Dreamgirls TV Mashup! Sheryl Lee Ralph Will Play Jennifer Hudson’s Mom on Smash

Tony nominee Sheryl Lee Ralph will play Jennifer Hudson’s mother Cynthia on the second season of Smash, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ralph was nominated for a 1982 Tony Award for creating the role of Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, and Hudson won an Oscar for her portrayal of Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical. Filming for the second season of Smash is underway, but no premiere date has been announced.

Hudson joins season two of Smash as Veronica Moore, a Tony-winning Broadway star who affects the lives of budding Broadway performers Karen (Katharine McPhee) and Ivy (Megan Hilty).

In addition to Dreamgirls, Ralph has appeared on Broadway in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Reggae. Her screen credits include Lauryn Hill’s mother in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Mistress, Moeshsa and Designing Women.

Ralph is the newest name on the roster of stars added to the NBC drama’s sophomore season including Jeremy Jordan, Sean Hayes, Krysta Rodriguez, Andy Mientus and Daniel Sunjata.