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Queen Latifah to Star as Blues Icon Bessie Smith for HBO

There's not much Queen Latifah can't do, which is why it should come as no surprise HBO has tapped the rapper/comedienne/actress to star as blues icon Bessie Smith in its newest biopic. Fall TV Scorecard: Find out what's renewed and what's canceled Known as the Empress of the Blues...

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Kaitlin Thomas

There's not much Queen Latifah can't do, which is why it should come as no surprise HBO has tapped the rapper/comedienne/actress to star as blues icon Bessie Smith in its newest biopic.

Fall TV Scorecard: Find out what's renewed and what's canceled

Known as the Empress of the Blues, Smith overcame personal hardships to become one of the most critically acclaimed performers of the 1920s and '30s. The film, written and directed by Dee Rees (Pariah), is based on her life story and the biography Bessie, written by Chris Albertson. Queen Latifah will also serve as a producer.

Will you watch the as-yet-untitled film?

Watch Queen Latifah help Jimmy Kimmel turn YouTube hits into movie trailers here.