Jennifer Hudson to Star in “Winnie”
Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson moves to South Africa in Darrell J. Roodt’s upcoming film “Winnie,” a drama focusing on Nelson Mandela’s former wife Winnie Mandela.
Based on Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob’s biography “Winnie Mandela: A Life,” the film follows Winnie’s life during her years as Mandela’s wife, who fought for his release and ended up being convicted for fraud.
Andre Pieterse, Roodt and Paul L. Johnson penned the script, and Hudson spoke with Variety magazine in which she said:
“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson said. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”
Hudson’s acting credits also include Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees. This is her first role after her recent family tragedy.
