Who Is Jennifer Hudson?
Jennifer Hudson is an acclaimed American actress and singer, known for her powerful voice and diverse career. She first gained national attention in 2004 as a contestant on American Idol, where she garnered a dedicated fan base. Hudson’s breakthrough came in 2006 when she portrayed a Motown-era singer in Dreamgirls, earning both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for her performance. In 2008, she released her self-titled debut album, which won her a Grammy Award.
That same year, Hudson tragically faced the loss of her mother, brother, and nephew, who were murdered by her estranged brother-in-law. The devastating event led Hudson to step away from the public eye to grieve. She returned to acting and singing with a series of projects, including starring in Hairspray Live! and the Broadway revival of The Color Purple.
Early Career & ‘American Idol’
Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a musical family, she sang in her church choir and graduated from Dunbar Vocational Career Academy in 1999. After spending a year performing on a Disney cruise ship, Hudson auditioned for the third season of American Idol in 2004. Though she was eliminated before reaching the finale, her powerful vocal talent earned her a dedicated following and sparked controversy, as many fans believed she was unjustly eliminated, given her superior vocal abilities compared to other contestants. This exposure helped lay the foundation for her future success in both music and film.
Movies, TV, and Music
An Oscar for Dreamgirls
In 2005, Jennifer Hudson secured the role of Effie White in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, triumphing over hundreds of competitors. Her performance, particularly her emotional rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” captivated audiences and earned her both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. This achievement solidified her place as a rising star in Hollywood.
In 2008, Hudson expanded her film career with notable roles in Sex and the City, where she portrayed Louise, the tech-savvy assistant to Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), and The Secret Life of Bees, alongside Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Sophie Okonedo.
Additionally, September 2008 marked the release of her self-titled debut album, which earned critical acclaim and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Books, Smash, and Black Nativity
Hudson’s versatility extended beyond acting and music. In 2012, she became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers and published her memoir, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down. She also launched her own clothing line and contributed to the soundtrack of Think Like a Man. That year, Hudson starred in the biographical film Winnie Mandela and appeared in the comedy The Three Stooges. Her television career flourished with a recurring role on the musical drama Smash and her performance in the 2013 film Black Nativity.
JHUD and Empire
In 2014, Hudson released her third studio album, JHUD, which marked a shift toward a more vibrant and experimental sound, with production from Pharrell Williams and Timbaland. The following year, she returned to television in the hit series Empire, co-created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. Hudson played a music therapist on the show and contributed to its soundtrack, further cementing her musical prowess.
The Color Purple, The Voice, and Cats
In 2015, Hudson joined the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, portraying Shug Avery. Her performance helped the production win the 2016 Tony Award for Best Revival, and Hudson earned a Grammy Award for her contribution to the cast album. Hudson also showcased her versatility in Hairspray Live! (2016), where she received praise for her portrayal of Motormouth Maybelle. The following year, she joined The Voice as a judge, further expanding her influence in the entertainment industry.
In 2018, it was announced that Hudson would star in the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. The movie, released in December 2019, featured Hudson as Grizabella, a role for which she received critical acclaim for her performance of the iconic song “Memory.”
Family Tragedy
Tragedy struck Hudson’s personal life in 2008 when her mother, brother, and seven-year-old nephew were tragically killed in what appeared to be a double homicide. The loss deeply impacted her, and Hudson took time off to grieve. She made her first public appearance after the tragedy by performing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. In 2011, she released her sophomore album, I Remember Me, which was influenced by her personal experiences. Hudson also founded the Julian D. King Toy Drive and Christmas Dinner and the Hatch Day charity in memory of her late nephew.
Personal Life
Hudson became engaged to actor and professional wrestler David Otunga in 2008, and they had a son together in 2009. The couple ended their ten-year relationship in November 2017. Hudson later obtained a protective order against her ex-fiancé, and the two reached a custody agreement in July 2019.
Through triumph and tragedy, Jennifer Hudson has continued to inspire with her resilience, versatility, and commitment to her craft, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and beyond.