Who were the 3 Dreamgirls?

The three original Dreamgirls from the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls were Jennifer Holliday as the powerhouse Effie White, Sheryl Lee Ralph as the ambitious lead Deena Jones, and Loretta Devine as the sweet Lorrell Robinson, creating iconic roles that launched their careers and cemented the show as a classic.

Who are the three original Dreamgirls?

Dreamgirls - Broadway/Original Cast Version

• Sheryl Lee Ralph.
• Loretta Devine.
• Jennifer Holliday.

Who are the three Dreamgirls?

The group is composed of full-figured lead singer Effie White and her best friends, Deena Jones and Lorrell Robinson.

Who was the third Dream girl?

LORRELL ROBINSON – African American woman, 20-30. The third member of The Dreams. Sexy, flirtatious girl from the projects of Detroit who has been singing with her best friends Effie and Deena for years.

Is Dreamgirls based on Diana Ross?

Yes, the musical Dreamgirls is famously inspired by the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, following a girl group's rise at a Motown-like label, with characters and plot points mirroring the real-life dynamics, particularly the transition of lead singer Deena Jones (like Diana Ross) from the group and the sidelining of the original lead, Effie White (like Florence Ballard). While creators intended it as fiction loosely based on Motown history, the strong parallels to Ross and The Supremes made it a sensitive topic, with Diana Ross reportedly unhappy about the production.
 

Dreamgirls - "Dreamgirls" (1983) - MDA Telethon

Who is Jimmy in Dreamgirls based on in real life?

Jimmy "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls, played by Eddie Murphy, is a composite character inspired by flamboyant R&B/Soul performers like James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Marvin Gaye, mixing elements of their stage presence, crossover attempts, and personal struggles with addiction and changing fame in the Motown era. He embodies the raw, energetic showman who evolves into a more polished, but fading, artist, reflecting the real-life challenges faced by many Black musicians of the '60s and '70s.
 

Did Jennifer Hudson have to gain weight for Dreamgirls?

Yes, Jennifer Hudson had to gain about 20 pounds for her Oscar-winning role as Effie White in the movie Dreamgirls, as the character was written to be heavier, and she was told to gain weight to embody the part authentically. After the film, she lost the weight and became a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers, but she demonstrated her willingness to gain for the right role, turning down a part in Precious because it required a similar commitment.
 

Who is Jamie Foxx based on in Dreamgirls?

Jamie Foxx as Curtis Taylor Jr.; based upon Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., Curtis is a slick Cadillac dealer-turned-record executive who founds the Rainbow Records label and shows ruthless ambition in his quest to make his black artists household names with white audiences.

Is Dreamgirls an all black cast?

Featuring a predominantly Black cast, the production starred Jennifer Holliday as Effie White, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Deena Jones, Loretta Devine as Lorrell Robinson, Ben Harney as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Cleavant Derricks as James “Thunder” Early, and Vondie Curtis-Hall as C.C. White.

How much was Beyonce paid for Dreamgirls?

Beyoncé reportedly earned a substantial $12.5 million for her starring role in the 2006 film Dreamgirls, a significant jump from her previous film earnings, with potential for millions more from soundtrack royalties. Her father and manager, Matthew Knowles, negotiated a high upfront fee and strong royalty rates, reportedly aiming to combat racial pay gaps in Hollywood. 

Was Curtis sleeping with Deena?

Yes, in the story of Dreamgirls, Curtis Taylor Jr. and Deena Jones have a romantic and sexual relationship, eventually marrying, after he makes her the lead singer, a move that causes conflict with the group's original lead, Effie White, who implies they were sleeping together for career advancement. Their relationship becomes central to the musical and film as Curtis exploits them all for fame but favors Deena for her star potential.
 

Who was the real Effie?

DETROIT - Like Effie, the "Dreamgirls" character which drew from her life, Florence Ballard had a triumphant return to the stage after her fall from grace from The Supremes.

Who was Eddie Murphy's character based on in Dreamgirls?

Eddie Murphy's character, James "Thunder" Early, in Dreamgirls was inspired by a mix of energetic R&B/soul performers like James Brown, Little Richard, and Jackie Wilson, embodying their stage presence and musical style, while also drawing from the struggles of artists like Marvin Gaye and the general '60s music scene to create a unique but familiar figure.
 

Is Dreamgirls a true story?

No, Dreamgirls is not a true story, but it's a work of fiction heavily inspired by the real-life history of Motown Records and its most famous girl group, The Supremes, particularly the dynamics between Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson, and the role of Berry Gordy Jr.. The musical and film depict fictional characters like Deena Jones, Effie White, and Curtis Taylor Jr., but their journeys mirror real events, such as one member being pushed as the star, creating conflict within the group, and the business side of music.
 

Did Broadway shut down for 9/11?

9/11 marked one of the few times in Broadway's history that the Theater District dimmed its marquees and shuttered their doors. Reopening two days later, Broadway would play a major role in New York City's revitalization in the aftermath of the attacks.

How old was Jennifer Holliday when she did Dreamgirls?

Jennifer Holliday was around 20 or 21 years old when Dreamgirls opened on Broadway in December 1981, having started with the show at age 19 and originating the role of Effie White, for which she later won a Tony Award. She was just shy of 21 when the show premiered but turned 21 during its run, winning her Tony Award in 1982 at that age. 

Was Dreamgirls based on Diana Ross?

Yes, the musical Dreamgirls is widely understood to be heavily inspired by the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes, focusing on their rise to fame, the manager/lead singer dynamic (like Ross and Berry Gordy), and the eventual sidelining of the original powerful lead singer (Florence Ballard), paralleling the characters of Deena Jones, Curtis Taylor, Jr., and Effie White. While not a direct biography, the show mirrors many key events and dynamics from their careers.
 

How old was Beyonce supposed to be in Dreamgirls?

"At the beginning of the movie, Beyoncé plays a 16-year-old girl, Deena, who's not very glamorous," makeup pro Francesca Tolot told Glamour.com's Andrea Pomerantz Lustig. "This was a problem, because even without makeup, Beyoncé stands out!

What is the longest running show on Broadway ever?

The longest-running Broadway show of all time is The Phantom of the Opera, which ran for over 35 years and 13,981 performances from 1988 to 2023, closing in April 2023 but holding the record. Following Phantom, the current longest-running shows still playing are Chicago (revival) and The Lion King, with Wicked also in the top tier of long-running hits.
 

Did Effie ever tell Curtis she was pregnant?

No, Effie White did not tell Curtis she was pregnant before he fired her from The Dreams; she was fired first and only revealed the pregnancy and her daughter, Magic, later, using songs like "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and their shared blood as hints that Curtis missed until much later. Curtis only finds out about the child and Effie's true situation when she confronts him years later, leading to his eventual downfall.
 

How many of The Supremes are still alive?

Only one member of the iconic original Supremes lineup is still alive: Diana Ross, the legendary lead singer, with founding member Mary Wilson passing in 2021 and Florence Ballard in 1976, leaving Ross as the sole survivor from the definitive trio. 

What actress gained 40 pounds?

Christina Applegate Says She Gained 40 Lbs. Due to Medications: 'I Didn't Look Like Myself'

What was the tragedy that happened in Jennifer Hudson's life?

Jennifer Hudson's tragedy centers on the 2008 murders of her mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason Hudson, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, by her estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, in a jealous rage; Balfour was later convicted of the triple homicide, a devastating event that deeply affected Hudson and her family, leading to profound grief but also resilience. 

Why is Effie White so iconic?

In musical theatre, there are few characters as iconic as Effie White in Dreamgirls. Effie symbolizes strength, ambition, and self-discovery with her powerful voice, honesty, and bold attitude. Playing her was both a challenge and a personal dream that needed more than just vocal power and stage presence.