Congratulations are in order for Judith Chapman (ex-Gloria Fisher, The Young and the Restless; ex-Anjelica Deveraux/Diana Colville, Days of our Lives), who has landed quite a major role in an upcoming Will Smith film.
Chapman will be stepping into the shoes of former First Lady Nancy Reagan in King Richard, a biographical drama that will explore how Venus Williams and Serena Williams became tennis superstars after receiving coaching from their father, Richard Williams.
"Pleased to leak the latest... I will be playing 'Just Say No' NANCY REAGAN in Will Smith's new film... 'KING RICHARD' about Venus & Serena's Dad and their rise to Tennis Fame!" Chapman shared on Facebook.
Will Smith has signed on to play the role of Richard, while Saniyya Sidney will be playing Venus and Demi Singleton will be playing Serena. Additional stars include Aunjanue Ellis as Brandi Williams, Jon Bernthal as Rick Macci, Liev Schreiber as Paul Cohen, Susie Abromeit as Robin Finn, Katrina Begin as Anne Worcester, and Dylan McDermott in an unannounced role.
Richard Williams' story is definitely one that seems perfect for the big screen. The dedicated father -- who didn't have a tennis background of his own -- managed to raise two of the greatest tennis players of all time, having reportedly given them tennis lessons on uncared-for public courts in Compton. The Williams sisters went on to become legends, with Serena winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles and Venus winning seven Grand Slam singles titles. The sisters have combined for 14 Grand Slam doubles championships.
King Richard, which is being directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and was written by Zach Baylin, is tentatively slated for a November 25 release by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Judith Chapman has been playing the role of Y&R's Gloria Fisher on-again, off-again since 2005. She played the role of DAYS' Anjelica Deveraux from 1989 to 1991 and returned to the NBC soap opera in 2019 as Diana Cooper -- a.k.a Diana Colville. Chapman's other soap credits include General Hospital (ex-Ginny Blake Webber), Ryan's Hope (ex-Charlotte Greer), As the World Turns (ex-Natalie Hughes), and One Life to Live (ex-Sandra Montaigne).
What do you think about the premise and casting for King Richard? Can you picture Judith Chapman playing the role of real-life First Lady Nancy Reagan? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
