Queen Latifah stars as legendary blues singer Bessie Smith in the HBO Films drama "Bessie," which is directed by Dee Rees, from a screenplay penned by Rees, Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois. With a story by Rees and Horton Foote, the film focuses on Smith's transformation from a struggling young singer into "The Empress of the Blues," one of the most successful recording artists of the 1920s. The premium cabler has announced will debut this spring, Saturday, May 16 at 8Pm. . "Bessie" is executive produced by Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Lili Fini Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck, Shelby Stone and Randi Michel. Ron Schmidt produces. The cast includes Michael Kenneth Williams as Bessie's husband, Jack; Khandi Alexander as Bessie's older sister, Viola; Mike Epps as Richard, a bootlegger and romantic interest; Tika Sumpter as Lucille, a performer and romantic interest; Tory Kittles as Bessie's older brother, Clarence; Oliver Platt as famed.
- 4/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- Indiewire Television
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