Elise Neal will take on the role of Gladys Knight in Lifetime’s forthcoming Aaliyah biopic, reports Blackfilm.com.
The actress– best known for her work on “The Wayans Bros.,” “The Hughleys,” “All Of Us” and more– will portray the late singer’s aunt through marriage. Knight was married to Aaliyah’s uncle/manager Barry Hankerson five years before the singer was born in 1979 and was an integral part in giving the star a platform.
At age 11, Aaliyah performed with Knight during a five-night stint in Las Vegas. She continued to support the singer long after her divorce from Hankerson in 1981.
Neal will be joined by Alexandra Shipp, who will portray Aaliyah, and newcomers Chattrisse Dolabaille and Izaak Smith as Missy Elliott and Timbaland, respectively.
Photo courtesy of Vivien Killilea/Getty Images North America
Aaliyah: Princess of R&B is based on Christopher Farley‘s 2001 book “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman.” The made-for-TV movie is slated to premiere in February 2015.