(Source: Steven Baffo/Getty Images North America)
*Mary J. Blige has signed an exclusive first-look television deal with Lionsgate that will see her develop and produce TV series for the studio via her newly launched Blue Butterfly productions.
Under the pact, the R&B icon will also create content across Lionsgate’s various business platforms, Variety reports.
“Mary is a very talented artist, fearless visionary and an incredible human being. We’re delighted to be working with someone with such a powerful and impactful creative voice,” said Lionsgate TV Group chairman Kevin Beggs. “Every art she touches blossoms and we’re humbled she’s chosen us as her home. We look forward to all the exciting new content Mary and her Blue Butterfly banner will bring to our television slate and Lionsgate 360 orbit.”
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As an actress, Blige’s recent credits include “Mudbound,” for which she earned acting and music Oscar nominations, and Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Lionsgate. They are incredible collaborators and have been natural partners from when we first started talking. I can’t wait to bring all of our projects to life,” said Blige in a statement.
Blige recently picked up the BET Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 BET Awards.
Meanwhile, a year after finalizing her messy divorce from husband/manager Kendu Isaacs, Mary shared in a recent interview with People magazine that she doesn’t find it difficult singing about the lost love these days.
“It’s therapeutic,” she said. “To travel back and to relive something again and not have it drive you crazy is a true gift from God.”
“To be able to touch people with what you’ve gone through and pull them through…The sadness makes me happy almost. I can’t even describe it,” Blige added.
She also revealed what she would tell her younger self if she could travel back in time. “If I could tell my younger self something, I would tell her don’t be afraid of your imperfections, because one day people are going to love you for them.”
The two-time Academy Award nominee is scheduled to headline Essence Festival for the 15th time this year. She then hits the road for her “Royalty Tour,” co-headlined with hip hop legend Nas.
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