there.
Aretha Franklin performing during a Martin Luther King Benefit at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York on June 28, 1968.
Aretha Franklin with 'Soul Train' creator Don Cornelius. Franklin was one of many entertainers who performed on the long-running show during its 1970s heyday.
Aretha Franklin rehearsing for Inaugural Eve program for newly elected US President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale at the Kennedy Center in 1977.
Flanked in fur, Aretha Franklin in the press room at the Grammy Awards, circa early 1980s.
Aretha Franklin performing in Chicago on April 18, 1985.
Aretha Franklin, pictured here with Atlantic Records chairman Ahmet Ertegun (circa early 1990s), at a private music industry party.
Aretha Franklin and Luciano Pavarotti are photographed at the 8th Annual Music Cares Gala in Honor of the famed opera singer. The event took place at New York City's posh Waldorf Astoria Hotel on February 23, 1998.
Aretha Franklin held royal court during the broadcast of 'VH1 Divas Live' at the Beacon Theatre in New York City on April 14, 1998. During the show's finale a stirring rendition of her classic song, 'Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel),' The Queen of Soul is joined by Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey, Carole King, Celine Dion and Shania Twain.
On September 29, 1999, President Bill Clinton, along with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, awarded Aretha Franklin with the 1999 National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC.
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Comments: (53)
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By: Dj on 1/24/2011 3:56PM
If a star is a real actress she can play any part. Halle, played Dorothy Danbridge. What the problem is, Aretha Franklin has gained alot of weight and this may be a turn off, I don't know and this role may not get the viewer's the Aretha thinks she could get.
Some personal stories may not be suitable until the singer or the movie star die's, this maybe the case, just saying........ Ray Charles. So Aretha you may just have to wait....so keep living..
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By: sharkchops on 1/26/2011 1:04PM
Uhh...no. Most actors are usually picked by directors or casting agents to do biographies. Because they have an objective eye on who can best portray a personality, living or fictional. Aretha is letting her ego get ahead of her. Of course, most black women would want the most attractive and well-known black actress to portray them in a movie. But most of them would be unrealistic just like Aretha is being.
Doesn't anyone here think that if Ray Charles deserved such a great movie that shouldn't Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, who has had an affect of millions around the world for over three generations now, get an even bigger movie with the best portrayal possible???? Halle Berry is not Jamie Foxx. Jamie is a good lead actor with the ability to do characters, great comic timing and of course, he's an amazing musician who can sing. That's what made "Ray" a great film. They cast someone with similar talent to the subject of the film. Halle can only do Halle. None of her roles have been big stretches. She's a lead actress who is good at playing a beautiful woman. That's it.
Even in her most soulful performances, Halle has never shown the ability to portray the soul or spirit that would give any indication that she could play the Queen of Soul. Aretha was never that light-skinned, that short, that petite or anywhere near as pretty as Halle. Im not knocking on Aretha. She's a beautiful woman but there's nothing about Halle that resembles Aretha Franklin in the least. Race and good looks should not be only determining factor and that's basically what Aretha is asking for. I'm surprised at Aretha showing such egocentric selfishness.
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By: Brooke E. on 1/27/2011 9:27PM
Dj, the movie Ray was being made while Ray Charles was still alive. Jamie Foxx met him and Ray (Charles) gave him pointers. He was fully aware of the things that were put into the movie. By the time it hit the theaters for "us" to see, he had passed away...
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By: sheila on 1/24/2011 4:23PM
It would be nice if she played the role, but it her choice to choose .People know what they can do and can not , It was not to hurt the Qween of soul, now Fantasia has been through some of the hurts as Mrs. Franklin has she can relate very well, now Jennifer Hudson will take it and run with it. The other women named in this report are good I believe these two I name will play the role well.
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By: jackx on 1/24/2011 4:38PM
Most of us suspect that Halle's objection to playing Aretha is physical appearance. Halle can just say the project is not right for her and leave it at that. But, it insults one's intelligence for Halle to use the singing excuse, especially when lip-synching is widely used.
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By: Viewer on 1/30/2011 1:42AM
Halle will look like a damn fool lip synching to Aretha's songs and Halle knows it. Everything from her speaking voice to her physical appearance is just wrong for this role.
I feel that wanting Halle for this role is more of an ego thing for 'Retha than anything else. Please consider Jennifer Hudson!
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By: BigBlackAfrica on 1/25/2011 10:51PM
Here Here! I cannot see Halle playing Aretha either, no way. There are so many credible talents like you said Jennifer Hudson. Even Tichina Arnold and Nicci Gilbert from Brownstone could do the role, with the pipes to boot! Halle? Love her but I dont see her thru the same lens as Ms. Franklin.
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By: Pechus on 1/29/2011 7:12PM
I have to agree with you Viewer & Jackx, hands down! Granted Jennifer Hudson has the pipes, however Queen Latifah has the overall essence of who Aretha truly is. I doubt that I would go see the movie were Halle to play the role, & if the movie mirrors Aretha's book, then I definitely WON'T go to see the movie because Aretha's book concerning her life is ever much a "Fantasy" as her desire for Halle Berry to pass for her in a movie. Aretha needs to start by being "candid" & telling the "Real Truth" about her life .. the "Truth" that we true Detroiters of the Motor City know about. Otherwise the movie should NOT ever be made & that book she released needs to be trashed!
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By: Joann on 1/25/2011 1:25AM
Nobody ever considered portraying Chrisette Michelle as Areatha Franklin... I nominate Jennifer Hudson or Chrisette Michelle ...They both have Those very strong pipes...and would portray her as Excellent......
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By: L.T. on 1/25/2011 2:00PM
Tichina Arnold is another choice.
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