Who Is Jennifer Hudson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jennifer Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, which makes her 43 years old in 2025. Originating from Chicago, Illinois, Hudson rose to fame as a powerhouse vocalist and multi-talented actress. She gained international recognition after participating in "American Idol" and clinched her place in Hollywood with her Oscar-winning performance in "Dreamgirls." Known for her incredible vocal range and emotive performances, Hudson continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
| Occupation | Voice Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1981 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Jennifer Hudson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jennifer Hudson stands tall at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and maintains a weight of around 165 pounds (75 kg). Her body measurements are reported to be approximately 40-30-40 inches. Over the years, Hudson has become a source of inspiration for many, not only for her talent but also for her journey in embracing her body and advocating for self-acceptance.
In 2010, Hudson became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers. That year, she had lost 56 lb and "[did] not want to lose any more weight." However, on February 10, 2011, she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and revealed she had lost a total of 80 pounds. Her 2012 autobiography, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, detailed her weight loss.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Jennifer Hudson is currently dating her long-term boyfriend, David Otunga, a former professional wrestler and Harvard Law graduate. The couple has been together for several years and shares a son, David Daniel Otunga Jr. While Hudson is known for being relatively private about her personal life, she often expresses her love and commitment to her family in public appearances and interviews.
She is the third and youngest child of Darnell Donerson and Samuel Simpson, a Greyhound Lines bus driver. She, her older sister Julia, a school bus driver, and her brother Jason Hudson, were raised primarily by their mother. Her father was absent from her childhood until, with the blessing of her mother, she went looking for him at age 14.
When Hudson found her father, she learned that he had 26 other children. She has stated she has still not met all of her half-siblings.
Net Worth and Salary
Jennifer Hudson's net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $30 million. Her earnings come from a diverse portfolio, including her music career, acting roles, and various endorsements. Hudson’s fruitful career has allowed her to maintain a lavish lifestyle, and she is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting causes related to education and wellness.
In one of her first appearances on a record, Hudson is featured in a duet, "The Future Ain't What It Used to Be", on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose. In September 2006, Hudson performed the song, "Over It", live on Fox Chicago Morning News.
In the interview she stated the song would be included on her debut album, to be released in early 2007; however, this was before she was signed to a record label. In November 2006, Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records.
Hudson also recorded a song she co-wrote with Bill Grainer and Earl Powell called "Stand Up", which was available for preview on her fan website. The track was produced by Chicago natives Powell and Herman Little III, who also arranged the song.
The power-ballad would later become available on the deluxe edition of Hudson's self-titled album as a bonus track.
Career, Business and Investments
Jennifer Hudson's career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry. After her breakout role in "Dreamgirls," she transitioned seamlessly into music, winning multiple Grammy Awards for her albums. Beyond singing and acting, she has ventured into producing and has ongoing investments in various brands. Hudson is also known for her work with her own line of vegan soul food, demonstrating her commitment to health and wellness.
In fall 2015, Hudson made her Broadway debut as Shug Avery in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, alongside Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks. New York Times critic Ben Brantley hailed her performance saying, "Ms.
Hudson radiates a lush, supple stage presence that is echoed by her velvet voice." Hudson later picked up her second career Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album (2017) for her work on The Color Purple."
Social Network
Jennifer Hudson is active on social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where she engages with her fans and shares updates about her life and career. Her official Instagram handle (@iamjhud) boasts millions of followers, providing a glimpse into her professional milestones and personal moments.
In November 2005, Hudson was cast in the role of Effie White for the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, which also starred Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy. The role marked Hudson's debut screen performance. She won the role over hundreds of professional singers and actresses, including Fantasia Barrino.
Filming of Dreamgirls began on January 9, 2006, and the film went into limited release on December 25, 2006, and national release on January 12, 2007.
Hudson has won particular praise for her show-stopping onscreen rendition of the hit song, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", the signature song of the role, which had earlier been recorded, and had already reached the status of musical standard, because of the definitive performance of Jennifer Holliday.
The New York Observer described Hudson's performance of the song as "five mellifluous, molto vibrato minutes that have suddenly catapulted Ms. Hudson... into the position of front-runner for the best supporting actress Oscar".
Newsweek said that when moviegoers hear Hudson sing the song, she, "is going to raise goose bumps across the land." Variety magazine wrote that Hudson's performance "calls to mind debuts like Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl or Bette Midler in The Rose, with a voice like the young Aretha".
"Love You I Do" was nominated for the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song and won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.
Education
Hudson graduated from Dunbar Vocational Career Academy in Chicago and later attended the prestigious Kennedy-King College, where she studied musical arts. Her education laid the foundation for her celebrated career in the performing arts, and she often advocates for the importance of education in her public appearances.
She was raised as a Baptist in Englewood and attended Dunbar Vocational High School, from which she graduated in 1999. She cites Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle as her overall biggest influences and inspiration. She has also credited Mariah Carey as being one of her musical "heroes".
At age 7 she got her start in performing by singing with the church choir and doing community theater with the help of her late maternal grandmother, Julia. She enrolled at Langston University but she left after a semester due to homesickness and unhappiness with the weather, and registered at Kennedy–King College.
