Queen Latifah

Bessie Smith

Oliver Platt

Carl Van Vechten

Michael Kenneth Williams

Jack Gee

Todd Allen Durkin

Nightclub Manager

Mike Epps

Richard

Charles S. Dutton

William 'Pa' Rainey

Richard D. Zanuck

Executive Producer

Khandi Alexander

Viola

Mo'Nique

Ma Rainey

Bryan Greenberg

John Hammond

Tory Kittles

Clarence

Briana Starks

Ma's Dancer

Tika Sumpter

Lucille

Sharan C. Mansfield

Miss Taylor

Onira Tarés

Chorus Girl

Jim R. Coleman

Host

Dee Rees

Director

Clay Chappell

'81' Theatre Owner

Shakim Compere

Executive Producer

Shelby Stone

Executive Producer

Kamryn Johnson

Young Bessie

Randi Michel

Executive Producer

Rikki McKinney

Chorus Guy

Alan T. Coleman

Stagehand

Neko Parham

Rehearsal Director

Jhoni Davis

Chorus Girl

Melissa Youngblood

Theatergoer

Jennifer Sears

Ma's Main Girl

Crystal Lee Brown

Bessie's Dancer

Lili Fini Zanuck

Executive Producer