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Mary J. Blige has confirmed that she will star in the Nina Simone biopic written by "Will & Grace's" Cynthia Mort, and is set to begin filming at the end of this month. "I'm definitely still doing it, and I'm in acting classes for it now."
The script for 'Nina' (working title) is reportedly based on Simone's autobiography 'I Put a Spell on You,' and focuses on Simone's relationship with her assistant, Clifton Henderson, played by actor David Oyelowo (who is simultaneously filming 'Selma,' the biopic of Martin Luther King Jr').
Blige is also set to star in the comedy 'Rock of Ages' alongside Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise. "I'm playing Justice Charlier, a gentleman's club owner," Blige told US Weekly. "I'm having so much fun preparing for it, and I know Tom. I love Tom. He just really wants the best for everybody."
We wish Blige the best playing the iconic jazz singer and expect 'Nina' to have an impressive soundtrack. Hopefully her acting classes and previous work will prepare her to give a substantive performance. She already has the voice but she'll have to ditch the blonde hair and get back to her gritty soulful roots to do Simone justice.
Comments: (20)
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By: sweetgreatmom on 5/10/2011 11:47AM
I have no doubt that MJB will surpass all expectations. She has that inner strength that will make her portrayal of such a controversial character something I would want to see.
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By: Deb on 5/10/2011 11:55AM
Intersting how I posted first (check time) but BV made it seemed as if I agree with "sweetgreatmom" and not article wondering if mary has the acting chops...ummmm? Sometimes I wonder if PR people aren't posting under some of these article????
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By: Deb on 5/10/2011 11:43AM
I agree because I never thought Mary J was a good actress but most singers play singers......this isn't talent folks! Well unless you're JHud playing the Queen of Soul. hahahaha
I always say God bless Tina Turner for saying "H@ no I want a REAL actress!!!"
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By: Disturbed on 5/27/2011 9:46PM
This is so disturbing. Is there no one else available to play Nina Simone? I really hope they use Nina's music and don't allow Mary J. Blige to attempt to sing. Epic.Fail. Hollywood.
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By: pink on 5/10/2011 1:49PM
I assume this will be a made for tv movie bc people will probably not come to see this on the big screen. Primarially bc young people don't know who Simone is. Anyone under 50 years of age probably can't relate.
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By: Cassandra on 5/10/2011 2:06PM
Obviously, they are not looking for real "actors" so why not "Indie Arie" who can actually sing and look like Nina.
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By: Dakevster on 5/10/2011 10:01PM
Cassandra good choice! Indie Arie would be better. And she sings more her style.
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By: melvin on 5/11/2011 6:06PM
India would be good but I don't think she would bring as high of numbers in regard to ticket sales. India music is very conscious and you know how people just don't want truth they want hypocrisy. OH Well But I love India and agree she would be a great choice as well.
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By: Jess on 5/14/2011 1:50AM
India Aire would have been a better choice to play Ms. Simone, but I wish Mary the best.
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By: Evelina on 5/10/2011 8:10PM
As one who has followed Mary J. Blige career there is no doubt that she is going to do an outstanding and extraordinary performance as one of the most gracious and talented woman of all time (Nina Simone).
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