Orange is the New Black star Danielle Brooks will star in The Mahalia Jackson Story on Lifetime alongside Robin Roberts and Kenny Leon.
What We Know:
- According to Dateline, Lifetime has extended its partnership with Robin Roberts for four new movies. Brooks will be the iconic gospel legend and Leon will direct. The film will be distributed through Rock’n Robin Productions and Lincoln Square Productions.
- The film is centered around Mahalia Jackson, a New Orleans native who went on to become one of the most well-known gospel figures in U.S. history. Her sit song, “Move on Up a Little Higher” sold millions and she performed in front of racially integrated audiences in Carnegie Hall and for John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball. She also sang at the march on Washington in 1963 alongside Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Brooks is known for her debut on Broadway in the Color Purple revival which won her a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She also starred as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in Netflix’s original series, Orange is the New Black, winning three Screen Actors Guild Awards. The actress also guest-starred on Master of None, High Maintenance, and Girls.
- Executive VP Movies Tanya Lopez expresses her excitement for the film. She states, “Having had the privilege of working with Kenny on Steel Magnolias and Robin Roberts on Stolen by My Mother, I am ecstatic to have them join forces to work together on this special project. Adding Danielle Brooks as Mahalia is icing on the cake. This team is committed in celebrating the legacy of Mahalia and reintroducing her to a world that needs her spirit more than ever.”
Brooks is represented by Door 24 Entertainment, CAA, and Paul Hastings.
