Beyonce and Jennifer had real-life models for "Dreamgirls"

Everyone figures that "Dreamgirls" is based on the story of "The Supremes," the ultimate girl group of the 60s founded by childhood friends Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. Even though the movie is a fictionalized version of what went down with the group, stars Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson made no secret of who their inspirations were in shaping their characters.
"Absolutely Diana Ross was a huge inspiration," said Beyonce, whose character of Deena is very Ross-like. "Her music was always on, her movie posters on my wall. [Deena] is not exactly Diana Ross, it's not a movie of her life. But she was absolutely the inspiration."
Beyonce says she was nervous to meet Ross after the movie came out but said the meeting went fine. Ross has not commented on the film. But with her first new CD in many years due out next week, she no doubt will say SOMETHING about it. But, you never know. Ross has a way of saying a lot but not saying a lot and has rarely been very candid.
Hudson, winner of the best supporting actress Globe and the Oscar front-runner, said her characterization was indeed inspired by the late Ballard who, like Effie in the film, was replaced as lead singer then kicked out of the group. While Effie bounced back in the film, Ballard never did and died in poverty at the age of 32.
So, it was especially touching Monday night when Hudson ended her acceptance speech by saying: "I want to dedicate this award to a lady who never really got a fair chance. This award is for Florence Ballard. You will never be forgotten."