Arts & Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein will star in ‘Hairspray Live!’

the NBC production announced casting details

Published

10 years ago

April 26, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via YouTube)

Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein will star in NBC’s teleplay production “Hairspray Live!,” the network announced.

Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a Baltimore record store. Fierstein will reprise his role as Edna Turnblad for which he won a Tony Award for the stage version. He will also write the script for the teleplay.

“We are beyond thrilled with this incredibly talented duo of stars for ‘Hairspray Live!'” NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. “Harvey Fierstein created the role of Edna Turnblad on Broadway in an indelible Tony-winning performance that demanded to be memorialized on film, and were happy he wanted to step into her shoes one last, unforgettable time.”

“Hairspray Live!” will air Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.

Related Topics:Hairspray Live!Harvey Fierstein Jennifer Hudson NBC

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

Published

9 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Michael Key

Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2026

Landon Shackelford

The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)