Where Are the Dreamgirls Now?

The movie adaptation of Broadway musical Dreamgirls, released in 2006, was showered with Oscar nominations and won the Golden Globe award. With some dazzling musical numbers, the colorful and lively movie was fun and poignant. It was a treat to watch for all the music lovers.

Even after 15 years, audiences remember the movie mostly because of its amazing cast and brilliant performances. All the stars in the movie were dressed to kill. They individually earned recognition for their remarkable performances. Each character had its aura, which is still remembered. Let’s see where these stars are now.

1. Jennifer Hudson

Hudson at the Washington Convention Center

Jennifer Hudson as Effie White stole the show with her electrifying performance and powerhouse vocals. Though she was seen participating in “American Idol” in 2004, she debuted with the movie “Dreamgirls” and won many accolades for her role. Since Jennifer’s appearance in the show and winning Oscar for Dreamgirls, she has been nothing but an inspiration for all.

The successful actor and singer is recently busy working on her upcoming movie Respect. It is an American biographical film based on the life of Aretha Franklin – an American singer. The movie is scheduled to be released in January 2021 in the United States. Hudson has earned much respect with her talent, professionalism, and work ethics in the film/music industry.

2. Beyoncé Knowles

Beyoncé in a black dress

Beyoncé played the role of Deena Jones – the lead singer who falls in love with Curtis. For her role, she was nominated for a Golden Globe award. It was only the beginning for her; since then, she has given six consecutive No.1 albums with 70 Grammy nominations.

The legend has redefined the meaning of being a celebrity both on stage and off. This year on July 31st, Beyoncé directed an American musical film and visual album called Black is King, which is also written and executively produced by her.

It shows the beauty and richness of African culture. As a mother and narrator in the film, Beyoncé motivates black people to become leaders by identifying their strengths and motto,“Let Black be synonymous with glory.”

3. Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Rose is seen in Dreamgirls as Lorrell Robinson, who is one of the singers. While on tour, she becomes the mistress of Jimmy (played by Eddie Murphy). Moreover, Anika won a Tony Award in 2004 for Caroline or Change. In 2009, she voiced for the first African-American Disney princess Tatiana in The Princess and the Frog. Two years later, in 2011, Rose was named a Disney Legend.

She is also seen as a lead opposite Margaret Qualley and Nick Robinson in a dramedy series on Netflix called Maid.  It is inspired by the bestselling memoir of Stephanie Land “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive.” Rose plays the role of Regina, who is a successful family law attorney. Regina is smart and powerful with insistent perfectionism.

Playing the role of a wealthy woman with exquisite taste, Rose seems to have everything she needs. However, through the course of the series, we will see her life struggles like everyone else. It will be revealed how Regina’s character is more than what meets the eyes.

4. Sharon Leal

Sharon Leal at the 36th Annual Gracie Awards Gala

Sharon Leal played the character of Michelle in the movie. Effie is replaced by Michelle, who also starts dating C.C. (Keith Robinson). Since then, we have seen Leal in many TV shows, including Guiding Lightand Boston Public and Legacy. Some other movies that raised her to fame include This Christmas and Why did I Get Married? Her appearances in Broadway productions, such as Rent and Bright Lights, Big City, are also noteworthy.

Currently, we can see her in an American television series called Council of Dads, playing the role of Michelle, Luly’s birth mother. Luly is one of the five children of Scott, a cancer patient. She was born when Michelle cheated on Scott with his best friend. Regardless, Scott continues to raise her without knowing that she wasn’t her child. Michelle has entered their lives only for causing a real stir.

5. Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy at Tribeca Film Festival 2010

Starred as Jimmy “Thunder,” Eddie Murphy plays the role of a headstrong performer, who despite being married, falls in love with Lorrell. Murphy took a four-year break from the entertainment industry and returned to the industry in 2016 with his drama movie Mr. Church. However, the film was unsuccessful; but even with his career being a rollercoaster ride, The Nutty Professor continued to entertain his fans.

He made a comeback to Hollywood’s big screen with his classic movies Dolomite and Coming 2 America, in 2019 and 2020, respectively. It was much awaited by the older generation comedian fans. Moreover, he also received his first Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL).

6. Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International

A year after receiving an Academy Award for Best Actor for Ray, Jamie Foxx agreed to be a part of the movie Dreamgirls. Portraying the character of Curtis Taylor Jr., Jamie Foxx is seen as a ruthless record executive at Rainbow Records.

Recently, we can see him in a movie called “Project Power.” The film is about a former soldier, Art, played by Jamie Foxx, who teams up with a cop to find out the source of drugs that can give superpowers to humans for five minutes.

We are most likely to see him reprise his role of electro in the latest Spiderman installments, speculated to be released in 2021. He played the role of classic villain in the Amazing Spider-Man 2.

7. Danny Glover

Glover at the 2014 Phoenix Comicon

The role of Jimmy’s manager, Marty Madison, was played by Danny Glover. He is seen mentoring Jimmy for years and also helping Effie to bounce back in her career. The same year he made appearances in many other movies, including Barnyard and The Shaggy Dog.

The American actor, director, and political activist was seen in the movie Jumanji: The Next Level as Milo Walker. He is Eddie’s estranged business partner who visits him unannounced right on time for holidays. Eddie, played by Danny DeVito, is the grandfather of Spencer (Alex Wolff). In 2018, Glover did another American black comedy-drama called Sorry to Bother You. The movie was a hit at the box-office.

8. Keith Robinson

Veteran comedian Keith Robinson outside New York’s Comedy Cellar.

Keith Robinson played the role of Effie’s brother, C.C, who aims to become a successful songwriter. Some may not know that Keith has even performed as one of the green Power Rangers. A year later, after working in Dreamgirls, Robinson was a part of the ensemble cast of This Christmas.

He will be seen in the BET original movie,Open, opposite Essence Atkins. Though 15 years ago Robinson played the role of Atkins’ boyfriend in the hit sitcom Half and Half, this time, the onscreen couple will be seen playing a married couple of 10 years.

The romantic drama film is about these two exploring the idea of having a non-traditional marriage arrangement. They also intend to incorporate the act of polygamy, but they will eventually learn that every game has its rules.

In 2019, he was seen in Hallmark’s A Christmas Love Story, playing as a pianist Brian. Before that, in 2017, we saw him playing the role of Atron Gregory, in the biopic of rapper Tupac Shakur – All Eyez on Me, as his manager.

The music industry is vast, amazing, diverse and growing!  Streaming has had major impact on this growth.  Check out this chart from IlluminatingFacts.com on the growth of streaming.

Number of Music Streaming Subscribers Worldwide from 2010 – 2020