Hamilton’s Renée Elise Goldsberry to star in HBO’s The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks

By Esther Zuckerman | July 27, 2016 | 1:17pm

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Hamilton fanatics, take heart: You’ll soon be able to see your dearest, Angelica, in another context. Tony winner Renée Elise Goldsberry—who is reportedly leaving the Broadway phenomenon in the fall—will play the title character in HBO Films’ The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks. The movie is based on Rebecca Skloot’s book about Henrietta, a black woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951. Henrietta’s cells were rendered “immortal” and used posthumously, aiding in scientific advancements. Skloot’s work also delves into the lives of Henrietta’s ancestors, including her daughter Deborah, who Oprah Winfrey will play in the film. Per HBO the film will be “told through the eyes” of Deborah. Winfrey is also executive producing, while directorial duties will be assumed by George C. Wolfe. According to Deadline, Rose Byrne will play Skloot.

This isn’t the only role Goldsberry has on tap for her post-Hamilton career. She’s also lined up a major part in the Netflix sci-fi series Altered Carbon, The Hollywood Reporter recently revealed. Meanwhile, if you’re keeping tabs on other Hamilton stars, Daveed Diggs is going to be on the next season of Black-ish.