Queen Latifah

Bessie Smith

Mo'Nique

Ma Rainey

Mike Epps

Richard

Tika Sumpter

Lucille

Michael Kenneth Williams

Jack Gee

Charles S. Dutton

William 'Pa' Rainey

Bryan Greenberg

John Hammond

Oliver Platt

Carl Van Vechten

Khandi Alexander

Viola

Tory Kittles

Clarence

Joe Knezevich

Frank Walker

Jeremie Harris

Langston Hughes

Jennifer Sears

Ma's Main Girl

Crystal Lee Brown

Bessie's Dancer

Terence Rosemore

Detroit Theater Manager

L. Warren Young

Sharkish Man

Tia Hendricks

Doreen Dupree

Whitney Goin

Fania Van Vechten

Neko Parham

Rehearsal Director

Kaden Washington Lewis

Swarm Boy #1

Alkoya Brunson

Swarm Boy #2

Todd Allen Durkin

Night Club Owner

Swift Rice

Stage Hand

Jim R. Coleman

Host

Jessejames Locorriere

Vanity Fair Editor

Onira Tarés

Chorus Girl #1

Jhoni Davis

Chorus Girl #2

Hunter Womack

Roadie #1

Christopher Harvey

Roadie #2

Marie Burke

Etta Johnson

Levi Erik

Benny Goodman

Nicole Spiezio

Marguerite d'Alvarez

Bralyn Stokes

Harry Pace

Briana Starks

Ma's Dancer

Alan T. Coleman

Stagehand

Tray Williams

Stage Crew (uncredited)