Which Beyoncé film role was inspired by singer Diana Ross’s career?

Beyoncé played Deena Jones in the 2006 film Dreamgirls, a role inspired partly by Diana Ross’s career. Deena is a member of the fictional singing group the Dreams and eventually becomes its lead singer after the group enters the music business.

Dreamgirls is adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name. The story follows the Dreams, manager Curtis Taylor Jr., and the pressures of fame, commercial success, and artistic control. Although the plot is fictional, it draws on elements associated with Motown and groups such as the Supremes.

Jennifer Hudson played Effie White, the character whose relationship with Deena drives much of the drama. Hudson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Beyoncé’s performance of “Listen,” written for the film, became one of her notable soundtrack recordings.