Jennifer Hudson, born September 12, 1981, is an American singer and actress known for her achievements in music, film and theater.
She gained fame on American Idol, won an Academy Award for Dreamgirls, and became an EGOT recipient in 2022.
Hudson’s career includes successful albums, notable film roles like Respect and TV appearances on shows like The Voice.
She hosts The Jennifer Hudson Show and is in a relationship with Common since 2021.
Siblings
Hudson comes from a very large family background.
Her father, Samuel Simpson, had over 25 children with multiple partners, which means she has a total of 26 siblings – 11 sisters and 16 brothers.
Hudson did not grow up with all of her siblings, as her parents separated when she was young.
As an adult, she reconnected with her father and learned about the full extent of her large family.
This was a significant discovery for Hudson, as she had not been aware of having so many siblings.
Despite the large number of siblings, she seems to have a close relationship with many of them.
Hudson has spoken fondly about her siblings and the support they provide each other.
Some of her siblings have also been involved in her musical and acting career over the years.
Career
Hudson’s first gained national recognition as a contestant on the 3rd season of American Idol in 2004, showcasing her powerful vocals and stage presence.
Despite finishing 7th, she made a lasting impression.
Her breakthrough came in 2006 when she portrayed Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls, a role that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
This success propelled her into a successful music career, with multiple acclaimed albums and awards, including Grammys, NAACP Image Awards and BET Awards.
Hudson has also excelled in film, starring in notable movies like Sex and the City and portraying Aretha Franklin in Respect.
On television, she has been a coach on The Voice and currently hosts her own talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show.
In 2022, Hudson achieved EGOT status by winning a Daytime Emmy Award, solidifying her as one of the youngest and fastest artists to reach this prestigious milestone.
Her career is a testament to her talent, hard work and resilience in the face of personal challenges, making her a respected and celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.
Awards
Hudson has amassed an impressive array of awards and accolades throughout her career.
She has won six Grammy Awards, 10 American Music Awards and 20 Billboard Music Awards.
Additionally, Hudson holds 12 Guinness World Records and has received numerous prestigious awards such as an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Grammy Awards, a Tony Award, ten NAACP Image Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Notably, she is the youngest woman and the only American Idol alumna to have achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.
Personal life
Hudson was engaged to David Otunga, a professional wrestler and lawyer, from 2008 to 2017.
They met through a mutual friend and had a high-profile relationship.
In 2009, they welcomed their son, David Daniel Otunga Jr. After their breakup in 2017, Hudson has been raising their son as a single parent.
In 2021, she began dating musician Common, and the two have kept their relationship relatively private.
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