Rap-Up.com || Mary J. Blige Stars as Betty Shabazz in ‘Betty & Coretta’

Mary J. Blige starred in last year’s musical Rock of Ages, and now she’s stepping into an entirely new role. The Grammy-winning singer plays Dr. Betty Shabazz, civil rights advocate and the wife of Malcolm X, in the Lifetime Original Movie “Betty & Coretta,” which she also executive produced.

The film centers on the real-life stories of Coretta Scott King (Angela Bassett) and Shabazz as they form an unbreakable life-long bond after their husbands’ tragic assassinations.

Mary drew inspiration from Shabazz’ strength. “If Betty had not moved forward, Malcolm X would have died and that would have been it,” she told Los Angeles Confidential. “I didn’t even realize that she and Coretta had been friends. Women never get a chance to have their stories told when there are important men involved. That’s what drew me to the part.”

“Betty & Coretta” premieres Saturday, February 2, at 8 p.m. on Lifetime.

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23 Comments

LJ
January 9th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Lifetime should have given this role to a real actress, a pro like Angela is going to make Mary look like a amateur.

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Grant Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
@LJ, Have to agree. Haven’t we seen enough of the tragedies that ensue when entertainers try and act beside seasoned, trained professionals of this sort?

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Diego Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
@LJ, Hater u hatin and movie not even out yet

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LJ Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
@Diego, not hating, but judging on Mary’s previous acting performances, she should stick to singing. No point in doing two things badly.

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Diego Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
@LJ, Well that’s ur opinion Mary is a great singer that’s why she been around 20 plus years and has sang with the best pattie aretha chacka u don’t see people that can’t sing performing with these women case closed

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Ethan Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
@Diego, No one said Mary wasn’t a great singer, you mentally challenged fool. And it’s SHAKA, not ‘chacka.’ Regardless, the fact of the matter is that with black actresses overlooked in Hollywood, this role should’ve been given to one of THEM — someone who acts for a LIVING — to do this woman some justice and advance her career. Does your dumbass think your fave needs any help in this category? Ignorant people like you shouldn’t even have the right to voice your opinions. You only end up looking foolish.

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Tbozfan10 Reply:
January 10th, 2013 at 1:46 am
@Ethan, if she’s mentally challenged then you’re simply illiterate. You begin your rude comment with, “no one is saying she can’t sing” yet if you actually read the comment that person was responding to it says, “judging on Mary’s previous acting performances, she should stick to singing. No point in doing two things badly.” Are you trying to say that wasn’t implying MJB was a bad singer?

coco Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
@LJ, too true.

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Morgan
January 9th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Angela Bassett is absolutely STUNNING!

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Diego
January 9th, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Can’t wait

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l0
January 9th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
they switched skin tones… just saying

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jmb Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:44 pm
@l0, your point is?

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l0 Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 2:45 pm
@jmb, I ment no harm. just was saying

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Ophelia Hunt
January 9th, 2013 at 3:03 pm
People you have not even seen the movie.JH is a singer and she won award. So get off of Mary.

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TRP Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
@Ophelia Hunt, JH actually has some acting chops.

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Twista
January 9th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
This is funny seeing as how Angela Bassett played Betty Shabazz in Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” back in the early 90s.

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Miles Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 9:04 pm
@Twista, yeah its good you mention that cause yeah she did

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YOGURT
January 9th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
ANgela is a REALLY GREAT ACTRESS Especially in Biopics, she always make them BELIEVABLE. She has mastered the role of every Biopic she has been in.

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TRP
January 9th, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I didn’t know they were making this. I haven’t seen Mary in a film yet, so I can’t judge but Angela is an amazing actress…so pairing her with someone just as powerful probably would of been dope.

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freud
January 9th, 2013 at 8:01 pm
mary j look like the “aint nobody got time for that” lady.

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OMG Just Google Kelsnetwork and see what happens!
January 10th, 2013 at 12:35 am
congrats mary

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Bizunes Prounld Foboze Changed 2013
January 11th, 2013 at 1:21 am
Great for both of them guess the fans can’t wait to see it

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Angela Bassett | Gossip, News, Biography, Pictures, Filmography: Lifetime to Premiere Angela Bassett, Toni Braxton Movies for Black History Month – Chicago Tribune
January 13th, 2013 at 10:20 am
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