R&B songbird Ledisi has been tapped to play legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the biopic, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story.
According to Deadline, the role of Martin Luther King Jr., who was a close friend of Jackson, will be played by “Scandal” actor Columbus Short. “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Janet Hubert and “The Walking Dead” actress Wendy Raquel Robinson also co-star.
“I am honored to be given a chance to paint the world through Mahalia’s eyes and sing her songs,” said Ledisi via Deadline. “Watching Columbus Short transform into Dr. Martin Luther King has been inspiring. I am sharing space with so many amazing actors and with Ericka Nicole Malone’s words and being under the direction of the Great Denise Dowse’s I am thrilled to be telling the story of New Orleans Gospel Legend Mahalia Jackson.”
“I have dreamed of playing this role for many years,” remarked Short. “It’s truly a great honor to portray a man that has made such an indelible impact on society and to all of ours lives. I am thankful to Ericka for the opportunity and proud to play alongside a wonderful cast.”
Ericka Nicole Malone, who penned the biopic, said the following about the project: “Remember Me is my personal thank you letter to the Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson, honoring her for her amazing legacy in Gospel Music, Civil Rights and her shining example of an extraordinarily, powerful Black woman.”
