Show People with Paul Wontorek: Jennifer Holliday of THE COLOR PURPLE

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Tony winner Jennifer Holliday opens up about her big voice, the courage to audition for THE COLOR PURPLE and creating one of the most memorable roles in musical theater: Effie White in DREAMGIRLS.

[@jonathanrio6587]

the entire cast of Dreamgirls are icons! Miss Holliday is an INSTITUTION! Many sing those songs well, but she has been and always will be THE STANDARD! So glad I got to see her in Dreamgirls and "Your Arms Are Too Short To Box With G*d!" (Before Dreamgirls in a tour in Reading, PA! and she was GREAT in that too!

[@asayudwhaddameant8346]

She's a very bright woman, who interviews very well. She has a great rhythm and cadence, and articulates her experiences wonderfully.

[@JustinRamelMusic]

She's so sweet, and encouraging! Great to see her back on Broadway!!

[@chucknyc123]

I will never forget the night I saw her almost blow the roof off the Imperial Theater as Effie White.

[@JerkyPuck]

I met her once. She and I performed in a show at a gay pride event and she sent someone to "go get that boy and bring him here!" She was very complimentary and encouraging. I was astounded.

[@ItsThatGirlNamedAlex]

Y'all got THE Jennifer Holliday up in here?! OMG! Good job, Paul! :)

[@Tadzio5050]

Somebody write a show for this woman!!!!!

[@crazyguy98456978]

Tadzio5050 I'm working on a show I think she would love and it would be a great challenge

[@jacquelinefranklin8697]

She will be grant for it.

[@andrewcoleman7583]

She's so positive.

[@drummerc1795]

What a class act this woman is. Oh and the talent!!!!!

[@singingsince89]

Her positive energy exudes through her. Houston's Finest!

[@clcoleman3839]

WOW. She is beautiful inside & out. God Bless You Jennifer Holliday for this lovely interview!!

[@dmm9714]

I can't remember watching a more honest interview with an entertainer. What a great lady. But making Miss Holliday audition?!

[@David-pt8ge]

Great interview. There will only ever be one Jennifer Holliday.

[@JJWicked1208]

Not going to lie, when I first heard of Jennifer Holliday and saw her perform, without ever hearing her speak in a interview, I had a feeling she was going to be a diva, in the worst sense of the word. I'm SO GLAD to see I was wrong.

[@ang_probinsyanangbisdak]

Jon Janack she may be the most humble honest person in broadway. I love this woman so much. She's so inspiring.

[@LuisRodriguez-bo4xg]

She is so genuine, and sweet. Jennifer, you will Always be RELEVANT!!!

[@artistinmotion8062]

This week has been so stressful with my aunt having a heart attack and a stroke. I'm handling all the business for her and taking care my mother who had a stroke. I really felt broken down, exhausted and near a breaking point. watching this interview reaffirmed my love for my craft, and reminded me of the courage that's within. Like said, everyday is a challenge, but when you sign on and commit 100%. I've had the pleasure to meet and watch Ms. Holiday perform, and her testimony is real, it's encouraging and it's loaded with life lessons we can all use along this journey called life. She's a fellow Houstonian, and truly the reason I pursued a creative arts career in musical theatre. Can't wait to see the show in November.

[@gabrielpinvid]

what a touching interview! and what a sweet, soft soul she Ms. Holliday is! now I wish i can see her in the show!

[@MABACTS]

A total and complete inspiration and something that I really needed to hear at this part of my life. Wonderful interview! Thank you.

[@dbowen6876]

Jennifer Holliday is absolutely beautiful inside and out. And as far as the song and I am telling you, I was singing that about 30 years ago when I was a CNA to all of my residents as I made my rounds. There is only one Jennifer Holliday and as talented as Jennifer Hudson is she could never compare to the legendary Miss Holliday. I love you Jennifer Holliday

[@chandacaston]

This is so inspirational.

[@alexisohara2000]

The most amazing entertainer of my lifetime!

[@Aarondefyinggravity]

Jennifer Holliday is absolutely beautiful inside and out, what an amazing intelligent woman. Great Interview! X

[@TommyMac1018]

How beautiful is she. How beautiful.

[@brandonplays702]

Too beautiful for words!❤

[@abk.6043]

Wow. Ms. Holliday, you are phenomenal!! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. ❤

[@stephenn8366]

God bless Jennifer Holiday♥️

[@stevemcdowell43]

I adore Jennifer Holliday‼️ She always has a positive attitude & such inspiring words to share.

[@DaTruEbonyRayne]

I gotta say that I have been a huge fan of Jennifer Holliday since I was a child. I remember when DreamGirls went to Broadway in NY...and I was like only 4-5yrs old(way too young to go to the show)...but the way they promoted DreamGirls and showing clips of it on tv, I wanted to be a Broadway star. And to see the Jennifer Holliday now compared to how some people have said when they met her, that she wasn't as friendly shows growth! I would love to meet her one day to just let her know that she is loved & appreciated for her work & music. Jennifer Holliday is one of those people who have been there and seen a lot and for that, she's kinda guarded which is understandable. Especially when You come into the entertainment industry at 17-18yrs old. People will take advantage of you. Can't personally say that that's was the case with Ms. Holliday, but comparing the young Jennifer to the more mature Jennifer, I can pretty much assume that that has happened to her. But I love the humble spirit that she posses now. And the encouragement tip that she gave on the end was for me & I accept that!

[@ministersd]

The most encouraging post from such a blessed and fascinating lady-Ms. Jennifer Holliday. Bless you.

[@CBarbour806]

Jennifer, you're "right" in this moment, and every moment you grace us with your huge talent and mystic's heart. ❤️

[@zakkxx1]

Her speech, her voice and her demeanor are very impressive. She is such a classy lady. Much love xx

[@aze2252]

Her last speech 😭 i needed that Jennifer

[@alvinmedina7121]

Saw her last night. It was brillant she brought me to tears . When she sang your beautiful ! She is an inspiration on ever level. Thank you for the blessing ms: holiday

[@simone3730]

This was a thoroughly beautiful interview ‼️💜💜💜💜💜

[@blondokie48]

My favorite singer of all times. Love you Jennifer so much. Please do some more shows after Color Purple ends its run.

[@maxmartinez5930]

Jennifer is the standard most singers measure themselves with.

[@mark91345]

A half hour of shear heaven! Thank you broadway.com for putting this out

[@TruthSerum101]

A Wonderful Interview.

[@kennywesley]

TruthSerum101 hey bro! she was sooo honest! i loved it too!!

[@solodondolo5890]

"Do the Jennifer holliday ugly face baby, and win a thousand dollars." XDDDD

[@MediaLover194]

So Paul has now interviewed Cynthia and all 3 Shug's.

[@LogicallyMinded94]

I just adore her! 🙏🏾😍

[@xtcBEBOP]

She is a magical inspiration!

[@echeleteich2733]

Saw her as Effie....remarkable

[@cherlylumenta1153]

She has a amazing sound and character

[@musicalmattress1053]

She really is a total inspiration!

[@TamirYardenne]

Awesome… what a queen.

[@leonajones4876]

She looks so good keep up the good work.

[@SuperHurricane75]

My favorite singer!

[@freedomchance9982]

I LOVE HER!!!!!

[@jacquelinefranklin8697]

I just love here and all of America as well.

[@mysticapexdietygg404]

Jennifer you hit home look within and there's a dream with your name on it yess ma'am

[@brandonplays702]

❤❤❤❤ I love you so much!

[@jeffkoons001]

had no idea JH had MS... what a difficult disease to live with. Sending her love and wishes for good health and pain free!!

[@mysticapexdietygg404]

Love you Jennifer 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💮💮💮💠💠

[@michellecaesar4912]

I am a black Indian Christian, I'm proud of her.

[@amirsmith153]

UGH I LOVE HER OMG DIFJDJFJFJF I LOVE HERRRRRR

[@mysticapexdietygg404]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 I love Jennifer Holliday she seems like real real positive and sweet open minded and encourageing human being

[@RAFAELISWATCHING]

SUPER INSPIRING!

[@josephjames3838]

Jennifer is sangin' the hell out of those songs from The Color Purple. ..

[@beignet2012]

LOVE Jennifer Hudson. She is everything.

[@faffolite]

I saw her like once my knees went weak

[@sizzlinsondra715]

God is all n her. humility

[@TemujinScott80]

I wish she'd stop staying "she may not be the right Shug" -- she's a Broadway legend.

[@SuperHurricane75]

I am 100% behind you!

[@sarahscott9176]

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