‘She Gave My Character Who I Was’ – Serena Williams’ Mother Oracene Price on Aunjanue Ellis Playing Her in King Richard

Venus and Serena Williams are one of the most well-known sibling duos in the sporting world. Serena is arguably the most decorated player to be still active on the women’s tour with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name. Venus is also a seven-time Grand Slam champion and the two have also won all the majors in doubles as well.

‘King Richard’, which stars Will Smith in the titular role, is based on Williams’ father, Mr. Richard. He played a crucial role in shaping up the careers of both Venus and Serena and led them to the pinnacle of success. Oracene Price, their mother, also had a significant role to play in the sisters’ coaching team.

Also read: ‘Afraid I’m Giving Away the Secret’- Oracene Price Reveals How Protective She Was of Venus and Serena Williams’ Footage in ‘King Richard’

Serena Williams’ mother says Aunjanue Ellis, who played her character, did a great job

Oracene Price recently came to an interview and opened up about her role in the movie and how the characters were reprised. She mentioned how Ellis and she spoke only once over the phone because she was unable to travel to Los Angeles. Oracene and the Williams sisters were both concerned about how their characters would be shown in the movie.

“I said okay that was me, you know, because I’m telling you I just talked to her over the phone one time. We had one discussion because I didn’t come to LA and you know, Covid and everything was going on, but she talked to me on the phone one time and then she gave my character who I was, and that’s what I wanted. I wanted someone to portray me for me and not something that they thought of in their own mind and she did a great job,” Oracene said.

Oracene concluded by saying how others had told her that Aunjanue’s portrayal seemed very authentic and true to how she was in real life. An inspirational movie in every sense, King Richard received rave appreciation from both critics as well as the audiences.