Oh this is exciting! Regarding true-life story of Eugene Allen, African-American WH butler 1952-1986

[Tx4obama]

Last edited Tue Mar 27, 2012, 09:47 PM - Edit history (2)

Note: To forum Hosts - please do not lock - I am NOT posting this as entertainment news, this is news regarding a film in the works regarding the true-life story of Eugene Allen, an African-American man who worked as a butler in the White House from 1952 to 1986. THIS IS BIG NEWS!!!
See the second part of this OP for article regarding Eugene Allen.
================================================

Jane Fonda in talks to play Nancy Reagan
<SNIP>

Fonda's publicist confirmed to CNN that the actress is in talks to play the wife of the 40th president of the United States in the true-life story of Eugene Allen, an African-American man who worked as a butler in the White House from 1952 to 1986.

Allen served eight presidents, ending his career as a White House Butler during Ronald Reagan's term as president.

<SNIP>

According to the trade publication, (Forest) Whitaker is at work closing a deal to play Allen, while (Oprah) Winfrey is currently in talks to play his wife. (Mila) Kunis has been approached about playing Jackie Kennedy.

<SNIP>

http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/27/jane-fonda-in-talks-to-play-nancy-reagan/

Now, here is the (five page) GOOD READ regarding Eugene Allen's life story...
Mr. Allen and his wife, Helene, were profiled in a Washington Post story in 2008 that explored the history of blacks in the White House.

A Butler Well Served by This Election
Here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/06/AR2008110603948.html



p.s.
I originally read the Washington Post article when it first come out in 2008, and then I was quite saddened by the news of his death in 2010.
The fact that they are going to make a film regarding his life thrills me more than I can say!

I hope everyone takes the time to read the full Washington Post articles above and below, they are quite wonderful.



Edited to add:

Additional GOOD related articles:

Eugene Allen, White House butler for 8 presidents, dies at 90
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/01/AR2010040103444.html

White House butler Eugene Allen's humility recalled at funeral
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/04/01/ST2010040103462.html

White House Butler Eugene Allen Witnesses Swearing-In (of Barack Obama)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/20/AR2009012004301.html

[monmouth]

1. Thank you so much for posting these articles. I wondered if he lived to see

the President Obama inauguration. Such a sweet soul..

[northoftheborder]

8. He, his son & wife, were invited to the reserved section on the podium for Obama inauguration.

he said that wast he only time he had been to anyone's inauguration.

[KT2000]

2. Thanks for the article

it is a wonderful story.

[Angry Dragon]

3. kick

[Cleita]

4. I don't care for Mila Kunis as Jackie.

I think Angelina Jolie is the girl to play her, but maybe a supporting role wouldn't be appealing to her.

[Tx4obama]

5. I don't think Jackie's part will be very big/long.

There is so much in the life of Eugene Allen that happened during his 90 years on earth and during the 8 administrations I think the film-makers won't be focusing on any one person too much other than Eugene Allen and his wife.

and

... David Oyelowo is in negotiations to play Allen's son, while Liam Neeson and John Cusack are circling presidential supporting roles as Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon ...
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118051917?refCatId=13

[itsrobert]

10. Isn't that the character she played on That 70s Show?

She did a good job.

[Cleita]

11. I never saw that show. n/t

[goclark]

6. Thanks so much for sharing

I can't wait to see the movie!

[Blue_Tires]

7. you might post this in the af'ram forum

[Smilo]

9. Lovely read, but I wasn't expecting the quasi-sad ending

......... what a lovely couple they must have been.

Thank you for posting.