Evan Ross on his role in 'The United States Vs. Billie Holiday' and his ties to the late singer

Evan Ross's mom, the legendary Diana Ross, played Billie Holiday on screen in Lady Sing’s the Blues in1972. Now, Evan stars in Hulu’s The United States vs Billie Holiday and how his role bridges the gap between the two films.

Video Transcript

- Boo and them white boys better get ready. Can't nobody do it better than a nigger when he gets the opportunity.

KEVIN POLOWY: Evan, you have some family ties to the story of Billie Holiday. Your legendary mother, Diana Ross, played her so amazingly in "Lady Sings the Blues." Did that help sort of pique your interest in this part, that you would also not only be playing this deep part but also bridging the gap between these films in a way?

EVAN ROSS: I think, more or less, Billie Holiday has been, obviously, a part of my life. And I love her music, and I've been a fan of her work. And I've known how important her story is, and I've learned more in this process than I have before. And it's been a really amazing process for me.

And I'm still learning now, obviously, because Mom's movie was something that people loved so much. And I think that it's amazing that we're get to tell this story. And I think it was amazing that they told that story then. Yeah, I'm happy to be a part of something so, I think, powerful and amazing.

LEE DANIELS: I guess it was kismet. I like working with the same actors over and over again. If you really notice, I mean, I worked with-- Miss Lawrence was also in "Star," a television show that I did a musical. And so, why not?

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