In a recent revelation on Kerry Washington's podcast "Street You Grew Up On," Queen Latifah shared that her acclaimed portrayal of Matron "Mama" Morton in the Oscar-winning film Chicago was inspired by her grandmother, rather than the director's intended reference.
During the podcast conversation, Latifah recalled how director Rob Marshall repeatedly suggested she channel Sophie Tucker - a buxom, sequin-wearing performer - for the role. However, unfamiliar with Tucker, Latifah instead found inspiration closer to home.
"I don't know Sophie Tucker, but that sounds like my grandmother.... I'm gonna do my grandmother. I got this," Latifah recalled telling Marshall. She remembered how her grandmother would show her photos from cruise ships, where she would be seated at the captain's table, demonstrating a commanding presence that would later influence Latifah's portrayal.
The role of Matron Morton, the corrupt prison overseer in Chicago, earned Latifah her first and only Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. In the film, her character holds significant power over the inmates, including Roxie Hart (Renée Zellweger) and Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), controlling their prison experience and connections to the outside world.
One of the standout moments in Latifah's performance comes during her rendition of "When You're Good to Mama," a song that perfectly encapsulates her character's transactional relationship with the inmates.
The 2002 film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, with Latifah performing alongside an ensemble cast including Richard Gere, Taye Diggs, and John C. Reilly.
Currently, audiences can watch Latifah in the fifth season of The Equalizer, airing Sundays on CBS.
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