I saw this on Broadway last summer and Cuba Gooding, Jr. was playing the role of Ludie. He was really the weak link in the cast, so I'm glad to see Blair Underwood taking his place in this version. Does anyone know if Cuba had a scheduling conflict and couldn't/didn't want to do it, or if the producers chose to replace him? Either way, I think it was a good decision.
shareI didn't know Cuba Gooding, Jr. was in the Broadway show. He's normally a very good actor. I was surprised by how good Blair Underwood was in this role. I thought he was the best in the movie, even better than Cicely Tyson. Tyson's performance seemed all one note. Underwood's performance was very nuanced. He was almost a tragic figure, caught between two women he loved who did not get along at all.
shareI much rather Cuba Gooding Jr. - I think he's a better actor than Blair Underwood. I really do not care for Underwood's acting, and also for his real life personality. I love Cicely Tyson, she's an amazing actress, and love any movie she's in because she just shines. Cicely Tyson is one of the best actresses in Hollywood - she so versatile - one minute she could be laughing in a scene and then switch it and make your heart break w/tears. SHE IS THAT GREAT! Vanessa Williams is okay but not a huge fan of hers either, and she definitely needs a personality change in real life. I may get bashed here for my comments about Williams and Underwood but its just my opinion based on several interviews I've seen them in. Gooding, I've never had a problem w/his real life personality and during interviews he's pleasant; he's also a very good actor as well.
shareThey're both perfect for the part: no charisma, no spark. Perfect Ludie: boring, reliable, no ambition, no spine.
For every lie I unlearn I learn something new - Ani Difranco
Producers chose to replace him. Too high maintenance.
share