The television movie based on Lorraine Hansberry's play, A Raisin in the Sun, attracted 12 million viewers when it aired on ABC Monday, giving the network its best Monday numbers since November. The Kenny Leon-directed telefilm was the first of its kind to screen at the Sundance Film Festival, and starred, as I'm sure you are more than aware, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, Sanaa Lathan, and Mr. Sean "Diddy" Combs. I confess it's on my DVR, but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. If you saw it, what did you think?

That cast of the on-screen version of Lorraine Hansberry's famous play, A Raisin in the Sun is at the Sundance film festival this week and posed for cast portraits. Phylicia Rashad (sigh), Audra McDonald, Sanaa Lathan, John Stamos, and Diddy (excuse me, Sean Combs) all flew to Utah to show the film. Mr. Combs has a lot to say about his role as Walter Lee.

"I drew on my humble beginnings," said Combs about portraying Walter Lee. Both grew up without a father - Combs' father was gunned down when Combs was only 3 years old.
Combs said his Broadway debut was one of the biggest struggles of his life, and to get prepared he was "blessed" to have lunch with Sidney Poitier and talk about who Walter Lee was.
Once it came time to film the movie, Combs felt confident, so confident that he said it was like jumping from a 100-story building and expecting to land on his feet.

Puffy? Confident? Who knew! The film airs Feb. 25th on ABC. More cast pics after the jump.

CONTINUED »

My opinions about the premiere of the new Grey's Anatomy spin-off starring Taye Diggs have been validated. Even ABC thought it needed an overhaul. But while I counted the name ("Private Practice") and Mr. Diggs among the shows shortcomings, the network decided to can Merrin Dungey (Alias, Summerland) as the black female lead in favor of Broadway superstar Audra McDonald. I guess they hope that this fall no one will remember that the woman in the role looked totally different in the first episode. Since it wasn't so memorable anyway, this shouldn't be a problem.

[LAT]

This weird couple is everywhere. I can't tell if I will eventually get used to Tameka and Usher, the duo, or if I will be forever mystified by their seemingly happy union. They brought their big, mismatched smiles to the Tony Awards last night, where Usher presented and Fantasia performed. Check out some more pictures from the awards below.