A Real Love for Film for Mary J Blidge

Mary J. Blige has been all over Lifetime — not just singing, but acting and producing some real-life feel-good and emotional stories. Back in Betty & Coretta, she stepped into the shoes of Dr. Betty Shabazz and shared the screen with the legendary Angela Bassett as Coretta Scott King — talk about ICONIC casting that brought real historical weight to the story. And let’s not forget The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel — that movie had Kierra Sheard, Raven Goodwin, Aunjanue Ellis and more bringing the Clark sisters’ musical legacy to life, with Mary, Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott all executive producing behind the scenes — that’s a lineup that made gospel history look and feel epic. Wikipedia

Then Mary got that movie trilogy inspired by her own songs — and she pulled in some familiar faces! Real Love and Strength of a Woman star Ajiona Alexus (you might know her from Empire and 13 Reasons Why) and Da’Vinchi (from BMF) as Kendra and Ben, the cut-from-the-heart couple going through love, growth, and all that life throws at ’em. In the newest one, Be Happy — coming up this February — the cast gets even more star power with Tisha Campbell and Mekhi Phifer, and Gabourey Sidibe (yes, of Precious fame) directing her first movie! ABC Audio Digital Syndication These films don’t just give you relatable stories — they bring the talent too, whether it’s acting vets or breakout names we’re all cheering for.