Why He Fell Asleep During That Interview
Larry King: 10 Years, 2,000 Shows and Still the Best…
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.
Related Articles
- Halle Berry Doesn't Want To Do Aretha Franklin BioPic
- Aretha Franklin Calls In To 'The Wendy Williams Show'
- Aretha Franklin Says Health Problems Are Resolved
Comments: (53)
Add a comment
By: luvingmylocks on 1/25/2011 3:43PM
I take women at their word,if Halle says she doesn't fit the part she knows what she is capable of.I agree with her,and I think thatJennifer would do a better job for Aretha.Halle doesn't even come close to being her as a young woman.Aretha you need to get real,and get the movie you deserve.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Juanita on 1/25/2011 6:31PM
I THINK HALLE SHOULD PLAY HER YOUNGER YEARS. AND QUEEN LATIFAH WHEN SHE STARTED PICKING UP WEIGHT.
AND IF THAT DON'T WORK LET JENNIFER PLAY THE YOUNGER YEARS SINCE SHE LOST WEIGHT AND THE QUEEN FOR THE LATER YEARS.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: BEEBEE on 1/25/2011 6:35PM
FANTASIA HAS ARETHAS SINGING VOICE AND SHE HAS THE SAME STYLE. EVERYTIME I SEE THAT GIRL PERFORM SHE IS SOMEWHERE KICKIN OFF HER SHOES OR MAKIN SOMEBODY CATCH A SPIRIT OFF OF A LOVE SONG. FANTASIA SHOULD PLAY HER.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: JOE COOL on 1/25/2011 7:20PM
WHY WOULD ARETHA BE JEALOUS OF JENNY HUDSON 21 GRAMMYS AND A VOICE THAT IS CLASSICALLY TRAINED CAN DO ANY MUSIC GENRE THERE IS AND HAS PROVEN THAT HER VOICE IS LISTED AS ONE OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN I SAY FIND AN UNKNOWN SINGER ACTRESS GIVE THEM A SHOT I CAN'T SEE BERRY DOING THIS ROLE EITHER PEACE
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Willie on 1/28/2011 8:47PM
If, HB doesn't feel she will do AF justice, so be it. HB is an Oscar winner. Her rationale for not doing AF doesn't sound like a confident Oscar winner. An actress played Tina Turner and Tina did the singing. It worked quite well. I'm not Aretha so, I have no idea why she's bent on Halle. Personally, I don't think I would want someone to play me that didn't want to do it. I like Halle but, professional and proper way (if it's about justice and respect) would have gotten in touch with Aretha/her Agents,etc. and explained her feelings therefore allowing Aretha to explain her reason/s for wanting her for the part. Possibly Halle would have changed her mind and possibly Aretha would have changed her mind. Now, if Aretha continues to insist on Halle, it's just messy.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: sharkchops on 1/26/2011 1:39PM
Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin are two different women, totally. TT's success wasn't just about her voice. It was her story of comeback against oppression, her style and those legs. Angela Bassett took care of everything but the voice. Aretha Franklin's whole schtick was that she represented "soul". Her voice, her sass.
You actually think Halle can pull that off? You actually think she got an Oscar cuz of her "great acting"? Or cuz she took her clothes off and and let some trailer trash get a piece on camera much to the delight of white racists. That movie basically said to black men, "we're gonna throw you in jail, execute you then we're gonna dog your woman after your buried". Is that the Oscar winning-performance that makes you think Halle should play the Queen of Soul??? Please!!
Report This
By: sharkchops on 1/26/2011 1:43PM
What Im saying is, TT's story was more about her fight back to stardom than her voice. It was her image that was more important. Aretha's story is more about her talent and her voice. Just like Ray Charles was so you need an actress the calibre of a Jamie Foxx who can sing as well as act and have a resemblance to AF. Halle can never represent AF in that regard.
Report This
By: tonya on 7/10/2011 10:31PM
i don't think hallie not wanting to play aretha is not due to lack of confidence. it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that it won't be believeable visually on screen when looking at halle playing aretha even with all of halle's best acting skills
Report This
By: NubianMs on 1/25/2011 9:06PM
Aretha, what are you thinking, can I get readers to agree that Jennifer Hudson would be perfect. Halle definately not! She maybe be black when she wants to be, but she does not represent the real sista's which Aretha is!...Jennifer, definately
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Paul K on 1/26/2011 1:29PM
Yeah, good luck. Jennifer aint' wrecking that hot new body either. AF shoulda taken better care of herself and there wouldn't be a problem. At least JH would have been a decent choice.
Report This