Fresh off her standing ovation receiving performance at the 2020 Oscar awards, Cynthia Erivo is gearing up to unveil her portrayal of the legend, Aretha Franklin. GENIUS is an anthology series created by National Geographic. Now in it’s third season, Aretha Franklin is the latest subject. GENIUS: ARETHA will premiere on Monday, May 25, 2020, at 9/8c. It will air 8 episodes over 4 consecutive nights.
GENIUS: ARETHA follows previous season subjects, GENIUS: PICASSO and GENIUS: EINSTEIN. GENIUS: ARETHA will be the first-ever, definitive and only authorized scripted limited series on the life of Aretha Franklin. The eight-part series will explore Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career – and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world.
Most recently Cynthia played Harriett Tubman in the major theater release, Harriett. Enviro also performed the lead song, “Stand Up” from the movie soundtrack as well.
The GENIUS: ARETHA cast also includes Courtney B. Vance (“The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”) as C.L. Franklin; David Cross (“Goliath,” “Arrested Development”) as Jerry Wexler; Malcolm Barrett (“Timeless,” “Preacher”) as Ted White; Pauletta Washington (“She’s Gotta Have It”) as Grandmother Rachel; Patrice Covington (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Erma Franklin; Rebecca Naomi Jones (“The Big Sick”) as Carolyn Franklin; Steven Norfleet (“Watchmen”) as Cecil Franklin; Kimberly Hébert Gregory (“Vice Principals”) as Ruth Bowen; Omar J. Dorsey (“Queen Sugar”) as James Cleveland; Marque Richardson (“Dear White People”) as King Curtis; and introducing Shaian Jordan as Little Re.
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