Bessie

Survival began with a song

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Drama Music TV Movie

Queen Latifah

(Bessie Smith)

Mo'Nique

(Ma Rainey)

Mike Epps

(Richard)

Tika Sumpter

(Lucille)

Michael Kenneth Williams

(Jack Gee)

Charles S. Dutton

(William 'Pa' Rainey)

Bryan Greenberg

(John Hammond)

Oliver Platt

(Carl Van Vechten)

Khandi Alexander

(Viola)

Tory Kittles

(Clarence)

Joe Knezevich

(Frank Walker)

Jeremie Harris

(Langston Hughes)

Jennifer Sears

(Ma's Main Girl)

Crystal Lee Brown

(Bessie's Dancer)

Terence Rosemore

(Detroit Theater Manager)

L. Warren Young

(Sharkish Man)

Tia Hendricks

(Doreen Dupree)

Whitney Goin

(Fania Van Vechten)

Neko Parham

(Rehearsal Director)

Kaden Washington Lewis

(Swarm Boy #1)

Alkoya Brunson

(Swarm Boy #2)

Todd Allen Durkin

(Night Club Owner)

Swift Rice

(Stage Hand)

Jim R. Coleman

(Host)

Jessejames Locorriere

(Vanity Fair Editor)

Onira Tarés

(Chorus Girl #1)

Jhoni Davis

(Chorus Girl #2)

Hunter Womack

(Roadie #1)

Christopher Harvey

(Roadie #2)

Marie Burke

(Etta Johnson)

Levi Erik

(Benny Goodman)

Nicole Spiezio

(Marguerite d'Alvarez)

Bralyn Stokes

(Harry Pace)

Sylvester Ambrose James II

(Jack Gee Jr.)

Briana Starks

(Ma's Dancer)

Alan T. Coleman

(Stagehand)

Tray Williams

(Stage Crew (uncredited))

Montice Harmon

(Party Goer)