41 Things to Know About Birthday Girl JHud
Lifestyle September 12, 2022
Think you know everything about Jennifer Hudson? Think again!
In honor of her 41st birthday and the premiere of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” here are 41 facts about JHud.
1. Jennifer is the 17th person EGOT — meaning she has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony.
2. JHud is currently the youngest female EGOT winner in history.
3. She got her start singing at just 7 years old when she performed with her church choir.
Watch “The Jennifer Hudson Show” clips on YouTube
4. Jennifer’s first concert was her own! As a promise, Jenn wanted to save this special moment for herself.
5. When she was a child, Jennifer was enrolled in modeling school and took ballet classes.
6. Jenn is 5’10”. She wore flats in “Dreamgirls” so she wouldn’t tower over co-star Jamie Foxx.
7. Jenn began her career flipping burgers! Well, kind of! Jennifer’s first job was working the drive-thru at Burger King.
8. At BK, Jenn’s manager was also a club promoter who hired her to sing at his clubs.
9. Jennifer attended Langston University but left after a semester because she was homesick and unhappy with the weather. She then enrolled at Kennedy–King College.
10. JHud managed to negotiate the purchase of her first car! She bought a 1996 Buick Riviera at an auction.
JHud Receives the Ultimate Birthday Gift in the Middle of Times Square — WATCH
View Story11. Jennifer performed on a Disney cruise ship where she played one of the muses from “Hercules.”
12. Jenn doesn’t sing whistle notes but can sing high notes in full voice.
13. Her favorite color is purple.
14. Jennifer’s favorite candy and chocolate store is The Fudge Pot in her hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
15. In addition to scoring goodies for herself, Jennifer has gifted her celebrity friends — including her fellow coaches on “The Voice” — with treats from The Fudge Pot.
16. Jenn loves milk chocolate without nuts.
17. Jennifer has an unconventional routine when she lands in a new city. No matter where she’s at, JHud always searches for the best chicken tacos.
18. Speaking of food, Jennifer LOVES spice and will do a dance when her meal is delish!
19. Prior to appearing in “Dreamgirls,” the film for which she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, Jennifer had no idea who her character Effie White was.
20. In addition to having an Oscar and two Grammys, Jenn had a male Pomeranian named “Oscar” and a female Pomeranian named “Grammy.” Sadly, both pets have since passed.
21. “Oscar” and “Grammy” had a baby, which Jennifer appropriately named “Dreamgirl”!
22. Jennifer laid “Grammy” to rest in a pink coffin.
Your Sweet Birthday Messages to Jennifer Hudson
View Story23. These days, JHud is also a loving cat mom, and has two kitties: Grizzebella and Macavity!
24. After appearing in the first “Sex and the City” movie, JHud has said she would be down to reprise her role in the TV reboot series, “And Just Like That…”
25. Jennifer and her son David LOVE eggs and will prepare them in different ways with a variety of tasty seasonings.
26. Jenn also enjoys all-purpose seasoning.
27. On special occasions, Jenn’s good friend Walter Williams will make her a delicious key lime pie.
28. Jennifer normally only eats thin-crust pizza and will have no more than four slices.
29. However, being from Chicago, JHud does love a good deep-dish!
30. Jenn enjoys singing in the bathroom because of the amazing acoustics.
31. Don’t be shy! Jennifer loves it when people sing for her. In fact, she believes there is no right or wrong way to belt it out.
32. During her youth, Jenn’s mother Darnell Donerson would make pound cake, and Jen and her siblings would get to lick the beater afterward.
33. For protein, Jenn likes to eat chicken, turkey, and fish.
34. JHud’s grandmother would make peanut brittle for her as a child.
35. Despite having traveled the world, Jennifer’s favorite vacation spot is her hometown of Chicago!
36. Her vocal range is first soprano, but she could also sing alto, tenor, and bass.
37. Jenn’s son’s nickname is “DOJ.”
38. During the pandemic, Jennifer drew and spray-painted artwork — skills she inherited from her mother.
Jennifer’s Sister — the ‘OG JHud’ — Writes Touching Note for 41st Birthday!
View Story39. Jenn is the youngest “Dreamgirl” and is eight days younger than her co-star Beyoncé.
40. Jenn has a pink and purple toilet.
41. Jennifer has several nicknames, including Jenn, JHud, and Mama Hud!
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs weekdays. Check your local listings.
