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By Anslem Samuel | Published March 17, 2011 | Full size is 443 × 480 pixels

QUEEN LATIFAH AS “MATRON ‘MAMA’ MORTON” IN CHICAGO (2002) Although she had already received some critical acclaim for her acting, Latifah gained mainstream success after her turn as Matron "Mama" Morton in the Oscar-winning film adaptation of the musical, Chicago. Based on a 1926 play of the same name, the original Broadway production opened in June 1975 with actress Mary McCarty playing the jailhouse matron role. With Latifah at the fore, the 2002 theatrical remake won six Academy Awards—including Best Picture—and garnered a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the rapper-turned-actress.

QUEEN LATIFAH AS “MATRON ‘MAMA’ MORTON” IN CHICAGO (2002) Although she had…