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Winnie Mandela Biopic: Jennifer Hudson to Play Lead Role

Posted by Adam

Wednesday November 18, 2009

Jennifer HudsonJENNIFER Hudson has signed up for her most controversial movie role to date — she’s set to play Winnie Mandela in Winnie, a biopic about former South African president Nelson Mandela‘s powerful but disgraced ex-wife.

The former American Idol contestant — who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 2006 flick Dreamgirls — will start filming May 30.

“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson told trade rag Variety. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman, and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”

Winnie — who took the lead against apartheid while her husband languished in prison — was a controversial figure who was arrested and convicted in 1991 in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old government informant. In 2003, she was found guilty of fraud and theft of money from a funeral fund.

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  • African Actors

    I have started a FB group advocating for African Actors to be cast for lead roles of films about AFRICANS. I mean no disrespect to Miss Hudson and I believe she is a rising star in the film industry, however, there are many amazing SOUTH AFRICAN actresses who should have been given an opportunity to be cast for the role.

    Search AFRICAN ACTORS FOR AFRICAN ROLES (AAFAR) on Facebook.