As Oprah Winfrey’s quarter-century run on daytime TV comes to a close, her new adventures may be accompanied by a TV film dramatizing her life.

Producer Larry A. Thompson is set to produce the two- or four-hour Winfrey film will be based on Kitty Kelley’s tell-all biography.

The TV project is expected to air in September 2011, which would coincide with the end of Winfrey’s weekday talk show.

Thompson has produced TV biopics about Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Sonny and Cher.

There is no word on who will play Oprah Winfrey but who would you like to see play this media mogul?

TV personality Nene Leakes stepped behind the bar to serve up a couple of drinks to patrons as well.

Photo Credit:
Frank Micelotta Photos
Belve Music Lounge

Jennifer Jonassen is no stranger to plus advocacy. This talented actress has been inspiring women across the country with her positive self-awareness. She has appeared in numerous films and stage plays across.   As Arts and Entertainment Editor for Plus Model Magazine, Jennifer shares her unique perspective of the entertainment industry through insightful interviews with celebrities and candid reflections of her personal journey to size acceptance.

I had the pleasure of talking with Jennifer about her amazing journey to size acceptance and her new role in the upcoming documentary, “FAT” that chronicles the lives of three women struggling with fat and fat hatred.

 Cassy: First I just wanted to say how truly inspiring you are! reading all of your accomplishments in the entertainment industry is really something to celebrate.. Congratulations!

Jennifer: Wow, thank you! It has been an interesting journey.

Cassy: Where did you find the courage to venture into a field that has not always taken those of a fuller figure seriously?

Jennifer: Well I don’t think it was a choice. From a very early age I knew I was a performer. Forging a path in the industry has been challenging. I don’t know if it’s courage so much as stubborness. Also from a very early age I felt a deep need to stand up to people who discriminated and abused larger people. I can date this back to as far as kindergarten!  When I came to Hollywood I realized that taking a stand was more important to me than having a commercially successful career.

Cassy: Did you have a strong support system growing up?

Jennifer: I definitely had a challenging time. But there was a lot of love and support from my family even as they struggled with their own body images as well.

Cassy: Early on, people of size typically were only seen  in comedic roles in film and television. What type of roles were you offered when you made the move to Hollywood?

Jennifer: It has been really difficult finding roles that aren’t just a size joke. And when I accept comedic roles I am always worried that I am sending the wrong message even in the plus industry the humor comes from my characterization not just my size. I seldom if ever get to audition for roles that call for beauty or integrity.

Cassy: That must have been extremely frustrating! As an actress were there any actresses you admired that perhaps inspired you into entertainment

Jennifer: The singer Candye Kane influenced me enormously. Listening to her music opened my eyes that I could be beautiful, desirable & sexy at my own size. Camryn Manheim of course was a big influence as well. And Kathy Bates. Did you know Terrence McNally wrote Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune especially for her? In the opening scene she is nude after making love to Johnny. When Hollywood made the film they cast Michelle Pfeiffer.

Cassy:I never knew that!!  I sometimes have a hard time grappling with the current climate when it comes to size acceptance. On one hand to have main stream media take notice and finally accept people of size in general conversation is great to see, but I also feel that we don’t really need validation from anyone to begin with. What is your feeling on all the curvy conversation in the media lately?

Jennifer: Excellent point. I am thrilled that there is finally dialogue happening about size acceptance. But at the same time you are right. We shouldn’t have to be asking for the validation.  At the same time I think there is less tolerance in the media as well.

Cassy:  Exactly! We have to be very careful. Those who are so excited about being seen by the media won’t be able to see the thinly veiled innuendo and negative portrayals of the fuller figure.

Jennifer: Look at the way Gabourey Sidibe is abused in the press lately. I am experiencing more discrimination then ever before as an adult. You are right. It is so frustrating. I agonize over almost every project that comes my way.  I deliberate and worry. It upsets me profoundly that the roles out there are so bleak and so demeaning. Some of the roles I have been offered would shock you but not surprise you I imagine.  I have walked out of auditions and off of sets.

Cassy: I would imagine {given what you have been through} you are very proud of your latest project. Can you tell me how you landed the lead in the documentary “FAT”?

Jennifer: That is a great question. I think it was meant to be. The first week I was in L.A. a friend of a friend invited me to talk to Julian Dahl who was making a documentary about size issues. Over the next three years the film began to evolve and shift as my experiences in L.A. began to unfold.  As my purpose became clearer to myself Julian invited me back for more and more interviews.  I was auditioning for Cirque du Soleil, dancing with R.A.I.D. (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance), writing for Plus Model Magazine. I was starting to really try to get the message out. Even if that meant never having a traditional career in the entertainment business.

Cassy: Was it hard to be so open and candid knowing what the reaction may be?

Jennifer: The stories featured in our film are very personal. The film focuses primarily on three women struggling to come to terms with self acceptance. It is strange to think about sharing my life so intimately with the world. But isn’t that what art is all about in the final analysis? Whenever I feel scared I try to remind myself that there is a bigger picture. That it is incredibly important to get our stories out there. So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive but every now and then I get a glimpse of the ugliness out there that will be undoubtedly coming my way. Just this morning on Face Book some stranger commented on how gross a picture of me was.
 

Cassy: How did you handle such negativity?

Jennifer: LOL!  I dealt with it by linking her to the trailer for Fat! The irony is it is a very beautiful picture. And what strikes me is that at my best I am judged so harshly and that this woman could not see the beauty in the picture just my weight and my weight negated any beauty.

Cassy: LOL..I love it! Turning a negative situation into an opportunity to educate is really what we all should do. It is good that we have those like you to point to!

Jennifer: Wow thank you. I have come very far in terms of accepting my body but I have to tell you there are still times that I struggle with it as well. I often wonder what my life would have been like if my size were never an issue. Enormously different I imagine. I also often wondered what shape my body would have taken had it not been scrutinized from such an early age.

Cassy: I am a firm believer in no accidents, everything happens for a reason and contributes to your purpose in life. I think that everyone has those feelings of insecurity every once in a while. How that doubt manifests inside of you truly creates your path.. Thank you so much for your time

Jennifer: You are very welcome! Thanks for asking me.

We are thrilled that Queen Latifah is going to host the BET AWARDS ’10,” commented Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks. “Her versatility as a performer perfectly matches the dynamism of our show. This will be the perfect 10. Get ready for stirring performances, a surprise that will knock you out and massive quantities of fun; all helmed by ‘The Queen.’”

One-woman entertainment conglomerate Queen Latifah is sure to reign supreme as host of this year’s BET AWARDS ’10. Blessed with style and substance, Queen Latifah is a Grammy® Award-winning musician, television and film actress, label president, author and entrepreneur. On January 4, 2006, she became the first hip hop artist to be crowned with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has received rave reviews, an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal as Mama Morton in Miramax’s “Chicago” as well as a Golden Globe and SAG Award win for her heart wrenching role in “Life Support.”

Originally Jennifer Hudson was hesitant to take on the role but eventually decided to star in the movie.

“Winnie,” which also features Terrence Howard as Nelson Mandela and is based on a book by Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob, starts shooting in South Africa on May 31 and could be ready for theatres by spring next year.

Producer Andre Pieterse said Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had asked to see and approve the script before the picture went ahead, but that its backers had refused.

Madikizela-Mandela would like to see the script and approve. But the film will be made based on a screenplay that was well researched and without any interference.

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Lena helped shaped my view of grace, elegance and style. She started in the spotlight early, being a cover model for the N.A.A.C.P. at the age of 2. In an era where most black women were not considered for roles in Hollywood, Lena was the first African American woman to be signed to a long term movie contract, however, she only was credited in playing major roles in 2 films, “Cabin in the Sky” and  in the first adaptation of “Stormy Weather”. She appeared in several movies in musical segments that could be easily cut out when being played in segregated theaters throughout the country.

Lena thrived as a performer in the 40′s and 50′s, becoming the highest paid woman of color in the country at the time, blurring the color line in several television appearances and live performances. She left Hollywood abruptly, only to return in 1981 with her one woman Broadway show, “Lena Horne, The Lady and her Music”, which became the standard of how 1 woman shows are done on Broadway today. She won 5 Grammys, 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a host of other nominations and awards for her extraordinary body of work.  Alicia Keys has been pinned to play Lena in her life story. Janet Jackson was originally cast in the role, but was removed from consideration by Lena herself after Janet’s wardrobe malfunction during the Super Bowl.

I know that many things will be written about her now that she is gone. I feel that whatever I write will never give her legacy justice. Lena was quoted as saying, “My identity is very clear to me now. I am a black woman. I’m free. I no longer have to be a ‘credit.’ I don’t have to be a symbol to anybody; I don’t have to be a first to anybody. I don’t have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I’d become. I’m me, and I’m like nobody else.”

I watched her presence in cinema, her style, grace and beauty and she became my idol. I grew to learn of the discrimination she suffered during her career while still maintaining her elegant poise and she became my hero. You never want your heroes to leave you, you hope that they live forever to continue to inspire you and aide you in your journey. I am forever thankful. Rest in Peace Lady Lena.

I recently came across photos from the NY premiere of ‘Just Wright’ starring Queen Latifah. She looks amazing!  From her hair wrapped in a bun to her Alexander McQueen boots, Queen Latifah is a true Queen and she deserves all of the admiration she receives.  She looks happy, fit and in love with her curves. 

In her Gray shirtdress she looks comfortable and chic.  She finishes the look by adding a thick brown belt and gold earrings. This is effortless fashion at it’s best.

So if you’re big and beautiful and ready to embrace your crown, I suggest you take a long look at what a Queen should look like and if your ready to ” Put On Your Crown” pick up her book. I know I will because if that’s what being a Queen looks and feels like I’m all in.

The network announced Wednesday that Sidibe will mark her first time as guest co-host of “The View” next Tuesday. She made her acting debut in the critically acclaimed film “Precious: Based on the Novel `Push’ by Sapphire.”

Then on May 7, “Iron Mike” Tyson will sit down with host Barbara Walters for the first time since her memorable interview with Tyson and then-wife Robin Givens in 1988 on ABC’s “20/20.”

“The View” features Walters and her co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg,Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. It airs at 11 a.m. EDT.

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