Is Deena Jones based on Diana Ross?

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.


Who is Curtis in Dreamgirls based on?

Curtis Taylor, Jr. is the main antagonist of the musical Dreamgirls. He is loosely based on record producer Berry Gordy, Jr., creator of Motown Records.

Who are Dreamgirls characters based on?

To put it mildly. The film, which is up for eight Oscars on Sunday, is loosely based on the Supremes, the girl group she co-founded in the late '50s with her best friends from her Detroit neighborhood.


Was Dreamgirls based on the Supremes?

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.

Is Dreamgirls based on Berry Gordy?

The movie, nominated for eight Oscars, is a thinly veiled account of Berry Gordy's empire and his banner group, the Supremes. But many Motown stars say the film doesn't reflect the real story.


Motown Book Author Alleges Diana Ross was 'not nice' and 'not liked' by many Motown Artists (2003)



Who is Effie in Dreamgirls based on?

Jennifer Hudson as Effie White; inspired by Supremes member Florence Ballard, Effie is a talented yet temperamental singer who suffers when Curtis, the man she loves, replaces her as lead singer of the Dreams and his love interest, and later drops her altogether.

Is Beyoncé supposed to be Diana Ross in Dreamgirls?

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.

Who are the three original Dreamgirls?

The musical starred Jennifer Holliday as Effie White, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Deena, and Loretta Devine as Lorell—the trio at the center of it all—breakout roles for each. The original production opened December 20, 1981, at Broadway's Imperial Theatre.


Who were the 3 Dreamgirls?

Three Original Dreamgirls Reunite Tonight | Playbill. News Three Original Dreamgirls Reunite Tonight Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holliday join forces for a benefit concert.

Who got paid the most in Dreamgirls?

China Daily reported in 2006 that Beyoncé earned $12.5 million for Dreamgirls, which was twice as much as she earned for Austin Powers.

Who was Effie in love with?

After six increasingly unhappy years, Effie fell in love with her husband's protege Millais and set about having the marriage annulled.


Who is Beyoncé supposed to be in Dreamgirls?

' This is what's going to be put in that time capsule. People are going to look back and see this movie, and this is going to develop their culture." Nine-time Grammy winner Beyoncé Knowles plays Deena Jones, a backup singer whose awe-inspiring beauty quickly thrusts her to center stage.

Who replaced Effie in Dreamgirls?

Because of high costs, only three cities were played before the road production was dissolved. A second tour began in 1985, with Sharon Brown as Effie. By 1987, Lillias White, Jennifer Holliday's original understudy, had taken over the role.

Was Loretta Devine the original Dreamgirls?

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.


Are Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson friends?

Hudson starred alongside Beyoncé in the musical drama and swept award season. Though many believe Hudson outshined her co-star, the two maintain a friendly relationship. Hudson once gave a behind-the-scenes look into who Beyoncé is off-screen.

Who does Jamie Foxx portray in Dreamgirls?

Even though fans of the movie Dreamgirls will never forget Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Curtis Taylor, Jr. in the film, the actor initially turned the role down. Foxx eventually changed his mind but as it turns out, that only happened because of a decision that two other stars made.

Did Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé get along in Dreamgirls?

Despite what people might think, Hudson and Beyoncé actually became good friends while filming Dreamgirls. The Secret Life of Bees star even set the record straight on her and Bey's relationship during a 2013 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. “There [were] never any rifts at all,” Hudson explained.


Who is Deena based on?

The love affair between Deena Jones and Curtis Taylor Jr. was modeled on Diana Ross and Berry Gordy Jr.'s love affair which eventually led to his emphasis on her career rather than that of the group. This is also referenced in Berry's own musical Motown The Musical.

Who was Deena Jones based on?

"When you look in the mirror and you don't see yourself, it really helps you portray the character," Knowles, who plays Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, a character loosely based on Motown diva Diana Ross and her supergroup, The Supremes. The movie is also based on the successful 1980s Broadway musical, Dreamgirls.

Who replaced Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls?

In 1983, Nixon won the role of Effie White in the original Broadway production of “Dreamgirls,” replacing actress Jennifer Holliday. During this time, she was signed to Polygram Records London, with a number one dance hit. This won her a tour with Richard Pryor.


How was Effie in Dreamgirls?

Effie is the true powerhouse in the group, a soaring singer whose voice overpowers and transcends Deena's and Lorrell's. She is smitten with Curtis from the start and is overcome with anger and jealousy when she senses his growing attraction to Deena.

Is Dreamgirls an all black cast?

The Broadway musical “Dreamgirls' is one of the most beloved theater productions of its era, featuring a largely-black cast. The Tony Award-winning musical made its Broadway debut on December 20, 1981.

Why do they call Beyoncé Sasha Fierce?

Of course, the singer created her alter ego Sasha Fierce in an effort to separate her own shy personality from her stage persona and give herself the courage to be free and sexy while performing.


How old was Beyonce when she did Dreamgirls?

Beyoncé was just 24-years-old when she starred as Deena Jones in the Academy Award-winning film, which was based on the iconic Broadway show, but was singer's salary at the time was much less than you might expect.

Who is Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls?

Broadway actress

Her next role, which she began to act at age 21, was the role for which she became best known: the role of Effie Melody White in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Holliday originated the role of Effie and remained with the show for nearly four years after its December 20, 1981 opening.