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

Kamryn Johnson

Young Bessie

Rikki McKinney

Chorus Guy

Alan T. Coleman

Stagehand

Clay Chappell

'81' Theatre Owner

Sharan C. Mansfield

Miss Taylor