We’re taking a look back at some of singer-turned-actress Jennifer Hudson’s most iconic movie, TV and Broadway roles.
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In 2006, Jennifer Hudson made her feature film debut next to Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx and more in “Deamgirls”.
The film was not only met with rave reviews, but Hudson took home Oscar, Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her role as Effie White. She also won a collective Grammy for the soundtrack.
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For her most recent role, Hudson helped tell the remarkable true story of music icon Aretha Franklin in “Respect”.
Marlon Wayans, Mary J. Blige and Audra McDonald co-starred in the film.
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Her role might have been short, but it sure was sweet.
In the 2008 “Sex And The City” movie, Hudson starred as Louise from St. Louis, Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) assistant.
Earlier this year, Hudson revealed she’d love to play Louise again in the beloved HBO series’ rebook, “And Just Like That…”, telling Entertainment Tonight, “That would be cool. I’m down."
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Hudson joined the star-studded cast of “Hairspray Live!” as the iconic Motormouth Maybelle for NBC’s 2016 live production of the beloved musical.
Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth and more starred in the epic production.
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Okay, so this film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” was a huge flop, but Hudson singing “Memory” is something everyone must hear at least once.
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A lesser known project of Hudson’s is “The Secret Life Of Bees”, the heartwarming tale of Lily (Dakota Fanning), a lonely teenager, who flees from her home and reaches a small town in South Carolina and meets the Boatwright sisters who introduce her to a new world.
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While we can’t actually watch Hudson in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, her take on the role of Shug Avery is iconic.
Hudson made her Broadway debut in December 2015 before stepping away from the production less than a year later. Hudson and her castmates won a Grammy for the musical’s soundtrack.
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Hudson became one step closer to being an EGOT winner with her vocal role in “Baby Yaga”, winning an Emmy as executive producer of the short.
The VR animated film “Baba Yaga,” made for the Oculus Quest, won in the interactive media for a daytime program category, leaving Hudson only a Tony away from being part of the EGOT club.
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Hudson took on the minor semi-recurring character in the first season of “Empire” as Michelle White, a music therapist at the rehabilitation centre Andre Lyon (Trai Byers) was placed.
Despite Hudson’s role being short lived, it was a fan favourite, with many watchers hoping she’d return to the beloved series.
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While her time on “American Idol” isn't technically considered a role, the spot helped launch Hudson into the superstar she is today.
Despite being almost at EGOT status, Hudson placed 7th overall on the reality competition.