Jennifer Hudson Net Worth, Early Life, Singing, Acting, Awards, Tragedy, Relationships, Charity, Book and Recent Career

American singer, actress and spokesperson, Jennifer Hudson net worth elevated as she became a finalist of American Idol third season and later turned to Award-winning actress and singer.

Synopsis

Jennifer Hudson gained limelight through her performance in American Idol as a contestant. In the third season of American Idol (2004), she ended up a finalist. Later, she became an actress best known for playing a Motown-era singer in film Dreamgirls (2006).

She won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls. Furthermore, Jennifer Hudson net worth increased as she won Grammy for her debut album in 2008.

Early Life and Background

Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981. Her birthplace is Chicago, Illinois where she grew up singing in church choir. Hudson went to Dunbar Vocational Career Academy from where she graduated in 1999.

Beginning of Singing Career

Hudson started off as a singer from her early age. She used to sing on a Disney cruise ship before she auditioned for third season of FOX’s American Idol in 2004.

The crisp voiced talented singer Jennifer Hudson net worth increased as she came into limelight after turning into the finalist of the show. She gained prominence a fans along with a platform to showcase her talent.

However, she got eliminated from the show. During her departure there arose a controversy which claimed that a number of people believed her to be an outstanding vocalist who would out-sing other contestants.

Acting Career Highlights and Awards

In 2005, Jennifer Hudson net worth hiked as she landed the role of Effe White in musical film Dreamgirls. Apart from singing, she proved that she has got a talent for acting through her performance in the film.

As a result, Jennifer Hudson net worth accelerated after she won a Golden Globe Award as well as an Oscar Award. She won them for her performance in Dreamgirls for the category of best supporting actress.

Later, Hudson continued her acting journey with her appearances in the hit movie Sex and the City (2008). She portrayed Louise, the savvy assistant to Carried Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) in the movie.

Soon, she won a starring role in The Secret Life of Bees in 2008. In the film, she played along with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo.

Even though Jennifer Hudson gained prominence through her acting talent, she was not ready to give up her singing career. Therefore, she released her debut album with the title of her own name in September 2008. Jennifer Hudson net worth rose as a singer as the album won Grammy for Best R&B Album.

Personal Life and Family Tragedy

While Hudson was in the peak of her career, her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, went missing. The incident took place shortly after Hudson’s mother and brother were shot which appears to be double-homicide.

Later, King was also found dead. In December 2008, the police arrested Hudson’s brother-in-law, William Balfour with the charges of killings of three members. Eventually, he was found guilty of the murders and sentenced to lifelong prison.

After going through a huge loss, Jennifer Hudson took a significantly long time to heal from the trauma. It was in 2009, she sang the national anthem during Super Bowl LXII making her first public appearance after a long time.

She disappeared again until 2011. Then, she released her sophomore album, I Remember Me, in 2011 which included songwriting from Keys, Diane Warren and R. Kelly.

Relationships and Children

Then 18-year-old Hudson started dating James Payton in 1999; however, they separated in late-2007. A year later, she engaged a Harvard Law graduate and professional WWE wrestler, David Otunga. The wrestler has turned to acting starring on the reality show I Love New York 2 and film The Call. The couple has a son, David Daniel Otunga, born on August 2009.

Charity and Public Service

Later, she established the Julian D. King Toy Drive and Christmas Dinner and the Hatch Day charity. She and her sister founded the charity as an honor to her dead nephew, Julian King. The foundation worked to provide Christmas presents and school supplies to needy family in Chicago. Furthermore, she founded The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims.

Later Career, Album and Book

In 2012, Jennifer Hudson net worth increased as she turned into an author publishing her first book. She published I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down after she became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers.

Furthermore, she initiated her own clothing line. Hudson even starred in and contributed to the soundtrack for Think Like a Man. In 2011, Hudson portrayed Winnie Mandela, a famous South African activist, in a biopic.

Jennifer Hudson net worth continued to rise with her appearances in The Three Stooges (2013), TV musical series Smash and big-screen musical Black Nativity.

Alongside with her acting career, she released her latest album JHUD in 2014. Recently, Hudson has appeared in musical drama Empire and starred in Broadway revival of The Color Purple at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

Salary and Net Worth

With the multiple talents, the actress and singer Jennifer Hudson net worth has reached $20 million. Her continuous efforts in both of her careers have brought astounding results which marks her as one of the skilled actresses and singer.