Actor

Jennifer Hudson

Born: 12 September 1981, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Estimated net worth: $30 million

Jennifer Hudson: best films and shows

About Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is an acclaimed American actress and singer known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. She gained fame for her role in 'Dreamgirls,' earning an Academy Award. Hudson's career spans film, music, and television, with notable roles in 'The Secret Life of Bees' and 'Respect.' Her vocal talent and acting skills have earned her a respected place in the entertainment industry.

Born: 12 September 1981, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Spouses: David Otunga (2008-2017)
Children: 1, David Daniel Otunga Jr.
Parents: Dola Hudson, Samuel Simpson
Estimated net worth: $30 million

Fun facts about Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson was a finalist on 'American Idol' in 2004 before her acting career took off.
She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Dreamgirls' in 2007.

Famous Jennifer Hudson quotes

“And I am telling you, I'm not going.”

Dreamgirls, 2006

“You are the perfect person for this job.”

The Secret Life of Bees, 2008

“I just want to be a part of something that is bigger than me.”

Respect, 2021

Jennifer Hudson filmography

Cast (106)

Year	Title	Character	Rating
2027	Pierre the Pigeon-Hawk Movie	Ophelia the Owl (voice)
2026	PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie Movie	Lilian Ledes (voice)	8.3
2026	AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy Movie	Self	6.5
2026	GOAT Movie	Louise Harris (voice)	8.0
2025	2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Movie	Self	4.8
2025	Grace for the World Movie	Self
2025	The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl Movie	Self	7.3
2025	Diane Warren: Relentless Movie	Self	5.6
2024	92nd Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center Movie	Self	10.0
2024	Josh Groban & Friends: Home for the Holidays Movie	Self

Show 96 more credits

Year	Title	Character	Rating
2024	American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special Movie	Self
2024	Breathe Movie	Maya	5.6
2023	Christmas at Graceland Movie	Self	5.5
2023	Marvel's Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur TV	Mane (voice)	7.4
2022	Tell It Like a Woman Movie	Pepcy / Kim	4.2
2022	The Jennifer Hudson Show TV	Self - Host	5.6
2022	Sherri TV	Self - Guest	2.6
2021	2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Movie	Self	4.0
2021	Respect Movie	Aretha Franklin	6.8
2021	Monster Movie	Mrs. Harmon	6.4
2021	Roll Up Your Sleeves Movie	Self	7.1
2021	Baba Yaga Movie	Forest (voice)
2020	Mariah Carey's Magical Christmas Special Movie	Self	6.2
2020	In Search of the Sanderson Sisters: A Hocus Pocus Hulaween Takeover Movie	Jennifer Hudson	7.1
2020	Global Goal: Unite for Our Future \| The Concert Movie	Self
2020	The Disney Family Singalong - Volume II Movie	Self	6.9
2020	One World: Together at Home Movie	Self	7.1
2019	Cats Movie	Grizabella	4.1
2019	The Kelly Clarkson Show TV	Self	6.2
2019	Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" Movie	Self	6.6
2019	HOMECOMING: A film by Beyoncé Movie	Self	8.0
2019	Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul Movie	Self	4.0
2018	Happy Hour with Olly Murs Movie	Self
2018	Q85: A Musical Celebration for Quincy Jones Movie	Self	7.0
2018	American Idol TV	Self - Guest Judge	6.7
2017	A Very Pentatonix Christmas Movie	Self	4.8
2017	Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives Movie	Self	6.7
2017	Sandy Wexler Movie	Courtney Clarke	5.5
2016	Hairspray Live! Movie	Motormouth Maybelle	7.3
2016	Sing Movie	Young Nana (voice)	7.1
2016	Confirmation Movie	Angela Wright	6.9
2016	Forensic Justice TV	Self (archive footage)
2015	Chi-Raq Movie	Irene	5.7
2015	The Late Show with Stephen Colbert TV	Unknown character	6.1
2015	The Late Show with Stephen Colbert TV	Self	6.1
2015	The Late Show with Stephen Colbert TV	Self - Guest	6.1
2015	Celebrity Family Feud TV	Self - Contestant	7.7
2015	The Late Late Show with James Corden TV	Self	5.1
2015	Empire TV	Michelle White	7.1
2014	The Concert for Valor Movie	Self - Performer	8.6
2014	Lullaby Movie	Nurse Carrie	6.2
2014	Late Night with Seth Meyers TV	Self	5.1
2014	Late Night with Seth Meyers TV	Self - Guest	5.1
2014	The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon TV	Self - Guest	5.8
2014	And the Oscar Goes To... Movie	Self - Interviewee	6.8
2013	Black Nativity Movie	Naima	5.2
2013	The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete Movie	Gloria	7.2
2013	Call Me Crazy: A Five Film Movie	Maggie	7.0
2012	Steve Harvey TV	Self - Musical Guest	7.0
2012	Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You Movie	Self	7.3
2012	The Voice TV	Jennifer Hudson	5.6
2012	The Three Stooges Movie	Sister Rosemary	5.8
2012	The Voice UK TV	Self - Coach	6.1
2012	Smash TV	Veronica Moore	6.5
2012	Always Whitney Houston Movie	Self	9.0
2011	Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Movie	Self	6.0
2011	VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul Movie	Self
2011	Winnie Mandela Movie	Winnie Mandela	5.8
2011	The Jonathan Ross Show TV	Self	5.2
2011	The Voice TV	Self - Mentor	5.9
2011	The Voice TV	Self - Coach	5.9
2009	Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas Movie	Self
2009	VH1 Divas 2009 Movie	Self
2009	Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen TV	Self - Guest	4.9
2009	Winged Creatures Movie	Kathy Archenault	5.9
2009	Michael Jackson Memorial Movie	Self	8.0
2009	DJ Juice: The King is Back Mixtape Blend DVD Vol. 70 Movie	Self (archive footage)	6.0
2008	The Secret Life of Bees Movie	Rosaleen Daise	7.5
2008	Live from the Red Carpet: Sex and the City Movie	Self
2008	Sex and the City Movie	Louise	6.5
2007	Elmo's Christmas Countdown Movie	Self	6.2
2007	The Graham Norton Show TV	Self	7.2
2006	Dreamgirls Movie	Effie White	6.7
2006	The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Movie	Jewel
2004	Project Runway TV	Self - Guest Judge	6.3
2003	The Ellen DeGeneres Show TV	Self	5.6
2003	Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV	Self	5.3
2002	American Idol TV	Self - Contestant	5.0
2002	American Idol TV	Self - Musical Guest	5.0
2002	American Idol TV	Self - Performer	5.0
2002	American Idol TV	Self	5.0
2002	Live from E! TV	Self	3.7
1999	The Early Show TV	Self	6.2
1997	The View TV	Self - Guest	4.3
1997	The View TV	Self	4.3
1992	The Tonight Show with Jay Leno TV	Unknown character	5.3
1988	LIVE with Kelly and Mark TV	Self - Guest	5.6
1986	The Oprah Winfrey Show TV	Self	3.9
1984	MTV Video Music Awards TV	Self	7.8
1981	Entertainment Tonight TV	Self	4.3
1973	The American Film Institute Salute to ... TV	Self - Musical Guest	6.3
1959	The Grammys TV	Self	8.6
1953	The Oscars TV	Self	7.1
1952	Today TV	Self	5.6
1944	Golden Globe Awards TV	Self - Presenter	7.0
TBA	The Making of 'Sex and the City' Movie	Self

Crew (7)

Year	Title	Role	Rating
2023	The Color Purple Movie	Songs · Sound	7.0
2022	The Jennifer Hudson Show TV	Executive Producer · Production	5.6
2022	The Jennifer Hudson Show TV	Creator · Creator	5.6
2021	Respect Movie	Executive Producer · Production	6.8
2021	Respect Movie	Songs · Sound	6.8

Show 2 more credits

Year	Title	Role	Rating
2021	Baba Yaga Movie	Executive Producer · Production
2016	Hairspray Live! Movie	Songs · Sound	7.3

Latest releases

PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie2026 / TMDB 8.3
AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy2026 / TMDB 6.5
GOAT2026 / TMDB 8.0
2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony2025 / TMDB 4.8
Grace for the World2025
The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl2025 / TMDB 7.3

Questions about Jennifer Hudson

What are Jennifer Hudson's most successful films?

Jennifer Hudson's most successful films include 'Dreamgirls,' 'The Secret Life of Bees,' and 'Respect.' Her role in 'Dreamgirls' particularly catapulted her to fame, earning her an Oscar.

Has Jennifer Hudson won any awards?

Yes, Jennifer Hudson has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy. Her Oscar win for 'Dreamgirls' is one of her most notable achievements.

What was Jennifer Hudson's first film?

Jennifer Hudson's first film was 'Dreamgirls' in 2006, where she played the role of Effie White. Her performance received critical acclaim and launched her film career.

How many children does Jennifer Hudson have?

Jennifer Hudson has one child, a son named David Daniel Otunga Jr., born in 2009. She shares him with her ex-fiancé, David Otunga.

What is Jennifer Hudson's estimated net worth?

Jennifer Hudson's estimated net worth is around $30 million. This wealth comes from her successful career in music, film, and television.

What is a defining characteristic of Jennifer Hudson's acting style?

Jennifer Hudson is known for her emotional depth and powerful vocal performances. Her ability to convey strong emotions has made her a standout actress.

What kind of roles is Jennifer Hudson known for?

Jennifer Hudson is known for roles that showcase her vocal talent and strong emotional performances. She often portrays characters facing personal struggles or overcoming adversity.

What impact did 'American Idol' have on Jennifer Hudson's career?

Jennifer Hudson gained national attention as a finalist on 'American Idol' in 2004. While she did not win, the exposure helped launch her music and acting career.