Studio Exec Once Suggested Julia Roberts Play Harriet Tubman

Multi-talented multi-hyphenate Cynthia Erivo plays Harriet Tubman in Kasi Lemmons’ biopic “Harriet.” But according to “Harriet’s” screenwriter, Gregory Allen Howard, Julia Roberts — yes, white woman Julia Roberts — was…

Randi Myles

Published Nov 20, 2019 10:35 AM EST

Multi-talented multi-hyphenate Cynthia Erivo plays Harriet Tubman in Kasi Lemmons’ biopic “Harriet.” But according to “Harriet’s” screenwriter, Gregory Allen Howard, Julia Roberts — yes, white woman Julia Roberts — was once suggested by a studio executive to play the role.

According to Variety Magazine, the "then president of a studio sub-label” praised the script and suggested Roberts play Tubman. The only black person in that meeting 25 years ago reminded him that Harriet Tubman was a black woman, to which the president replied, ‘That was so long ago. No one will know that.'”

Harriet is in theaters now... without Julia Roberts.

(Source: Studio Exec Suggested Julia Roberts Play Harriet Tubman, ‘Harriet’ Screenwriter Says — Variety)

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Randi MylesEditor

Randi Myles is the mid-day host on Detroit’s Praise Network. Randi’s mom knew she was destined to be in some form of entertainment when even as a small child, she would pretend a pencil was a microphone and sing and charm family and friends. Later she would sing in church and college choirs. However, it wasn’t until she attended Specs Howard School of Media Arts, that Ms. Myles would find her true voice. Randi enjoys writing about the city of Detroit, faith, and the community.