Jennifer Nettles Lands Role in Film Based on Harriet Tubman’s Life

Nettles previous roles include Roxie Hart in Broadway's Chicago and Avie Lee Parton in the Coat of Many Colors series.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Jennifer Nettles Lands Role in Film Based on Harriet Tubman’s Life
Jennifer Nettles; Photo Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Jennifer Nettles is best known as one-half of GRAMMY-winning duo Sugarland. But the Georgia native is also an actress, and today she announced a new role to add to her growing resume.

The singer will lend her talents to the new film, Harriet, which tells the story of Harriet Tubman as she escapes slavery and works as part of the Underground Railroad to help free dozens of more slaves.

“This is the story of a seemingly powerless woman who accomplished the extraordinary to save her loved ones, and in the process became a leader of and inspiration for her people,” said producers Debra Martin Chase and Daniela Taplin Lundberg (quotes via Deadline). “While Harriet Tubman is a household name, most people don’t know the breadth of her story – not only was she a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but she was a spy for the Union army and remains one of the few women to have led an armed expedition in U.S. history.”

“Tubman’s courageous life and the scope of her bravery is truly made to be told on the big screen. The countless lives she saved, during a time of such hatred and danger to herself, can be described only as heroic,” added Focus chairman Peter Kujawski. “We’re thrilled to be working with this incredibly talented group of filmmakers led by Kasi, Debra, Daniela, and Greg and this multi-talented group of actors in bringing Tubman’s life to film.”

Nettles will be joined by a star-studded cast of actors, including Tony-winner Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn and Clarke Peters.

Nettles’s previous roles include Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago and Avie Lee Parton in the Coat of Many Colors series.

No word yet on when Harriet will premiere.