Sisters Unite for Biopic on Trailblazer Shirley Chisholm
Oscar-winner Regina King and her sister Reina King have joined forces for the Netflix biopic “Shirley,” marking the first time the siblings have shared the screen together.
The film chronicles the extraordinary life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black candidate for a major-party presidential nomination.
Regina King, who portrays Chisholm, expressed the significance of bringing this untold story to light. “We chose Shirley because we realized there were far too many people who didn’t even know her name. We felt it was important that people not only know her name, but why she was important, relevant, and inspiring,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
A Personal Journey for the King Sisters
For the King sisters, “Shirley” was a deeply personal project that allowed them to explore their shared passion for acting and storytelling. Reina King stars as Chisholm’s sister, Muriel St. Hill, in the film.
“We did our share of acting as little girls, but this is the first time on screen, big or small, together, so it was a long time coming,” Regina King said, reflecting on the opportunity to work alongside her sister.
Capturing the Essence of Shirley Chisholm
To embody the iconic Shirley Chisholm, Regina King delved into the details of her life, calling them the “secret sauce” to her performance. From Chisholm’s love for strawberry milkshakes to her uncompromising spirit, King aimed to humanize the trailblazer.
“To be a woman that’s unapologetic about who she is is not something that was embraced at the time,” King explained. “As Black women, we celebrate it amongst ourselves, but I don’t think it is shared as passionately and positively with everyone else.”
Celebrating Chisholm’s Allies and Legacy
The film also highlights the men who supported Chisholm’s groundbreaking campaign, including Arthur Hardwick Jr. (played by Terrence Howard) and Wesley McDonald “Mac” Holder (portrayed by the late Lance Reddick).
“Often, we don’t get a chance in film, and some women in life don’t have that type of support,” King said, underscoring the importance of showcasing Chisholm’s allies.
While Chisholm’s presidential bid was unsuccessful, her impact on American history is undeniable. “There was so much that she did while in office,” King noted, emphasizing the respect Chisholm garnered across party lines for her tenacity and audacity.
With projects like “Shirley” and her directorial debut “One Night In Miami,” Regina King is committed to showcasing Black people’s contributions to history on the big screen. “There is no American history without Black history,” she firmly stated.
