A Michigan native and actress is playing a role in a new film inspired by the music and storytelling of Mary J. Blige.
Zing Ashford, who was born in Detroit and raised in Saginaw, plays the role of Kayla in “Be Happy” airing on Lifetime.
Ashford explained that the film explores themes of love, rediscovery, healing, and personal growth. It’s underscored by Mary J. Blige’s song “Be Happy”.
“Her songs are just so real and relatable and raw and vulnerable, and so it just kind of inspired me to kind of lean into that when I was approaching my emotional depth in Kayla,” Ashford said.
The movie cast also includes Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer, and Russell Hornsby.
“Be Happy” premieres on Lifetime on Saturday, Feb. 7th at 8 p.m.
Watch the video above to see the entire interview with Zing Ashford and to learn more about the movie.