Beyoncé played Deena Jones in the 2006 film Dreamgirls.
Deena Jones is a fictional singer who becomes the lead vocalist of the Dreams, a girl group whose story draws heavily on the history of Motown and the Supremes. The character is widely understood as being inspired partly by Diana Ross, especially through the group’s rise, changing lineup, and transition toward a more polished pop sound.
The film is adapted from the 1981 Broadway musical by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger. Beyoncé appeared alongside Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Anika Noni Rose. Hudson played Effie White, the group’s original lead singer, while Foxx portrayed manager Curtis Taylor Jr.
Dreamgirls gave Beyoncé a major acting and singing showcase outside her work with Destiny’s Child. Jennifer Hudson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Effie. The film’s fictional story should not be treated as a literal biography of the Supremes, although the historical parallels are clear.