Mary Wilson: Dream Girl #1

December 15, 2006

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AS MUCH AS YOU SAY THIS IS YOUR STORY, YOUR BOOK DETAILED SUCH A HARSHER WORLD FOR YOU AND FLORENCE THAN IS PORTRAYED IN THE FILM.. IS THERE ANYTHING FROM THE SUPREMES REAL LIFE STORY THAT YOU WISH HAD SOMEHOW BEEN WORKED IN?
Here's how I look at it - the movie is a wonderful vehicle for some great producer to say there is a really in-depth story here, let's go look at the inside story. The movie is the overview, my book is the real stuff. So if someone like a Tracey Edmonds, that's who I would like to see it, could go and look at my book. The story is about friendship and what success does to it and the sacrifices that people make and some people don't. Obviously in our real story Florence couldn't make the sacrifice. In the play she was able - Jennifer's character - was able to make a comeback. Florence in real life died, she couldn't make a comeback. People make choices in life and I think my book brings up all that in detail so you get a chance to see the characters in detail.

I HAVE TO SAY I THOUGHT THE THIRD ACT WOULD'VE BEEN BETTER IF THEY JUST WOULD'VE ACTUALLY OPTIONED YOUR BOOK AND MADE DEENA MORE OF A VILLAIN...
Yeah they kept it like that - that's a cinderella story. I think it should be that way and I was fine with it because it's not the real story, but my book IS the full story! You're on the same page as me! If people want to find out the real story, they will read the book I hope.

BEYONCE SAYS SHE STUDIED THE SUPREMES AND SPECIFICALLY DIANA ROSS.. DID YOU SEE DIANA IN DEENA?
She didn't... I don't know if it was directorial decision or an actresses decision or what but in the original play it was that way as well. That character was not a Diana Ross character per se in total - only in the facade. It was not really the inside of the person. It didn't go there. That would've changed the script if she was playing Diana. As an actress she could've made different choices to be more knowledgeable but that would've been TOO Diana Ross. This way they have an out - it's loosely based. Diana is not that character in all respects. And I thought that was fine. Unles they were going to say outright it was about us. They have not said this is our story. The Jennifer Holiday character IS Florence. Most people don't know that but that is Florence. That's what happened basically along with a lot of other things, I don't think the mass public really has a clue about that part.

THERE IS A LOT OF SPECULATION ABOUT WHETHER DIANA ROSS IS GOING TO EMBRACE THIS FILM IN THE WAY THAT YOU HAVE..... ANY THOUGHTS?
I've always wanted our story to be told so I embrace the play because sitting there watching the play in the 80s... people ask when I knew the Supremes had made it - and seeing the play was one of those moments. That was one of the moments when I saw that our career, when I saw those three girls from the Brewster projects had dared to dream had made them come true. That was one of those moments that I knew we had truly impressed the world. Whether they say it's our story or inspired by or what, that was the moment I embraced it because it showed me we had touched the world with our being, with our songs, with our look - I mean look they're copying our images, it's not us but it's our image! You can't say that for the Ronettes! Of course I embraced it. We made history.

SO THEN WHY WOULDN'T DIANA EMBRACE IT?
Because she also made history as Diana Ross, so obviously for her that's what she wants to embrace. And that's her right. That's her right. For me I didn't go on to become a major star. I went on to become a major great human being, but the world doesn't want to read about that in rag magazines! (Laughs) But I am a great human being! I am what my mother wanted me to be and she was very proud of me. My intentions are good and I want to do great and do the right thing and that's the most you can want in life. I've said before that If I had to die, I would want to come back as Mary Wilson. I like me that much. I remember a friend of mine said that a big executive told him, 'that Mary Wilson thinks she's a such a star.' Well, right! I've always thought I was a star - when I was in kindergarten I was a star! I think more people should feel like that. People should feel good about yourself, it doesn't mean you're better than anyone else..

AND NOW JENNIFER HOLIDAY IS SPEAKING OUT...
Well it's about time!

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