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Mary J. Blige to Play Nina Simone in Movie Biopic

Mary J. Blige has landed the starring role in a biopic of Nina Simone, a major step up for the R&B queen in the film world.

Variety magazine reports 'Nina' focuses on the legendary jazz and soul singer's relationship later in life with manager Clifton Henderson, who died in 2006. He is set to be played by British actor David Oyelowo, perhaps best known for his role in the BBC drama 'Small Island.'

Simone was a famously troubled, thin-skinned character, though her erratic behaviour was later diagnosed as due to a multiple personality disorder.

Previously, Blige's work in front of camera -- apart from music promos -- has focused on cameos in TV shows. She appeared as herself in the comedy '30 Rock' and had a role in one episode of supernatural drama 'Ghost Whisperer.' Previously, she was the mother of a character played by Q-Tip in the ill-starred 2001 movie 'Prison Song,' even though they are the same age.

'Nina' is to be filmed this autumn in France, where Simone died in 2003. It is financed by the UK's Ealing Studios to the tune of $10 million (£6.8 million). The script has been written by Cynthia Mort, previously known for stints as writer-producer on the sitcoms 'Roseanne' and 'Will and Grace.'

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philjr44

I love Mary Blige, but I think Nina's daughter Simone would do a terrific job!

November 26 2011 at 1:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Earth Izayaa

Lauryn Hill should be playing this role. She would do a greater job portraying Nina.

August 26 2011 at 4:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
smithstlucie

I worked for Nina Simone when she returned to the US. As her secretary accompanied her when she was booked to appear at the Lincoln Center. Have many stories to tell as I was also her friend in Connecticut.

May 31 2011 at 1:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Caroline Thom

I reckon it'll be good :-)

February 01 2011 at 9:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MiamiQ

I will try to be respectful but Mary J Blige playing Nina Simone is as awful a travesty as Beyonce 'trying' to sing the blues and play Etta James. That was like Barbie.

I know there are lines between generations in musical genre but please let us keep the caliber of our great ones great and we will not disrespect hiphop. They are on two different planes, I think perhaps Lauren Hill may have transcended that plane and in my opinion is a better choice, even Tracy Chapman. They have depth more depth and a connection to the music of Nina's generation. MJB does not, her charitable contributions does not classify her to play Simone. The best actress to play Nina is actually her own daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly.

October 25 2010 at 8:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to MiamiQ's comment
Natasha David-Walker

I agree with you on Lauryn, the problem with her I believe is emotional stability...

May 23 2011 at 1:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vani

Shouldn't the producers choose a more Afrocentric woman to play her? Ms. Simone was about valorizing a type of African beauty that Ms. Blige simply doesn't possess. Her nose is very narrow and aquiline, her skin is fair, she prefers to dye her hair blond. Casting her would undermine the message that Ms. Simone tried to communicate to young Black women - you are beautiful s you are, black skin, wide nose, full cheeks, long necks. This is a ridiculous choice. They must find a dark skin actress who has more African blood in her veins. the producers probably are trying to coast on Ms. Blige status and celebrity but the end product will stink, because it won't be TRUE.

October 01 2010 at 6:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
AmusicMe

Yes Mary J. Blige!!! We salute you and are proud that you saw the vision and went for it. We believe that you will knock it out the box, and bring new light and life to the music of the amazing Nina Simone so enjoy as you will reach into a place and find the essence to honor her for all to see. We love you !!!!

August 27 2010 at 10:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to AmusicMe's comment
MiddleM

To address Amusicme: Indeed we all love Mary J., and acknowledge that she’s “a giver” with a “non-profit” -- but how does any of that relate to her being profoundly miscast in the role of Nina Simone? Know this: everyone on the planet Mary’s age has “been through some things” (although not everyone’s challenges have been publicized for the world to see, nor do they effectively transform their hardships into music or art like Mary J. has). But that still does not justify her being cast as Nina Simone! Mary J. as Nina? Are you serious? Don’t allow your love, support for, and ability to relate to Mary J. blind you to the fact that she can’t act, and resultantly can’t pull off such a leading role! Also, my not playing the role doesn’t deny my ability or right to critique the person who is. I realize how Mary’s come to symbolize something quite important for (especially) young women with similar backgrounds and travails, but let’s put an end to the “Cult of Mary J.” -- in which she’s above reproach, releases only anthems of empowerment, and is some kind of ghetto-bred sacred cow who’s impervious to criticism. She’s not. She’s just an artist, one who speaks to those who embrace her musical style and story. You argued how you “studied all genres of music from an early age and all through college…” I too, along with others who consider Mary J. wrong for the role, have done the same -- but I’ve also seen Nina live in concert (how many times had you seen her?) and also studied all genres of music in college (and beyond), taught a few genres (Jazz in particular), along with teaching the art of theatre, acting, drama -- so, I think I too know what I speak of, dear. You added: “The fact that we are having a chance to express about this subject is a great compliment to her music.” I won’t attempt to address that statement; it made no sense to me, only made me wonder what college you’d attended (and if such studies culminated in a degree of some kind). However, I will indeed “celebrate Nina Simone” -- as I’ve done since first familiarizing myself with her moving music many years ago. But I will not “get excited” about this project -- not while Mary J. attempts to play Nina. You should check out Mary J’s previous acting credits before so fervently defending her in the role: a Tyler Perry vehicle, the 2001 movie Prison Song, etc. Review her work in those projects -- maybe then you’ll realize how, if you truly love, respect, and wish to celebrate Nina Simone’s life and music, you will hope that a true professional actor, one trained, skilled and worthy of the role, portrays her in the film bio, dear. (Now, I’ll breath a little!)

August 27 2010 at 3:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
natalie

Visually I can see why they would cast Mary J. Blige to play Nina Simone. I'd like to be optimistic in saying that; perhaps Ms. Blige will amaze us all and play this role brilliantly, but honestly I just can't see it right now. Nina Simone was so talented musically; a true musician. Not to discredit Mary J. Blige by any means, but I do feel that she is limited as an artist. While her voice is soulful and has also had her share of demons in her past did Ms. Simone she does not possess the range and power vocally as did Ms. Simone. Nor is she a pianist. I wonder if she'll pull it off and be able to capture the essence of such a complex woman?

August 02 2010 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Moe

Nina Simone who could play the part, no one on this planet could reach so high, and Mary J. Blige knows this better than anyone. The fact that she is willing,and able to try to give homage to such a great singer and person speaks volumes. Good luck Mary J. and you will shine you have Nina's blessing..........

June 28 2010 at 5:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Moe's comment
naila

I agree. At first I thought...interesting but after reading your comment I am curious to see the outcome.

December 11 2010 at 5:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MiddleM

For various reasons, I don't think this is a good idea (to say the least). Mary has very limited acting expereince (to put it as politely as possible), she appeals to a vastly different demographic, one that might not be too familiar with Simone's tremendous work -- and therefore would most likely sleep on the project. Then you have the true, die-hard Simone fans, like myself, who will stay away from the project simply because it sounds like a travesty, a desecration of Simone's legacy. Then, you have the issue of the profoundly different musical and vocal styles. I am so excited to hear that such a film is being made, but I'm just as wequally disturbed to hear that the project will star MJB in the lead role. Perhaps an error has been made. Based on the type of music MJB sings, I'm actually surprised she knows who Simone is! Not to dis her, songs of her style have their place and appeal to a certain segment of individuals with similar experiences -- however, Simone's music has depth, strength to last forever, substance, uniqueness. I'm rambling -- but, I simply hope this project is reconsidered with someone more appropriate in the lead role.

June 27 2010 at 2:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to MiddleM's comment
AmusicMe

WOW...let us hope that others will understand that sometimes there are true stars waiting to be given an opportunity to give homage and shine at the same time. Ms. Blige is a giver, just look up her non-profit, and understand that she has been through some things as well, and that may play a great part and reference in her journey in giving more life to the greatness of Ms. Simone. Let this serve as a lesson to you and others... you are not playing the part..she is and oh I am so ready to see her pay respects to the power-voiced Diva of the old and new era. I have studied all genres of music from an early age and all through college so I know what I speak of dear. The fact that we are having a chance to express about this subject is a great compliment to her music. Get excited and celebrate Nina Simone if you can and maybe you will enjoy this project. There are more youngsters that know about Ms. Simone than you think so breathe a little. Enjoy

August 27 2010 at 10:21 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply