Was dreamgirls based on a true story

Written by composer Henry Krieger and playwright Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls is said to be a fictional story based on girl groups of the 1960s such as The Supremes, The Shirelles and The Marvelettes – but speculation that it was based on The Supremes and their relationship with Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records

What did Diana Ross think of Dreamgirls?

Ross has refused to comment on the movie, but today she said she was “happy” for the cast. “I’ve only heard what everybody else says, that it’s very much my image and likeness,” she said. “So if I’ve had an opportunity to influence any of these beautiful, talented young people, then I’m excited about it.”

Is Dreamgirls based on Diana Ross?

Diana Ross was the lead singer of the music group, The Supremes in the 1960s. … However, the times the Supremes shared inspired the 1980s musical and 2006 movie, Dreamgirls. Beyoncé starred in the film as Deena Jones, a character loosely based on Ross.

Is Effie White a real person?

JENNIFER HUDSON’s Oscar-nominated turn as EFFIE WHITE is loosely based on SUPREMES singer FLORENCE BALLARD’s tragic life, but, unlike Effie’s film triumph, the real singer was kicked out of the soul trio and never invited back. … She would think about the other Supremes, start drinking and then cry.

What is the Dreamgirls movie based on?

The movie, based on the 1981 Broadway play, tells the story of a small black record label and its star singers whose success crosses over to the pop charts. Although loosely based on The Supremes, the movie is a work of fiction. The real story of the 1960s girl groups, however, changed American music forever.

Who is Jimmy supposed to be in Dreamgirls?

Eddie Murphy as James (Jimmy) “Thunder” Early; inspired by R&B/soul singers such as James Brown, Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye, is a raucous performer on the Rainbow label engaged in an adulterous affair with Dreams member Lorrell.

Who were the real life Dreamgirls?

Written by composer Henry Krieger and playwright Tom Eyen, Dreamgirls is said to be a fictional story based on girl groups of the 1960s such as The Supremes, The Shirelles and The Marvelettes – but speculation that it was based on The Supremes and their relationship with Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records has been …

Who is Deena Jones based on?

As much as Deena Jones, Beyoncé Knowles’ character in “Dreamgirls,” was modeled on Diana Ross, the film’s main character, Effie White, was based on Etta James, according to composer Henry Krieger. Similarities to Aretha Franklin, however, are also hardly coincidental.

Was Deena sleeping with Curtis?

Effie accused Curtis of sleeping with Deena before he was finished with her. The looks on both Curtis and Deena’s faces confirmed her suspicions. After kicking Effie out of the group, they were able to become more public about their relationship, and eventually married.

Is Eddie Murphy singing in Dreamgirls?

In Dreamgirls, Eddie Murphy plays James “Thunder” Early, a character who’s part James Brown, part Little Richard, and all Eddie Murphy. … Like the rest of the cast, Eddie does all his own singing in the film, but even he admits that the pop albums he put out in the ’80s weren’t a good example of what he could do.

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How old was Deena Jones in Dreamgirls?

After Deena Jones begins, in the film, at age 16, the character blossoms into a beauty.

Is sparkle Based on a true story?

“Sparkle” is a remake of a 1976 film of the same name, which gave birth to the iconic Motown hit “Something He Can Feel” and was based loosely on the real-life rise to fame of Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Is Dreamgirls about Destiny's Child?

The Supremes: The Broadway play “Dreamgirls” was based on the life and times of the Motown trio. Destiny’s Child: Beyonce will star in a Hollywood remake of “Dreamgirls,” cast in the role inspired by Ross.

Why did Supremes break up?

The journey of the Supremes to widespread acclaim was a progression that happened in several stages. Eventually, this was what culminated in Ross leaving the band in 1970 to pursue her solo career and the group ultimately disbanding in 1977. …

How old is Effie White?

EFFIE WHITE – African American woman, 20-30. Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is in person.

Is Loretta Devine a dream girl?

Audiences may associate Loretta Devine with her Emmy-winning performance on Grey’s Anatomy, but 30 years ago she played Lorrell, the role that brought her fame, in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls.

What did Curtis do to Effie in Dreamgirls?

He moves Jimmy to the background, and turns the girls into a solo act. Despite her talent, Curtis decides that Effie is too loud and not pretty enough to ensure success, so he makes the less talented Deena the lead singer. … Eventually, Curtis drops her from the group and replaces her with another girl.

Who was the best singer in the Supremes?

Ballard had been wealthy, famous, feted and considered a better singer than Diana Ross, her fellow Supreme who eclipsed, then dethroned her.

Are Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson friends?

Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé became great friends while filming “Dreamgirls” Despite what people might think, Hudson and Beyoncé actually became good friends while filming Dreamgirls. … Three years later, the “Spotlight” singer reiterated that she and Beyoncé maintained a close friendship throughout the years.

What happened to Florence Ballard?

She was scared for the rest of her life.”) The mother of three young daughters, Ballard died in 1976—the official cause of death was coronary artery thrombosis—at the absurdly young age of 32.

Did Jennifer Hudson win American Idol?

Jennifer Hudson is an American actress and singer. In 2004 she earned a spot on American Idol, gaining exposure and a loyal fan base. In 2006 she played a Motown-era singer in the film Dreamgirls, for which she won a Golden Globe and an Oscar. She also won a Grammy in 2008 for her debut album.

Who replaced Cindy Birdsong?

In 1976, Birdsong left again and was replaced by Susaye Greene, another former member of Wonderlove. This final version of the Supremes released two albums, both of which reunited the Supremes with Holland-Dozier-Holland: High Energy, which includes Birdsong on all of the tracks, and Mary, Scherrie & Susaye.

Where is Cindy Birdsong today?

Cindy currently resides in the Los Angeles area.

What iconic movie role does Curtis line up for Deena?

The film adaptation of Dreamgirls stars Jamie Foxx as Curtis, Beyoncé as Deena, Eddie Murphy as Jimmy, Danny Glover as Marty, Jennifer Hudson as Effie, Anika Noni Rose as Lorrell, and Keith Robinson as C.C.. Dreamgirls was first exhibited in special ten-day road show engagements beginning December 25, 2006.

What happened Effie White?

Ballard struggled with alcoholism, depression, and poverty for three years. She was making an attempt at a musical comeback when she died of a heart attack in February 1976 at the age of 32.

What was Curtis's job before he started managing the dreams?

Plot Summary (5) Detroit, the early 1960s. Curtis Taylor, Jr., a car salesman, breaks into the music business with big dreams. He signs a trio of young women, the Dreamettes, gets them a job backing an R&B performer, James “Thunder” Early, establishes his own record label and starts wheeling and dealing.

Who plays Deena mom in Dreamgirls?

Yvette CasonOccupationFilm, television actress

Is Diana Ross from Chicago?

Born and raised in Detroit, Ross rose to international superstardom in the ’60s as leader of the Supremes, the group that became Motown Records’ golden goose with an unprecedented ten No.

How old is Diana Ross net worth?

Net Worth:$250 MillionAge:76Born:March 26, 1944Country of Origin:United States of AmericaSource of Wealth:Professional Singer

Did Sharon Leal sing in Dreamgirls?

Actress Sharon Leal — who played Michelle Morris in Dreamgirls — is adding singer and songwriter to her list of talents by releasing the first music video from her upcoming solo EP, LEAL, for her song “Giant.”

Did Jamie Foxx sing in the movie Dreamgirls?

The Pink Panther actress is starring in the new film Dreamgirls, based on the 1960’s Broadway musical. … ‘ We first got to see a clip of some of the movie with Jamie Foxx singing and dancing; then we moved into the theater.

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