Ledisi will play gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the upcoming biopic, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. According to Deadline, the Grammy-nominated artist is thrilled to have the opportunity to portray the legendary songstress. “I am honored to be given a chance to paint the world through Mahalia’s eyes and sing her songs,” she said.
Jackson isn't the first legend she's played. Ledisi transformed into Patti Belle during an appearance on BET's American Soul. Other previous acting credits include Selma and Leave It On The Floor.
Ericka Nicole Malone (Broken, Dreams From The Edge, 2 Degrees) is writing and executive producing the project. Denise Dowse (Insecure, Ray) is directing. “Remember Me is my personal thank you letter to the Queen of Gospel Mahalia Jackson, honoring her for her amazing legacy in Gospel Music, Civil Rights and her shining example of an extraordinarily, powerful Black woman,” said Malone.
Ledisi is starring alongside Columbus Short (Scandal, True 2 The Game, Stomp The Yard) who has been cast as Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights icon shared an intimate friendship with Jackson and she was present when he gave his impassioned “I Have A Dream” speech at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. “I have dreamed of playing this role for many years,” said Short. “It’s truly a great honor to portray a man that has made such an indelible impact on society and to all of ours lives. I am thankful to Ericka for the opportunity and proud to play alongside a wonderful cast.”
Ledisi was impressed with Short’s talents on set. “Watching Columbus Short transform into Dr. Martin Luther King has been inspiring,” she said.
As for Short, he said, “I have dreamed of playing this role for many years. It’s truly a great honor to portray a man that has made such an indelible impact on society and to all of ours lives. I am thankful to Ericka for the opportunity and proud to play alongside a wonderful cast.”
Janet Hubert (The Fresh Prince, Gilmore Girls) and Wendy Raquel Robinson (The Game, The Steve Harvey Show) have signed onto the project as well. “I am sharing space with so many amazing actors and with Ericka Nicole Malone’s words and being under the direction of the Great Denise Dowse’s I am thrilled to be telling the story of New Orleans Gospel Legend Mahalia Jackson,” concluded Ledisi.