Upamanyu Biswas
Lifetime’s ‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel‘ tells the true story of the renowned gospel group The Clark Sisters, who were the daughters of Mattie Moss Clark, a devout gospel singer. The film follows the five sisters – Jacky Clark-Chisholm, Denise Clark-Bradford, Elbernita Clark, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Karen Clark Sheard – as they make their first steps towards recognition from their humble roots in Detroit, Michigan. With their mother guiding them every step of the way, both professionally and personally, the sisters begin reinventing the musical wheel with their influential style. Meanwhile, they also have to contend with a host of challenges, ranging from personal setbacks to hurdles within the industry. Under the direction of Christine Swanson, the biographical film unfolds in some stunning environments that capture the rise of the sisters themselves.
Where Was The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Filmed?
‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel’ was primarily filmed in the bustling city of Toronto, Ontario. Principal photography on the project took place between the months of January and February 2019. The province of Ontario is known for its architecture and history, boasting some of the most popular sites in the entire country. It houses dazzling cityscapes and eye-catching natural formations like rivers, waterfalls, high cliffs, forests, and mountains. The abundance of both locales helps diversify the region and makes it a popular destination for travelers around the world. It is also reputed as a center for culture, commerce, and entertainment. Numerous films have been lensed in the area, exemplifying its versatility as a filmmaking spot.
Toronto, Ontario
The Lifetime film was shot in Toronto, Ontario, the country’s most populous city. It is a regular haunt for Lifetime production, mainly due to its incredible infrastructure and its access to breathtaking sights. The city’s most defining structure is the CN Tower, which looms over the entire region and provides some captivating views. It is also home to an incredibly diverse population, boasting a multitude of ethnicities and people from various walks of life. In terms of popular attractions, the area is blessed with numerous art and museum galleries like the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, Hockey Hall of Fame, Harbourfront Centre, and Casa Loma. The city is noted worldwide for its influence in different sectors and industries, including the entertainment world.
A host of impressive filmmakers and actors have been produced in Toronto’s neighborhoods. The list of luminaries includes David Cronenberg, Norman Jewison, Atom Egoyan, Mary Pickford, Christopher Plummer, John Candy, and Jim Carrey. It is also a leader in terms of its innovative power and ability to progress in different generations. However, its striking skyline, which is bolstered by high-rise buildings and endless skyscrapers, is undoubtedly its most memorable quality. In the past, the city has hosted productions on popular films and shows like ‘The Apprentice,’ ‘Nosferatu,’ ‘Black Doves,’ ‘Black Mirror,’ and ‘The Boys.’
The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Cast Details
‘The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel’ is led by the stunning performances of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Christina Bell, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Sheléa Frazier, Raven Goodwin, and Angela Birchett, alongside a host of other supporting roles. Ellis-Taylor is a powerhouse actress with a host of accolades under her belt. She has also received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bell is a gospel singer who transitioned into acting later in her career. They are joined by Sheard-Kelly, the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard, whom she plays in the film, and talented screen presence Birchett. Goodwin is an award-nominated actress known for her energetic performances. Meanwhile, singer, songwriter, and pianist Frazier steps in to showcase her dynamic acting ability.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mattie Moss Clark
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as Mattie Moss Clark, the mother and mentor of The Clark Sisters. She is best known for playing Oracene Price in ‘King Richard,’ a role which garnered her a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category of the 2021 Academy Awards. She is also noted for playing Jo in ‘Men of Honor,’ Hippolyta Freeman in ‘Lovecraft Country,’ Sharonne Salaam in ‘When They See Us,’ and Isabel Wilkerson in ‘Sharonne Salaam.’ Her other works include ‘Ray,’ ‘Freedomland,’ ‘The Taking of Pelham 123,’ ‘True Blood,’ and ‘The Mentalist.’
Raven Goodwin as Denise Clark-Bradford
Raven Goodwin stars as Denise Clark-Bradford. The talented actress grew in popularity for her roles as Cleo in ‘The Station Agent,’ Niecy in ‘Being Mary Jane,’ Ivy Wentz in ‘Good Luck Charlie,’ and Merritt Tryon in ‘Grotesquerie.’ Her acting credits also include ‘SMILF,’ ‘Huge,’ ‘Just Jordan,’ ‘Christmas Rescue,’ and ‘Abbott Elementary.’
Christina Bell as Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark
Christina Bell plays Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark. She began her career in the gospel music industry. Bell is mainly known as the lead vocalist in the award-nominated group Zie’l, with whom she spent years perfecting her style. Her role as Twinkie Clark is her debut acting credit on a film, showing her ability to portray the nuances of a real-life character despite having no extensive experience beforehand.
Kierra Sheard-Kelly as Karen Clark-Sheard
The Lifetime film features Kierra Sheard-Kelly in the role of her mother, Karen Clark-Sheard. Although she is primarily a gospel singer, Sheard-Kelly has gained traction for appearing as Litha in ‘Preacher’s Kid,’ Amara in ‘Blessed and Cursed,’ and Thoreen in ‘The Love You Save.’ She also plays a role in ‘Kingdom Business,’ ‘Line Sisters,’ and ‘Miracles Across 125th Street.’
Angela Birchett as Jacky Clark-Chisholm
Starring alongside Sheard-Kelly is Angela Birchett as Jacky Clark-Chisholm. She lights up the screen as Liz in ‘Kevin Can Wait’ and Stella in ‘Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas.’ She can also be seen in NBC’s ‘Blindspot.’
Sheléa Frazier as Dorinda Clark-Cole
Sheléa Melody Frazier stars as Dorinda Clark-Cole. She is popularly known as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. However, she has also showcased her acting ability in numerous roles on the silver and television screen. Her prominent works include starring as Nia Montross in ‘Montross: Blood Rules’ and Rashida Adel Baker in ‘Master of Dreams.’
Other cast members include Michael Xavier as J. Drew Sheard, Demore Barnes as Elbert Clark, Brandon McKnight as Glynn, Ronnie Rowe as John, Romaine Waite as Greg Cole, Saad Siddiqui as Reza, Kerron Schullere as Bill Moss, Simone Miller as Young Dorinda, and Eugene Clark as Presiding Bishop. Meanwhile, Danny Waugh, Chris Gleason, Danilo Reyes, Monika Schurmann, and Theresa Groce play minor roles, among a host of other additions.
Read More: The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Review and Plot Summary
