CASTING NEWS: Jennifer Hudson Is Winnie Mandela+Darius McCray Is "Y&R"'s Malcolm?!

Nov 18 | by Natasha

I am UBER heated right now. Y'all know about my "Young and the Restless" obsession. Seeing that it was pretty much obvious Shemar Moore would not be reprising his role as "Malcolm" on "Y&R" thanks to his successful gig over at "Criminal Minds", I knew there would have to be a new Malcolm. But WHOEVER had the bright idea to cast Eddie damn Winslow in this spot has scarred my heart: EW has learned exclusively that Darius McCrary – best known for playing Eddie Winslow on the long-running ABC sitcom Family Matters – has signed a multi-year deal to assume the role beginning Nov. 18. His debut will air on Dec. 29. “We are thrilled to have the character of Malcolm back on Y&R,” according to a statement from Maria Bell, the drama’s co-executive producer/head writer. “Malcolm, Neil Winters’ brother, has always been a catalyst to exciting stories. He’s coming back to town to see his brother and to reunite with his biological daughter, Lily Winters, as she fights for her life. Malcolm is a photographer … someone who lives on the edge and who always pushes the envelope.”

Source

WHYYYYY GINA?!?! Darius McCrary? Really? Sorry. I just can't co-sign on this foolishness.

In other news, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has signed on to play Winnie Mandela, wife of South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela, in a new biopic called Winnie. Here's the scoop: Jennifer Hudson is set to star in “Winnie,” a drama that casts her as the former wife of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela. Hudson will play Winnie Mandela in a film that begins production May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Capt Town, Transkei and Robben Island, where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison. “I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Hudson said. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.”

Source

Morgan Freeman has already signed on and started taping scenes for his role as Nelson Mandela for another upcoming movie Invictus. This should be interesting to also have the story told from the former wife's perspective.

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Just keeping it real: Eddie

Just keeping it real: Eddie winslow as malcolm is a hot mess! They couldnt get Hill harper or Haile berrys ex man from the movie, their eyes were watching god. I forget his name. I will offically not be watching the story’s now. Congrats to J-hud! Hill Harper is on a real TV show and Michael Ealy is a (supporting) movie star. You're forgetting that soaps are pretty much the bottom of the barrel as far as steady acting work goes; you definitely get PAID, but there is a stigma attached to it. Darius needed this. It's been a rough road since Family Matters! At least he didn't go the way of Todd Bridges.

by Akimbo
8:29 pm - Nov 18, '09

Ummm Shemar is NEVER going

Ummm Shemar is NEVER going back to Y&R. That being said, why not Darius? It's a soap and I have seen them re-cast white characters that look nothing like the original, so big deal already. Now Darius is not as fine as Shemar, so I'ma going to have to believe that this is the problem. For a dose of Shemar, check him as Morgan on Criminal Minds (my favorite show!) and you will soon be saying "Malcom who? Malcolm in the Middle, Malcolm?" :D

by Yardy
8:33 pm - Nov 18, '09

It would be nice if we women

It would be nice if we women could get some eye candy. I know Darius has to eat, but he could get a job that fits his face. He is too ugly to be someone's eye candy.

by lissence
8:37 pm - Nov 18, '09

Good for Eddie Winslow.

Good for Eddie Winslow. Don't forget he was excellent as Muhammad Ali (even though he looked nothing like him) in that HBO show about Don King and he was good in that religious made-for-TV show he did. Matter of fact he's been good in everything I've seen him in. Give him a chance. I'm going to over look that Superhead bullshit.

by Sally Hemmings
4:25 am - Nov 19, '09

Wow! Jhud will be perfect

Wow! Jhud will be perfect playing Winnie. She will have to lose a little bit of weight though. Oscar winning stuff right there!

by Thandi
8:47 pm - Nov 18, '09

happy about the winnie movie,

happy about the winnie movie, not so happy about eddie winslow playing malcolm...actually I'm livid..wtf were they thinking casting him as malcolm...are they blind, dumb, or both? make's no sense. Just because he's black doesn't mean he suits the part. chaaaa

by Miss. Tiandez Jones
8:11 am - Nov 21, '09

Well, you go Ms. JHud! Now,

Well, you go Ms. JHud! Now, that is a role fit for her. Jennifer is going to make Winnie proud that she was picked to portray her.

by ruonpoint09
5:50 am - Nov 19, '09

i love ynr but ...darius is

i love ynr but ...darius is just not in the same league as malcolm or even becoming malcolm...wow...smh at ynr..but he does need a gig b/c his baby is coming soon..can't hate on him wanting a paycheck....ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....i'm just annoyed

by rhonda
9:03 pm - Nov 18, '09

Proud Black Woman: I was

Proud Black Woman: I was disappointed with the previews for Invictus. I thought it was going to be the story and life of Nelson Mandela. Its nothing more then him as an advocate to an all white british soccer team.This movie Winnie better be about his ex wife Sorry, Proud Black Woman... The movie is about the South African Football (Soccer) team, not British.

by CocoChanel
6:07 am - Nov 19, '09

seriously Darius playin

seriously Darius playin Malcolm? That doesnt even look right...im happy that homeboy finally got a job but sorry ths role just aint the one for him....if anything BRING BACK DRU!!!!!!!!

by Jaz
9:18 pm - Nov 18, '09

I can't wait for this story

I can't wait for this story to come out about Winnie. Hopefully people will come to know Nelson for the asshole that he eventually became. People need to stop worshipping him like he's Jesus.

by Oxyclean
6:46 am - Nov 19, '09

Yeah for Jennifer!!! But she

Yeah for Jennifer!!! But she better look out for that ignorant ass bitch Beyonce, we all know she gone bring her big booble head ass around talking about she was "born to play that part' Yall know how she do. Now Jennifer represents real talent. She can sing and act, without all of the props, gimmicks, and whatever else those talentless ass bitches use to cover up the obvious! When you got it, you got it, and she got it!!

by rena1970
9:22 pm - Nov 18, '09

I wonder if Little Ritchie

I wonder if Little Ritchie (Devon) had any hand in gettin his former coworker that Malcolm role on Y&R? smh o well....

by Jaz
9:22 pm - Nov 18, '09

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by UGG Classic Cardy
12:40 pm - Nov 27, '09

DARIUS TAKING OVER SHEMAR'S

DARIUS TAKING OVER SHEMAR'S ROLE OF PLAYING MALCOLM!!!! AHH HELL THAT'S LIKE GOING FROM BEAUTY TO THE BEAST!!!! THAT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT WHITE FOLKS STILL THINK WE ALL LOOK ALIKE. WTF!!! SMH JENNY JONES!!!!

by JENNY JONES
7:04 am - Nov 19, '09

ummm... no to Eddie Winslow

ummm... no to Eddie Winslow being Malcolm. we go from fine ass Shemar to Darius. they're also changing around that Malcolm is mixed to him being all black and NOWHERE near as fine as before. what, he fell off a cliff and hit ugly sticks all the way down?! ok darius ain't that bad looking but come on son! c'mon!

by dana j
12:42 am - Nov 19, '09

an african actor from actual

an african actor from actual Africa would have been nice...

by notthatheffer
8:05 am - Nov 19, '09

1st! my 1st 1st lol woop

1st! my 1st 1st lol woop woop x

by Yemzi
7:14 pm - Nov 18, '09

I was disappointed with the

I was disappointed with the previews for Invictus. I thought it was going to be the story and life of Nelson Mandela. Its nothing more then him as an advocate to an all white british soccer team. This movie Winnie better be about his ex wife

by Proud Black Woman
7:14 pm - Nov 18, '09

Am I first? Probably because

Am I first? Probably because no one cares about soaps! Tasha, I too am a Y&R fanatic, and I am mad at this selection! COME ON, people! And I'm really wanting them to bring Dru back! I miss her and all her dramatics! Plus Lily needs her mom more than ever now!

by bk
7:14 pm - Nov 18, '09

I really excited for JHud!

I really excited for JHud! and since I don't watch soaps I don't care too much about the recasting...at least Eddie has a job!

by Rifa
7:17 pm - Nov 18, '09

A Minka Kelly, her name is

A Minka Kelly, her name is brought up, cause I brought it up. You don't like it who cares. As you may well know, I'm not here to please you or anybody else. damn how u or anybody else feel. If yall get so damn emotional because I used a bitch's name to make a point, then that's your problem. Scroll down, shut up talking to me, and keep it moving. It's always the so righteous person up in here telling people thay going to hell and what not. Sorry, but last time i checked and read the bible, you don't get to make those kind of decisions. Judge me all you want, but it ain't gone change nothing! I said what I said, and meant every last word. Next!!!! And the only one with a demon inside of her is you, cause it's got you acting a damn fool and talking crazy over a bitch who wouldn't even give your ass the time of day if you asked. So you worship whomever you chose to. Just because I dislike a person, doesn't mean I'm the devil, or a hater. Yall some silly ass bootlickers, and I hope you gettting paid well!

by rena1970
8:47 am - Nov 19, '09

Oh hells nawh Malcolm? Darius

Oh hells nawh Malcolm? Darius is gonna play Malcolm, Malcolm as in sexy? SMDH this is why I don't F with the stories like I used to. Good for Jennifer Hudson she's perfect for that role.

by iolastar
7:17 pm - Nov 18, '09

I smell another Oscar for

I smell another Oscar for J-Hud!, I'm with you on this one Tash, who though it was a good idea to replace Shemar M with Darius M? What!???? They should have been thinking eye candy (we all know you don't have to be a stellar actor to be on a soap), and he does not fit the bill of eye candy!

by Shamrock
7:18 pm - Nov 18, '09

I was thinking the same

I was thinking the same thing. I do not think he is a good replacement for Malcolm. They should just create a new character and leave Malcolm off the show. And he's supposed to be Lily's biological father? This is not a good decision on the part of Y&R. Jaz: I wonder if Little Ritchie (Devon)had any hand in gettin his former coworker that Malcolm role on Y&R? smh o well….

by Black Vesper
10:08 pm - Nov 18, '09

I meant to write I'm*

by Rifa
7:18 pm - Nov 18, '09

Well, lol.... Eddie Wonslo

Well, lol.... Eddie Wonslo canot act!!! and he sure the hell isnt anyones eye candy! smh All I think about when I see him is Superhead! smh I love Jennifer Hudson!!!! Congrats. I saw the previews for Invictied and I wasnt too thrilled! I was hoping this wasnt going to be the Nelson MAndela movie I was clinching my seat for! Well Morgan............

by Ok Kanye! aka Zane Mac
7:18 pm - Nov 18, '09

Say what now??? and he's

Say what now??? and he's supposed to be the biological father of Lily White "Lily"? I object!

by KJ
7:19 pm - Nov 18, '09

rena1970: Yeah for

rena1970: Yeah for Jennifer!!! But she better look out for that ignorant ass bitch Beyonce, we all know she gone bring her big booble head ass around talking about she was “born to play that part’ Yall know how she do. Now Jennifer represents real talent. She can sing and act, without all of the props, gimmicks, and whatever else those talentless ass bitches use to cover up the obvious! When you got it, you got it, and she got it!! Why is Beyonce's name brought up and this is about Jennifer. Let it go. Get some help. Talk to your preacher at your church. Someone needs to lay their hands on you and get that demon out of you girl. Cause you and the Beyonce haterades gonna let all that hate you have for that girl damn you to hell.

by Minka Kelly
10:13 pm - Nov 18, '09

Congrat's Jennifer. As far

Congrat's Jennifer. As far as the Malcolm character hell naw that's like replacing steak with steak'ums. What the hell. As far as I'm concerned Malcolm is dead. R.I.P

by Unknown Critic
7:22 pm - Nov 18, '09

Minka Kelly: Why is

Minka Kelly: Why is Beyonce’s name brought up and this is about Jennifer. Let it go. Get some help. Talk to your preacher at your church. Someone needs to lay their hands on you and get that demon out of you girl. Cause you and the Beyonce haterades gonna let all that hate you have for that girl damn you to hell. Minka Kelly? You think she needs help? Interesting lingo, Minka.

by You rang?
9:30 am - Nov 19, '09

@ Nicole the writer, why are

@ Nicole the writer, why are you trying to stop another mans success and paper. They see something you don't that is why they chose him. Don't be a hater and let the man eat!!

by Pwhat?
7:23 pm - Nov 18, '09

Get it Jenny!!! Win ANOTHER

Get it Jenny!!! Win ANOTHER Oscar for those haters!!!

by Lisset
5:24 am - Nov 20, '09

Pwhat?: @ Nicole the

Pwhat?: @ Nicole the writer, why are you trying to stop another mans success and paper. They see something you don’t that is why they chose him. Don’t be a hater and let the man eat!! um... if you are talking about the "owner" her name is Tasha, not Nicole.

by Ok Kanye! aka Zane Mac
7:29 pm - Nov 18, '09

Jennifer is very talented but

Jennifer is very talented but think she's the wrong person to play Winnie. People up here talking bout how she is perfect fr the role have obviously never seen Winnie. That woman is stunning and has a presence that JHud just cant ull off. They not even in the same league looks wise

by africa
3:01 pm - Nov 19, '09

LMAO @ the author of this

LMAO @ the author of this post. She is clearly pissed! I love Jennifer Hudson as an actress. Most singers should just stick to being singers (side eye @ beyonce) but Jennifer is truly gifted.

by Imma Let You Get Yo Shine But...
7:30 pm - Nov 18, '09

Darius McCrary as Malcom on

Darius McCrary as Malcom on Y&R is a FAIL. Next thing you know Dru will be replaced with someone other than Victoria Rowell. Y&R isn't the same anyway, not loving it like I used to.

by rated_X_32
7:31 pm - Nov 18, '09

LMAO@ Her saying Eddie Damn

LMAO@ Her saying Eddie Damn Winslow

by NO HATE!!!
10:31 pm - Nov 18, '09

Oh lord - they are going to

Oh lord - they are going to have my baby Jennifer Hudson looking ashy as hell playing Winnie - anyway, okay. I have always been apprehensive about watching versions of the Mandela story. There are alwsys so many holes in it but i guess you have to take at face value as no one would ever put the shadiness of the European government on blast. On a good note - I almost forgot how pretty J-Hud is - so cute!!! Oh please - Shemar Moore tried his hardest to get out of that soap opera scene - CRIMINAL MINDS IS THE BOMB!!!! Anyway, I can't believe that after all of these years that anyone could still be hooked soap operas????? Natasha let it go. Leave that to suburban mothers who wear mom jeans and drive soccer vans.

by Stacey
7:33 pm - Nov 18, '09

Invictus is already

Invictus is already completed. Not only is the trailer entering heavy rotation, but also my roommate went to a screening last night. Darius McCrary as 'Malcolm' is odd, but I think J-Hud as Winnie Mandela is worse! Jennifer's not the worst actor, but she's definitely not in that uppper echelon of talent! She won her Oscar for singing, not acting!

by Akimbo
7:34 pm - Nov 18, '09

rated_X_32: Darius McCrary

rated_X_32: Darius McCrary as Malcom on Y&R is a FAIL. Next thing you know Dru will be replaced with someone other than Victoria Rowell. Y&R isn’t the same anyway, not loving it like I used to. They are goin to replace her with Fantaisa! *clutches pearls*

by Ok Kanye! aka Zane Mac
7:36 pm - Nov 18, '09

Darius is sexy in his own

Darius is sexy in his own right. As much as Shamar just different. I think he can pull it off. I wish him well and I loved him as Eddie Winslow. :) TEAM DARIUS.

by Say What?
5:18 pm - Nov 19, '09

the author of this post is so

the author of this post is so stupid.Who is asking for your stamp of approval on Darius role as Malcom. This is someone's career and at least he can pay his bills.HATER

by HATERLICIOUS
7:40 pm - Nov 18, '09

Ok Kanye! aka Zane Mac:

Ok Kanye! aka Zane Mac: They are goin to replace her with Fantaisa! *clutches pearls* LMBAO, I doubt that...bitch wouldn't be able to read her lines!

by rated_X_32
7:42 pm - Nov 18, '09

I hope the Winnie movie is

I hope the Winnie movie is good... Morgan is my man but I have an awful feeling this is going to be another Driving Miss Daisy...the previews for Invictus weren't thrilling. Shame beccause Nelson Mandela deserves his own movie.

by bored@work
7:43 pm - Nov 18, '09

I really admire J Hud just a

I really admire J Hud just a year ago her family was murdered and she's since had a baby and is working again just keeping her head up, it's so hard to carry on when your mum dies let alone when your mum, brother AND nephew dies! I think we should expect big things from this movie-last time she worked on 'secret life of bees' and 'dreamgirls' she really delivered so I for sure will defo be going to see this movie!!

by Cazza!
5:35 pm - Nov 19, '09

rated_X_32: LMBAO, I doubt

rated_X_32: LMBAO, I doubt that…bitch wouldn’t be able to read her lines! LMFAO she still cant read?

by Proud Black Woman
7:50 pm - Nov 18, '09

Don't hate on Darius yet..let

Don't hate on Darius yet..let the man do the role first and then judge....Hey he might surprise everyone and do a better job than Shemar..

by luvkale
7:47 pm - Nov 18, '09

W-T-F?! WINNIE

W-T-F?! WINNIE MANDELA?????!!!!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE MORGAN FREEMAN!!! But I saw the trailer of Invictus and his African accent was HORRIBLE. It went in and out in the :60 second trailer and he is among the very best. I'm not saying she can't do it but I sincerely hope she does the work because it would be a horrible injustice to herself and to Winnie Mandela. I am rooting for her 100% but white actresses don't get a pass when they butcher an accent and neither should a black actress. We need to step up our game and I pray that she does because there are trained actresses who didn't get the opportunity. Effie (Dreamgirls) is a faaaaaaaarrrrrr cry from Winnie Mandela. I congratulate Jennifer and I hope for the best but I won't give her praise if she doesn't kill it...period.