The American Oscar-winning actress, singer, and spokesperson Jennifer Hudson came into the limelight in 2004 after participating in the third season of American Idol, finishing in seventh place. As a singer, she has released three studio albums of which her self-titled debut album won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. She also performed at the White House at the “Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” event. The Academy Award winner has also appeared in films and guest appeared in television shows as well. So, who is Jennifer Hudson? Here’s everything we know about the multifaceted star.
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Jennifer Hudson Biography
Jennifer Hudson was born on the 12th of September 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. She is 43 years old as of 2024.
| Birth Name | Jennifer Kate Hudson |
| Nickname | Jenni |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Age | 43 years old |
| Sun Sign | Virgo |
| Profession | Singer, Actress, Spokesperson |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Residence | Burr Ridge, Illinois, U.S. |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Partner | Common (Rapper) |
| Children | 1 |
Family and Education
Jennifer Hudson is the third and youngest child of Darnell Donerson (died October 24, 2008) and Samuel Simpson (died 1999). She has two older siblings, Jason Hudson and Julia Hudson, and a half-sister named Dinah Simpson.
Jennifer attended Dunbar Vocational High School in Chicago, Illinois from where she graduated in 1999. She, then, joined Langston University in Langston Oklahoma, but dropped out of the college due to homesickness and unsuitable weather conditions, and enrolled at the Kennedy–King College in Chicago.
Jennifer Hudson Love Life
Jennifer Hudson and American wrestler and actor, David Otunga got engaged on September 12, 2008. They have a son named David Daniel Otunga, Jr., born on August 10, 2009. The couple split in November 2017.
She began dating rapper and actor Common in 2022. They made their romance official on The Jennifer Hudson Show in January 2024.
Previously, she dated James Payton from 1999 until they separated in late 2007.
Physical Statistics
| Height | Feet – 5 feet 9 inches Centimeters – 175 cm Meters – 1.75 m |
| Weight | Kilograms – 70 kg Pounds – 154 lbs |
| Body Build | Average |
| Body Measurements | 35-28-36 |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Shoe Size | 9 (US) |
| Dress Size | 8 (US) |
| Distinctive Features |
Professional Statistics
Singing Debut
Jennifer released her first album titled Jennifer Hudson on September 27, 2008. It debuted at no. 2 in the U.S., no. 21 in the UK, no. 46 in Ireland. She has released three studio albums, sixteen singles, five promotional singles, and ten music videos.
Albums
- Jennifer Hudson (2008)
- I Remember Me (2011)
- JHUD (2014)
- The Gift of Love (2024)
Film Debut
In 2006, Jennifer made her acting debut in the musical drama film Dreamgirls, playing the role of Effie White. She won praise and acclaim for her role in the film which earned her a whopping 29 awards and 6 nominations. She also appeared in Sex and the City, The Secret Life of Bees, and Black Nativity
Television Debut
In 2004, Jennifer appeared as a contestant in the reality singing competition series American Idol Season 3. She was placed 7th in the show.
Favorite Things
- Pop Artist – Céline Dion
- Music Style – R&B, pop
- Movie – Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)
- Outfits – Urban Outfitters, Forever 21
Jennifer Hudson Net Worth
She has a net worth of $30 million US dollars as of 2024. She lives with her family in a luxury house in Chicago. she owns a BMW.
Social Media Profiles
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhudson
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iamjhud/
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/iamjhud
Jennifer Hudson Facts
She won several awards for her performance in the debut film, Dreamgirls, including the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, the British Academy Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress, becoming one of the few actors to win an Oscar for a debut performance.
She is the first participant from American Idol to have won a nomination and an Academy Award.
In October 2008, Hudson took a hiatus from public appearances for a few months after her mother, brother, and nephew were killed in a shooting.
Hudson has been described as a friend of former President Barack Obama, who invited her to appear with him at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills during his first term in May 2009.
In 2013, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She was the coach on the thirteenth season of The Voice U.S.
She launched her talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, on September 12, 2022.
In 2024, she starred alongside Milla Jovovich, Quvenzhané Wallis, Common, and Sam Worthington in Stefon Bristol’s science fiction thriller film Breathe.
She debuted her Christmas album, The Gift of Love on October 18, 2024.