R&B star Faith Evans has reportedly been selected to star as Florence Ballard in a new biopic about the tragic life of the fallen Supreme. The film is reportedly based on the book The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard.
The Detroit native was once the lead vocalist of The Supremes before being shifted to the background in favor of Diana Ross. Ballard fought weight issues, alcoholism and depression and was later dismissed from the group in 1967. Ballard was replaced by former Bluebelle Cindy Birdsong.
After spending the next six or seven years in near poverty while suing Motown executives and former attorneys, Ballard later regained control of her faculties, sought treatment for her alcoholism and received a sizable legal settlement. Ballard started to perform again in 1975 and died of cardiac arrest at the age of 32 in 1976. Ballard's story was the inspiration for the now-iconic role of Effie White in Dreamgirls.
BET.com's Clay Cane says he's withholding judgment on the casting. "I always give the side-eye when singers who have little experience acting play biopics. Ballard is a meaty, complex character. Nonetheless, Evans might surprise us—she certainly has the soul in her vocals."
She does resemble Florence, but I don't know! I wish her luck and hope it turns out Great! Florence deserves a Good performance.
Posted by: Isis | 09 October 2010 at 18:31
This story does need to be told. Florence Ballard's life has enough drama and heartache to make a great film. But Faith Evans? If they want to go with a singer with subpar acting skills, why not Mary J Blige? Oh that's right, she's set to play the great and legendary Nina Simone. Mercy Me....what's next?
Posted by: Fred | 09 October 2010 at 23:07
"Mercy Me....what's next?"
Lol, Rihanna playing Phyllis Hyman. But who knows, Faith could turn it out. At least we already know she can sing the songs.
Posted by: Kevin | 10 October 2010 at 16:58
Miss Ross is not happy *cue thunder and lightning outside window* I'm just joking y'all. Stop the typing.
Never really cared for Faith Evans' singing. She can sing and all, just don't care for her voice or her PuffyStealEverySongFromThe80s songs, but maybe she can pull this off. Can't be any worse than Jennifer Hudson being cast as Winnie Mandela. WTF is that about?
Posted by: mjolnir202 | 11 October 2010 at 02:18
WHY NOT?
I have no skepticism about the multi-dimensional talent of any PERFORMER.
She may or may not pull it off, but I don't put it past her to succeed.
If I had to pick a side, I'd rather root for her than against her.
Hell, every "known" actor has bombed in a role, so being of the craft is no measure of success or character transformation.
@mjolnir202:
as for J-Hud playing Winnie Mandela -this is obviously a biopic financed in the U.S. with the "euro-zone" markets in mind, and she is familiar to those audiences.
It would be "nice" to have a 'native' actress play the role, but ROI is the name of the movie financing game.
Phenopypically speaking, J-Hud is JUST as African as any on the continent (my point,not suggesting that as the reason giving you pause).
Posted by: Nevets Nonnac | 11 October 2010 at 17:39
I don't know if she can act or not, but, they do have a simlar look, and, as one poster said, this is a story that needs to be told.
Posted by: Luther | 11 October 2010 at 21:24
The huge age difference is a liitle dubious...Faith's 37, how is she going to play Florence as a teen and young adult? Flo was 24 when she left The Supremes. She'd be most convincing as Flo at the end of her life...I hope Evans can pull it off; anything less than perfect would be an injustice.
Posted by: tim | 17 October 2010 at 09:35