Bessie
Released
May 16, 2015
Runtime: 1h 47m
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
Loading where to watch…
Cast & Crew
Queen Latifah
Bessie Smith
Mo'Nique
Ma Rainey
Mike Epps
Richard
Tika Sumpter
Lucille
Michael Kenneth Williams
Jack Gee
Charles S. Dutton
William 'Pa' Rainey
Bryan Greenberg
John Hammond
Oliver Platt
Carl Van Vechten
Khandi Alexander
Viola
Tory Kittles
Clarence
- KJ
Kamryn Johnson
Young Bessie
- RM
Rikki McKinney
Chorus Guy
- AC
Alan T. Coleman
Stagehand
- CC
Clay Chappell
'81' Theatre Owner
- SM
Sharan C. Mansfield
Miss Taylor
Neko Parham
Rehearsal Director
Onira Tarés
Chorus Girl
Jhoni Davis
Chorus Girl
Dee Rees
Director
Dee Rees
Story
Horton Foote
Story
- BG
Bettina Gilois
Screenplay
- CC
Christopher Cleveland
Screenplay
Media
You Might Also Like
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Nov 25, 2020
Hounddog
Sep 19, 2008
Cadillac Records
Dec 5, 2008
Introducing Dorothy Dandridge
Aug 21, 1999
Iron Jawed Angels
Jan 16, 2004
Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B
Nov 15, 2014
A Dry White Season
Sep 20, 1989
My Brother the Devil
Jan 22, 2012
Girlfight
May 1, 2000
The Safety of Objects
Oct 25, 2002
Pariah
Dec 27, 2011
Preacher's Kid
Jan 29, 2010
Bruised
Nov 17, 2021
Beast
Apr 10, 2026