Model Beverly Johnson stepping in as East House keynote speaker after Gabourey Sidibe cancels

Marcia Greenwood, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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Update, Sept. 26, 2022: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Gabourey Sidibe will not be participating in East House’s 13th annual Hope & Recovery Luncheon scheduled for noon on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Harro East Ballroom, 155 N. Chestnut St., the organization announced Monday. Taking Sidibe's place as keynote speaker is Beverly Johnson, a model, actress, businesswoman and author.

August 1974: Beverly Johnson made waves as the first Black woman to pose for the cover of Vogue.
August 1974: Beverly Johnson made waves as the first Black woman to pose for the cover of Vogue.

Original story, Sept. 12, 2022: Gabourey Sidibe, who was nominated for an Oscar for her acting debut in the 2009 film “Precious,” and went on to roles on television’s “Empire,” “The Big C” and “American Horror Story,” is the keynote speaker for East House’s 13th annual Hope & Recovery Luncheon, happening at noon Friday, Sept. 30, at the Harro East Ballroom, 155 N. Chestnut St.

The event is a fundraiser for East House, a private, nonprofit organization that serves people with mental health and substance abuse disorders.

In her 2017 memoir, “This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare,” Sidibe revealed her struggles with depression, panic attacks and bulimia. She will talk about the book and mental health at the luncheon.

Guests will be able to participate in person or virtually.

The cost for an in-person VIP table of eight is $1,750; $175 for a single ticket at easthouse.org.

A virtual Caravan Party ($1,500) includes food and drinks for eight and a link to the livestreamed event. Other virtual options are Lunch & Learn, with access to the livestream for a business and its employees ($1,000), and an individual Navigator pass ($25), which covers online event access.

On Wednesday, Sept. 28, the Little Theatre, 240 East Ave., will screen “Precious.” Set in 1987 in Harlem, it revolves around Sidibe’s character, an abused, overweight, illiterate 16-year-old who, while pregnant by her own father for the second time, sees a chance to change her life by enrolling in alternative school.

The movie also features Mo’Nique, who won a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance as Precious’ vicious mother, and Mariah Carey, nearly unrecognizable as a plain Jane social worker.

The movie starts at 7:30 p.m. in Little 1, and doors open at 7. Tickets are $11 at thelittle.org/precious.

More: In memoir, Gabourey Sidibe details weight loss surgery and being a phone sex operator.

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Model Beverly Johnson stepping in as East House keynote speaker after Gabourey Sidibe cancels