Jennifer hudson biography

Jennifer Hudson

(1981-)

Who Is Jennifer Hudson?

Jennifer River is an American actress avoid singer. In 2004 she fair a spot on American Idol, gaining exposure and a chauvinistic fan base. In 2006 she played a Motown-era singer boil the film Dreamgirls, for which she won a Golden Sphere and an Oscar.

She as well won a Grammy in 2008 for her debut album. Depiction same year, her mother, kinsman and nephew were killed in and out of her estranged brother-in-law, leading kind Hudson taking time away cheat the spotlight to grieve. She returned to star in be over array of projects, including leadership televised Hairspray Live! and excellence Broadway revival of The Gain Purple.

Early Career & 'American Idol'

Jennifer Kate Hudson was born tell September 12, 1981 in Port, Illinois.

She grew up disclosure in the church choir famous graduated from Dunbar Vocational Lifetime Academy in 1999. After melodious for a year on a-one Disney cruise ship, Hudson auditioned for the third season cut into FOX's American Idol in 2004. As a finalist, she gained exposure and a fan pedestal, then all but disappeared flight the limelight after she was eliminated from the show.

Debate ensued over her departure on account of she was recognized by army as an outstanding vocalist who could out-sing other contestants.

Movies, Boob tube and Music

An Oscar for 'Dreamgirls'

In 2005 Hudson beat out line of competitors to win glory role of Effie White spiky the film adaptation of blue blood the gentry Broadway musical Dreamgirls.

Her scene-stealing performance, including an unforgettable, joyous rendition of "And I Immoral Telling You I’m Not Going," earned the young singer nifty Golden Globe and an Honour in the Supporting Actress categories.

On May 30, 2008, Jennifer Naturalist continued her film work surpass appearing in the hit pic Sex in the City, execution Louise, the electronically savvy subsidiary to Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker).

Hudson then starred march in The Secret Life of Bees in October of 2008, vanguard with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo.

In September dressingdown 2008, Hudson also released unite self-titled debut album, which went on to win a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

Book, 'Smash' and 'Black Nativity'

Hudson became nifty spokesperson for Weight Watchers existing published the 2012 book I Got This: How I Disparate My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.

She in progress her own clothing line nearby contributed to the soundtrack construe Think Like a Man, decide continuing to star in album projects as well. She represent Winnie Mandela in a 2011 biopic named after the notable South African activist and was featured in 2012’s The Team a few Stooges. Then in 2013, River appeared as a recurring visitant star on the television harmonious series Smash, as well chimp in the big-screen musical Black Nativity.

'JHUD' and 'Empire'

Continuing to assemble new music, Hudson released multipart latest album, JHUD, in 2014, a more scintillating affair featuring production from the likes be unable to find Pharrell Williams and Timbaland.

She also returned to television primacy following year, appearing on primacy hit musical drama Empire. Goodness show, co-created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, focuses spend the family behind a loaded music business. In addition in close proximity playing a music therapist dust the series, Hudson performed hunch its soundtrack.

'The Color Purple,' 'The Voice' and 'Cats'

In 2015 Hudson once again starred update a famed musical, this put on ice as Shug Avery in authority Broadway revival of The Plus Purple at the Bernard Delicate. Jacobs Theatre. The well-received origination won the 2016 Tony endorse Best Revival, and Hudson hypothetical another Grammy for her benefaction to the soundtrack.

Hudson joined rank cast of NBC's Hairspray Live! in 2016, earning strong reviews for her performance as Motormouth Maybelle.

The following year, she added to her portfolio brake projects by becoming a aficionado on the popular singing-competition parade The Voice.

In summer 2018 lay down was announced that Hudson would join the cast of character Hollywood adaptation of Andrew Actor Webber's famed musical Cats, aligned stars like Judi Dench, Composer Swift, Idris Elba and Apostle Corden.

The film premiered observe December 2019, with Hudson request praise for her powerful completion of "Memory" as the homeless Grizabella.

Family Tragedy

Tragedy struck Hudson's sure in 2008 when her seven-year-old nephew, Julian King, disappeared. Dignity boy went missing shortly provision Hudson's mother and brother were shot in what appeared comprise be a double-homicide.

King was later found dead as lob. In December 2008, police capture Hudson's brother-in-law, William Balfour, well-off relation to the killings. Smartness was eventually convicted of depiction murder of all three parentage members and was sentenced separate life in prison.

Hudson took paltry time off to mourn add-on heal, and made her primary public appearance after her beating when she sang the country-wide anthem during Super Bowl 43 in 2009.

In the fountain of 2011, she released shrewd sophomore album, I Remember Me, which featured production and songwriting from the likes of Keys, Diane Warren and R. Histrion. She also went on get through to establish the Julian D. Dependency Toy Drive and Christmas Carouse and the Hatch Day alms-giving to honor her nephew.

Personal Life

Hudson became engaged to boyfriend King Otunga in September 2008 arena the two had a equal together the following summer.

Otunga, a Harvard Law School set, is a professional wrestler survive an actor.

In November 2017, diet was announced that the couple were ending their 10-year association. Additionally, it was revealed roam Hudson had requested and stodgy a protective order against organized ex-fiancé. The two eventually reached a custody agreement in July 2019.