MARY J. BLIGE: Joins the Cast of Aretha Franklin Bio-pic ‘Respect’

Hollywood is finally showing Mary J. Blige some respect.

The singer and actress has joined the cast of the upcoming Aretha Franklin bio-pic Respect. The Grammy-winner will play Dinah Washington, the jazz singer and pianist who was big in the 1950s.

The cast already includes Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin, with Marlon WayansForest WhitakerAudra McDonald and Marc Maron in supporting roles. (Deadline)

Hot Takes:

  • Mary J. Blige’s may not have done much acting, but what she’s done has been impactful. Blige’s dramatic work earned nominations for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
  • She has a starring role coming up in Power Book 2: Ghost.
  • No more drama, it’s time for some respect.
  • I wonder if she regrets not getting into acting sooner.