Bessie 8 years old

Survival began with a song

Bessie

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Credits

Bessie Cast

Name Character
Tika Sumpter She was 34, now 43 years old as Lucille
Charles S. Dutton He was 64, now 73 years old as William 'Pa' Rainey
Mo'Nique She was 47, now 56 years old as Ma Rainey
Oliver Platt He was 55, now 64 years old as Carl Van Vechten
Mike Epps He was 44, now 53 years old as Richard
Khandi Alexander She was 57, now 66 years old as Viola
Tory Kittles He was 40, now 49 years old as Clarence
Bryan Greenberg He was 36, now 45 years old as John Hammond
Onira Tares She was 33, now 42 years old as Chorus Girl #1
Jim R. Coleman He was 54, now 63 years old as Host
Neko Parham He was 42, now 51 years old as Rehearsal Director
Christopher Harvey He was 32, 319 years old when he died as Roadie #2
Jennifer Sears as Ma's Main Girl
L. Warren Young as Sharkish Man
Michael K. Williams He was 48, now 57 years old as Jack Gee

Bessie Crew

Name Department
Jeffrey Jur as Director of Photography. He was 59 (now 68) years old Camera
Clark Hunter as Production Design. He was 56 (now 65) years old Art
Bettina Gilois as Screenplay. Writing
Dee Rees as Director. She was 38 (now 47) years old Directing
Dee Rees as Story. She was 38 (now 47) years old Writing
Dee Rees as Screenplay. She was 38 (now 47) years old Writing
Bessie poster
Bessie (8 years)

Survival began with a song

  • Release day: Saturday, May 16, 2015
  • Runtime: 107 minutes