Vulture is reporting a brand new Smash hire. Sheryl Lee Ralph, who originated the role of Deena in Dreamgirls on Broadway will play Jennifer Hudson’s mom!
We can only imagine how excited Jennifer Hudson must be right now. Vulture has just learned exclusively that Sheryl Lee Ralph has been cast to play her mom on Smash. Ralph originated the role of Dreamgirls diva Deena Jones on Broadway (the part played by Beyonce in the 2006 film). But even more thrilling for J.Hud? Ralph also played the mother of Lauryn Hill’s character in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, the movie Hudson has publicly declared her all-time favorite film.
Jennifer Hudson plays Veronica Moore, a Tony-winning star “who reached [her] Broadway dream but paid a price for it.” Jennifer and Sheryl join Will and Grace star, Sean Hayes, Newsies, Jeremy Jordan, Theater Vet Andy Mientus, plus Krysta Rodriguez and Daniel Sunjata who are joining the 2nd season of the NBC musical drama.
Smash is set to return in January.