Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Danielle Brooks is set to star in The Mahalia Jackson Story, a Lifetime network biopic on the life of the gospel legend.
Jackson, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, famously sang at a funeral service for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She lent her powerful voice at the inaugural ball of John F. Kennedy and sang at the esteemed Carnegie Hall in1950 in front of a racially-integrated audience.
According to a report by Shadow and Act, will be directed by Kenny Leon under Robin Roberts Presents production banner. Robin Roberts and Linda Berman are executive producers on the film.
Brooks’ breakout performance as “Taystee Jefferson” on Netflix’s Orange is the New Black garnered attention for her versatility and singing capabilities.
She was nominated for a Tony award for her performance in the musical production of The Color Purple. Her vocal talent on the play’s soundtrack earned her a Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Tanya Lopez, the EVP of Movies, Limited Series, and Original Movie Acquisitions at Lifetime told Shadow and Act, “Adding Danielle Brooks as Mahalia is icing on the cake. This team is committed in celebrating the legacy of Mahalia and reintroducing her to a world that needs her spirit more than ever.”
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