"It's an honor that a movie in which I was prominently featured is regarded highly enough that filmmakers think it's worthy of being remade," says Lonette McKee, who starred in 1976 film 'Sparkle.'
"It's an honor that a movie in which I was prominently featured is regarded highly enough that filmmakers think it's worthy of being remade," says Lonette McKee, who starred in 1976 film 'Sparkle.'
McKee would go on to co-star with Richard Pryor in Which Way Is Up and Brewster's Millions, appear in Francis Ford Coppola's The Cotton Club and do four films with filmmaker Spike Lee, including Malcolm X. McKee, now 58, is preparing for a concert Aug. 24 at Harlem's Aaron Davis Hall that will feature a tribute to the old and new Sparkle. She took time out to share her thoughts about both films and Carmen Ejogo, who inherits the role of Sister.Q: Were you aware this remake was being made and that Houston, who also is an executive producer, was playing the mother?"I had no knowledge of Whitney trying to get it made — didn't even know Whitney was involved, only street-word that it might happen."Q: How do you feel that this new version of Sparkle is finally coming out?"I feel it's an honor that a movie in which I was prominently featured is regarded highly enough that filmmakers think it's worthy of being remade. I'm a longtime Whitney Houston fan and love Jordin Sparks' work, as well. I was so smitten with Carmen Ejogo's performances that I actually wrote a starring role for her in one of my screenplays. So I'm thrilled about them doing a remake."Q: The 1976 Sparkle offered an alternative point of view of black womanhood in an era known for such blaxpoitation babes as Foxy Brown and Cleopatra Jones. Why is it such a cherished film among African-Americans, including Houston, who saw it repeatedly in theaters when it first came out?
Warner Bros./The Kobal CollectionLonette McKee, left, Irene Cara and Dawn Smith starred as singing sisters in 1976 film 'Sparkle.'"Curtis Mayfield's soundtrack was awesome, and certainly was largely responsible for the film's vivacity. But I would venture to say that all of the intricacies of filmmaking fell into place to produce that elusive and indefinable thing called 'screen magic.' When it all came together at the end of the day, Sparkle was indeed a very special film. It hit a chord in the hearts of moviegoers, and they embraced it and kept it alive."Q: How did the original Sparkle affect your career?"Sparkle was my very first movie. Prior to that, I thought my big career break would come by way of the music business. I was a songwriter/singer/keyboard girl and had just written and recorded my first solo album in L.A. I never expected to find myself cast in such a dynamic movie, playing a tragic character who also happened to sing. Sparkle was an extremely lucky break for me and a fantastic experience all around.Q: The remake will likely be the last time fans will get to see and hear Houston perform. This Sparkle will stand as a final testament to her talent. What are your thoughts?"Of course, this is a bittersweet reality. I loved and respected Whitney's work so much. The fact that this is her swan song doesn't make her untimely demise any more palatable for me, and I'm sure everybody else will feel the same."For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com. View the original article here
No comments:
Post a Comment