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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: BB on 1/25/2011 11:24PM
O.K., I'll say it. Halle is totally wrong for this role due to the fact that she is beautiful and Aretha was known for her soulful singing...and NOT her looks.
Sorry, Aretha. And I'm sorry but Jennifer Hudson would not fit the role, either. She's also too beautiful and now thin.
The actress to portray her would need to have Aretha's looks because Aretha made in on pure talent with looks having NOTHING to do with it. (Her rise to stardom would be less likely today as I can't think of any unattractive singers who make it big these days. The physical image is part of it.)
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By: sharkchops on 1/26/2011 1:26PM
I agree. Thank you for stating the obvious which people seem to be afraid to say. Aretha was never a raving beauty nor did she have magazines trying to paste her face all over their covers. She seemed to gain more and more weight every year. Back then, talent held as much weight if not more than image, especially in r&b. Aretha needs to concentrate on finding an actress who can sing or a singer who can act and resembles her more and doesn't mind gaining a few pounds. I think ultimately there should be either a few different actresses portraying her or they should concentrate on one particular period of her life so they don't need to worry about weight issues that would ridicule her.
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By: Erudite Eddie on 1/25/2011 11:29PM
The actress to portray Aretha Franklin is Vivica Fox. Vivica is straight up ghetto proper and she has the acting chops to pull the role off. You don't need a singer to portray a singer. You need an actress. Vivica is a dazzling talent who has been trapped in forgettable movies unworthy of her talents.
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By: A. Jones on 1/26/2011 12:30AM
Sunday's Best winner Iyana Crawley is the one an only choice that I see to play the role of Aretha Franklin. I know that she is a newcomer on the gospel music scene, but she can sing in a way to make the hairs on your head stand up, like Aretha. She would bring Aretha's life story alive. She has not been mentioned as a contender but... Aretha should really really consider reaching out to her. Halle Berry, is not the right choice to play this music icon. We as the viewers have got to see Aretha being played so well, that we forget that we are watching someone play her.
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By: Willie on 1/28/2011 9:03PM
Response to Sharkchops
Sorry. I think my point was missed. I do not make judgemnts on who should or shouldn't play AF. I mentioned the confidence or possible lack of confidence of a person who has been the recipient of an Oscar. I did not, nor do I want to discuss the merits of the receipt of one. I wrote a possilble method for dealing with AF wants HB VS HB doesn't want to be AF. As a long time fan of AF and a current fan of HB I'd like AF to be happy with the person who ultimately plays her. I would also like for HB to handle this situation in an acceptable manner. Peace
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By: Sandra on 1/26/2011 11:46PM
Fantasia sounds so much like Aretha. How bout her? Give her a chance to show her acting abilities.
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By: stephanie on 1/27/2011 2:43AM
When people have a lot of money and fame they not held accountable for their actions. Steve Harvey really hurt his ex. and she does not have the finances to retain a lawyer to represent her properly and she was dependent on Steve Harvey for support and he allegedly left her destitute when she was there for him when he had nothing. This blog is unfair how they portray his ex. just because she is the weaker vessel in your eyes. He should have left on better terms. the current wife is going to get the same thing in due time she acts like she is above Mary, but she is just a woman. And the same way she got the man is the way she will lose him.Just wait and see what goes around comes around.
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By: stephanie on 1/27/2011 10:05PM
used this section of blog because their was no entry on this one-sided blog that is manipulating the facts about the Steve Harvey issue.
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By: A.B. Braggs on 1/27/2011 1:22PM
Aretha must be delusional. Halle Berry is a
certified, bonified, beautiful woman. Ms Berry is trying to tell Aretha in a nice way
"Ain't no way" I'm going to gain all that weight to play you. Plus, the two ladies look nothing at all alike. Aretha is not an ugly woman of course but a natural beauty she is not.
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By: woogie on 1/27/2011 3:00PM
I think Halle just doesn't feel she has the gutsy soul to portray Aretha. I think Aretha should be played by somebody like Jasmine Sullivan, Melanie Fiona,Fantasia .... (not too crazy about Jennifer Hudson -- I think her acting is over rated). Even side-kick like Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold would be great for the role of Aretha and Carolyn Franklin -- plus, both of them can blow.
Even Toni Braxton (who CAN act and Sing)..would play a good Aretha.
I'm just sayin'...
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