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."
