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Jennifer Hudson Loses 56 Lbs. to Play Winnie Mandela

Posted Feb 17th 2010 2:00PM by Theo Bark
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Singer/actress Jennifer Hudson has lost 56 lbs. for an upcoming film role, according to reports.

The American Idol star and Oscar winner is set to play Nelson Mandela's former wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in a biopic entitled 'Winnie,' which is scheduled to shoot in May.

In order to shed the weight, Hudson worked with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, who has worked with everyone from Jessica Simpson to Kanye West. "I've been exercising and trying to stay consistent," Hudson explained of her weight loss. "I'm jogging and eating right."

The film is scheduled to be directed by South African filmmaker Darrell J. Roodt, shooting in various South African locations where Winnie's former husband, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, before being elected the country's president.

Hudson received some flak from the South African media about being chosen over a South African actress for the role. Winnie Mandela is reportedly unhappy about the film as well, and has criticized the filmmakers for failing to consult her on her own biopic.

Filed under: Soul/R&B, R&B News, Movies
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ritaspaa

i love jennifer hudson, but i agree i also wish i was able to afford a trainer. in the real world most of us are just trying to survive.

February 24 2010 at 9:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

DJMentalBeats

It's sad to read in 2010 that people still plaqued by racially hatred and ignorance. Even sadder, it getting WORSE not better. But God bless AmeriKKKa anyway. He understands. :-|

February 22 2010 at 4:25 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

MARINA

These votes are bogus. You go to vote it down and it down and it comes up as highest rank or neutral. They are fixed when you want to comment.

February 21 2010 at 1:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

crystgold2

I am sorry but Jennifer Hudson does not qualify in my opinion to play this role. She is a singer who I think cannot sing that great;she screams! I agree with Winnie Mandela she should have been consulted as to who should play her role - and I agree let someone from South Africa play her; give someone else an opportunity to make $$$ I wonder who wanted to cast Hudson to play her??? It looks as though I will not see this movie!

February 21 2010 at 1:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Karen, we all thought Tiger was faithful, too, didn't we?

February 21 2010 at 12:43 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Tina

Roll Model? Just what we need incouraging girls to have babies out of wedlock. Our welfare system is already bursting at the seams! She is a great singer and entertainer but I wouldn't say role model.

February 21 2010 at 12:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

ibsunny1

I am a white senior citizen great grandmother. I
was so proud of jennifer Hudson when she won the
academy award for Dream Girls. Of course, she should have won American Idol when she was on the show.
She has been through so much tragedy and she still
marches on and i couldn't be more proud of her if she were my own daughter.

February 21 2010 at 12:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mark vaccaro

Bitch has too much attitude. Remember how she acted on American Idol?

February 21 2010 at 11:53 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to mark vaccaro's comment

getitgd

Jennifer was young when she appeared on AI. Most women have a lot of issues and we protect ourselves by sometimes "showing attitude". Many of us grow up and loose the attitude...Jennifer has grown up to be a poised and lovely lady. I have not seen her show an attitude. Because of her beautiful ways she has now surpassed all of the AI winners.

February 21 2010 at 1:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

laura

To the racist pig that seems to think he is so much better than the world.....1st, I AM a white woman, I am deeply offended how you would speak of this very talented, bright, beautiful woman!!! If you want to know what really constitutes trash, it's people like you that open your mouth and judge someone based on appearance, color, financial status or what side of the tracks they were born on. You need a healthy dose of education! It's people like YOU that, unfortunately, keep race clash alive. Why can't you just see everyone as people? You disgust me and I'm ashamed that I even allowed your stupidity and ignorance get to me.

February 21 2010 at 11:48 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bett

jen is the best since a long long time god bless u &fam jenhud.awesome comment to PANHERMES. THX WELL WRITTEN. I AGREE VERY MUCH W/U.

February 21 2010 at 11:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply