Derek Luke News

SPARKLE is set to be released in theaters on August 24th by Sony Pictures. The project marks the final film by the late, legendary singer and actress Whitney Houston. Houston died in February in her hotel room in Beverly Hills. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning. A trailer for the film debuted on this morning's TODAY show.

Focus Features has announced their 2012 Release Schedule, including upcoming films BEING FLYNN and PARANORMAN.

SPARKLE will be released in theaters on August 24th by Sony Pictures, starring Jordin Sparks, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green, and the now late Whitney Houston. In the video below, go behind the scenes of the film as Houston sings in a church scene.

SPARKLE will be released in theaters on August 24th by Sony Pictures, starring Jordin Sparks, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green, and the now late Whitney Houston. Directed by Salim Akil and written by Mara Brock Akil, the movie might soon be heading for Broadway, according to Forbes.

In 1998, composer Stephen Schwartz wrote 'When You Believe,' performed by Houston and Mariah Carey for the DreamWorks animated film The Prince of Egypt. The song was awarded the Academy Award for Best Original Song in March 1999. 'Stephen Schwartz is a genius,' Houston said in an interview that year. 'Just a beautiful song.'

A rep for singer Whitney Houston announced to the Associated Press that Houston died yesterday at age 48. The singer died in her room at the Beverly Hilton hotel, where she was for Clive Davis' Grammy Awards party. No cause of death has yet been revealed.

Houston just recenty filmed the remake of the 1976 film 'Sparkle' playing the role of Jordin Sparks's mother in the film, which will feature the original score from composer Curtis Mayfield. Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil served as writer and director. SPARKLE is currently set to be released in theaters on August 24th by Sony Pictures. The drama is directed by Salim Akil and written by Mara Brock Akil. It stars Jordin Sparks, Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and Cee-Lo Green.

We reached out to producer Craig Zadan and he tells BroadwayWorld.com that 'Neil (Meron) and I worked closely with Whitney on the TV production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and the movie was a magical experience. We had a reunion with Whitney last year in Atlanta and she seemed to be in a great place emotionally and we subsequently began developing a new film for her which we had hoped to do later this year. It's such a tragedy and we're so heartbroken at this terrible loss, both personally and professionally. We will miss her a lot.'

We reached out to Frank Wildhorn upon the news of the singer's death today at age 48, and he tells BroadwayWorld.com that it's 'So sad and tragic...she was such a big part of my life in the late 80's, and she was such a wonderful soul to work with and such a soulful woman. I only hope she's singing 'up there'. I'm sending my prayers and sympathies for her family.'

Whitney Houston's first television performance was on the Merv Griffen show (April 29, 1985) singing 'Home' from THE WIZ.

A rep for singer Whitney Houston has announced tonight to the Associated Press that Houston died this afternoon at age 48. The singer died in her room at the Beverly Hilton hotel, where she was for Clive Davis' Grammy Awards party. No cause of death has yet been revealed.

It's been confirmed that Whitney Houston will star opposite IN THE HEIGHTS alum Jordin Sparks in an upcoming remake of 1976's 'Sparkle,' and today Showbiz411's Roger Friedman reports that singer Cee Lo Green and actor Derek Luke have joined the cast.

Production begins this week on Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, written and directed by Lorene Scafaria. The pre-apocalyptic comedy stars Golden Globe Award winner Steve Carell and Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley.

It's lucky number 7 for BET's annual fashion celebration, RIP THE RUNWAY.

It's lucky number 7 for BET's annual fashion celebration, RIP THE RUNWAY.

Diversity Players of Harlem and the company of producers at DA'Right Entertainment are proud to present Die Laughing the Stage Play starring Dennis LA White who appeared with Angela Bassett, Derek Luke and Jamal Woolard in the 2009 award nominated feature film Notorious which has earned him numerous nods among industry insiders.

Diversity Players of Harlem and the company of producers at DA'Right Entertainment are proud to present Die Laughing the Stage Play starring Dennis LA White who appeared with Angela Bassett, Derek Luke and Jamal Woolard in the 2009 award nominated feature film Notorious which has earned him numerous nods among industry insiders.