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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: kirarae on 1/31/2011 7:28PM
But what if Chrisette Michelle can't act. She's not an actor! At the end of the day everyone is missing the point. This is a biographical movie. You need someone who CAN ACT, not sing. The singing ability is minimal because ARetha's voice is the only one that should be used in the movie. A real, serious actor needs to be picked who will be able to portray the soul, depth, and mannerisms of Aretha Franklin, even if she can't sing. I think at the end of the day that was what Frankline was thinking about when she thought of Halle. Halle is a seasoned actress who has proven that she can play a wide rang of characters. But if she doesn't want the part, she doesn't want it.
I do think Queen Latifah she consider reading for the part though. Not because of her singing ability, but because she is proving to be a serious actress with some real acting ability.
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By: Helena Myers on 1/25/2011 8:50AM
Jennifer Hudson is the "IT Girl". She has "IT",
and she needs "IT". She's the only one so far that I can see doing this role. Jennifer can really belt out Arentha's songs and give them the "RESPECT" they deserve. GOOD LUCK JENNIFER!
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By: Browneyes on 1/25/2011 9:13AM
If Halle gets the role,I will NOT go to see this movie, If Jennifer H.gets the role I will 100% be right there to see it.
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By: stare k on 1/25/2011 12:51PM
To browneye .Do you think they will miss you .lol
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By: BRENDA CANSLER on 1/25/2011 1:33PM
JENNIFER HUDSON WOULD FIT THE PART BETTER
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By: L.T. on 1/25/2011 2:53PM
The same is true with Miss Aretha. I feel as though she picked Halle because of the physical appearance.
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By: lee on 1/25/2011 3:20PM
HOW ABOUT BELIEVABILITY!!! Yes,Halle Berry played Dorthy Dandridge, Jamie Foxx played Ray Charles because they resembled the character and you have to be able to sing to pull it off. Aretha should stop with the wishful thinking and want someone who could really do her biography justice!!
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By: Gail on 1/25/2011 3:28PM
ok why is halle using singing as her excuse? halle just don't want to play a fat woman; but aretha was not always fat.
so if halle is such a great actress, how come she can't pull this off?
and why is aretha so determined to have halle play the part and not jhud or somebody else? why does it HAVE TO BE halle?
something funny about all of this.
i think reeree has a problem with jhud. that's what i really think. could it be she's jelly? hmmmmmmmmmmm.
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By: sharkchops on 1/26/2011 1:15PM
Aretha was never petite either. And Halle isn't about to start gaining weight to play Aretha in her prime or even young Aretha. And a fat suit would be an insult to both Aretha and Halle. It doesn't matter that Halle didn't use her own voice for Dorothy Dandridge or Zola Taylor. THIS ARETHA FRANKLIN, QUEEN OF SOUL!!! You don't half azz a bio about an icon. Whoever gets the role has to have as much soul and a great singing voice as Aretha or at least close to it. Halle doesn't have it. And as I mentioned earlier in another post, Halle is a great lead actress but she's not a versatile character actress who is good at portraying someone else like Jamie Foxx is. Playing Dorothy Dandridge who Halle resembles in looks and and manner isn't the same as playing Aretha Franklin. That takes a special kind of woman.
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By: Julie on 1/27/2011 9:34PM
You're right. Aretha wasn't always fat, but in the article it said she wanted Halle to play "the older Aretha" and we both know if that movie went past say... 1988, Halle would have to wear a 200 pound fat suit! Just being honest, not mean.
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