Leslie Uggams, Courtney B. Vance Join Renee Elise Goldsberry-Led Telepic for HBO

Deadline reports that Courtney B. Vance and Leslie Uggams are the latest stars to join the cast of HBO Films' THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS. The actors join previously announced cast members Renee Elise Goldberry, Oprah Winfrey. Reg E. Cathey, Reed Birney, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, John Douglas Thompson, Adriane Lenox and Roger Robinson.

Tony winning HAMILTON star Goldsberry will portray Henrietta Lacks, described as "an African-American woman whose cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line." The story is told through the eyes of Lacks' daughter, played by Winfrey. The film will center on "her search to learn about the mother she never knew and to understand how the unauthorized harvesting of Lacks' cancerous cells in 1951 led to unprecedented medical breakthroughs, changing countless lives and the face of medicine forever. It's a story of medical arrogance and triumph, race, poverty and deep friendship between the unlikeliest of people."

Vance, who recently received an Emmy nom for his role as Johnnie Cochran in FX's The People v. O.J. Simpson: AMERICAN CRIME Story, will portray Sir Lord Keenan Kester Cofield, described as "a slick Southern con artist who tries to insert himself into the Lacks' legal matters. ROOTS alum Uggams will take on the role of Sadie, Henrietta's cousin and best friend.

SHUFFLE ALONG's George C. Wolfe wrote the telepic and will direct. Winfrey, Carla Gardini, Alan Ball Peter Macdissi and Lydia Dean Pilcher will serve as executive producers. A premiere date has not yet been announced.

Read the article in full HERE

Leslie Uggams starred in Hallelujah, Baby!, which premiered on Broadway in 1967, and won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a musical. She appeared on Broadway in the revue Blues in the Night in 1982 and in the musical revue of the works of Jerry Herman, Jerry's Girls in 1985. Later Broadway roles include Muzzy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (2003 - 2004) and Ethel Thayer in On Golden Pond at the KENNEDY Center in 2004 and on Broadway at the Cort Theatre in 2005. In 2001 she appeared in the August Wilson play King Hedley II, receiving a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.

Vance most recently starred on Broadway in 2013's LUCKY GUY. His other Broadway credits include SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION and FENCES.

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Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter-Keddy