It appears that when Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin saw actress Audra McDonald on a Broadway stage performing in the Tony Award-nominated The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, she had an epiphany. Possibly, Ri-Ri imagined her younger self, saw some resemblances and felt compelled to announce the “Private Practice” star could play the lead role in From These Roots, the movie adaptation of her best-selling 1999 autobiography.
The biopic, which was on hold, is again the topic of conversation among Hollywood heavyweights.
Franklin admits that there hasn’t been any discussion with McDonald, but she says she admires the singer’s stage presence and voice. In 2010, Franklin hinted that Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry would be the best choice at that time. Fellow Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s name has also been tossed around. –yvette caslin
