The hearts of the audience skip a beat when Jennifer Hudson takes the stage as she is a beautiful, talented and very charismatic individual. Although Jennifer faced many difficulties on her way to fame, she easily overcame them. Read about how this fragile woman became one of the best actresses in America at chicagovski.com.
First steps on the big stage
Jennifer was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago. She has been interested in music since childhood. When Jennifer was 7 years old, she started singing in the church choir. In her teenage years, Hudson made her first money by performing at weddings and musical theater.
In 1999, Jennifer graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School. It was there that she first tried herself as an actress. She then entered Langston University. In 2001, she transferred to Kennedy-King College in Chicago, where she began studying music. She also starred in the musical production Big River there.
Soon after, Hudson signed a contract with Disney and got her first role as Calliope, a Greek muse, in the play Hercules. Following this, the young artist took part in the reality show American Idol, where she finished seventh.
The career of the actress
In 2005, Hudson played Effie White in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. This role earned her critical acclaim and 29 different awards, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
In 2008, Jennifer appeared in the TV series Sex and the City, playing Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant.
While acting in films, Hudson also wrote and performed songs. Jennifer released her self-titled debut album in 2008. At the request of Barack Obama, she performed the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention. In the same year, she starred in the film The Secret Life of Bees alongside Queen Latifah.
Overall, 2008 was successful in her career but tragic in her personal life. Jennifer’s mother, brother and nephew were found murdered. The actress, while accepting a Grammy award for Best Rhythm and Blues Album in 2009, tearfully paid tribute to them.
In 2010, she starred in the biographical picture Winnie Mandela.
She played the role of a single mother in 2013 in the movie Black Nativity, based on L. Hughes’ stage musical.
In 2015, Hudson was recognized for her Broadway debut in the adaptation of A. Walker’s novel The Color Purple. She perfectly portrayed the blues singer Shug Avery.
In 2016, she voiced a sheep in the family animated comedy Sing. From 2017 to 2018, the actress tried her hand at television. She was a coach on the singing competition The Voice UK. She also appeared in All Rise (2018) and Cats (2019) movies. In 2021, Jennifer played the part of the legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin in the musical Respect.
Not just an actress but also a producer
In addition to acting in films and musical performances, Hudson produced various projects as well. One of her notable works is the animated short film Baba Yaga (2020), which won a Daytime Emmy award.
In 2022, she co-produced the Broadway musical A Strange Loop, which brought her the Tony Award for Best Musical. It is worth noting that Hudson became the second black woman to get an EGOT award.
Moreover, in 2022, she became the host of The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Interesting facts
- Before shooting in Sex and the City, Jennifer never watched it.
- Hudson gained 20 kg to play Effie White in the musical Dreamgirls (2006).
- Hudson’s favorite singers are Celine Dion and Whitney Houston.
- She is one of 16 actors who won an Oscar for their film debut.
- Jennifer is friends with Beyonce.
- The actress adores dogs.
Jennifer Hudson was able to achieve triumph due to her dedication to her work and her talent.