Queen Latifah character Bessie Smith
Mo'Nique character Ma Rainey
Mike Epps character Richard
Tika Sumpter character Lucille
Michael Kenneth Williams character Jack Gee
Charles S. Dutton character William 'Pa' Rainey
Bryan Greenberg character John Hammond
Oliver Platt character Carl Van Vechten
Khandi Alexander character Viola
Tory Kittles character Clarence
Joe Knezevich character Frank Walker
Jeremie Harris character Langston Hughes
Jennifer Sears character Ma's Main Girl
Crystal Lee Brown character Bessie's Dancer
Terence Rosemore character Detroit Theater Manager
L. Warren Young character Sharkish Man
Tia Hendricks character Doreen Dupree
Whitney Goin character Fania Van Vechten
Neko Parham character Rehearsal Director
Kaden Washington Lewis character Swarm Boy #1
Alkoya Brunson character Swarm Boy #2
Todd Allen Durkin character Night Club Owner
Swift Rice character Stage Hand
Jim R. Coleman character Host
Jessejames Locorriere character Vanity Fair Editor
Onira Tares character Chorus Girl #1
Jhoni Davis character Chorus Girl #2
Hunter Womack character Roadie #1
Christopher Harvey character Roadie #2
Marie Burke character Etta Johnson
Levi Erik character Benny Goodman
Nicole Spiezio character Marguerite d'Alvarez
Bralyn Stokes character Harry Pace
Sylvester Ambrose James II character Jack Gee Jr.
