LaTanya Richardson Jackson, the wife of actor Samuel L. Jackson, has landed her dream role!

On Saturday, Richardson Jackson was asked to replace Diahann Carroll, who recently pulled out of the Broadway show A Raisin in the Sun.

Richardson Jackson will reprise the role of matriarch Lena Younger. Her character will play Denzel Washington’s mother, even though she is only five years older than the 59-year-old actor.

“This is not even serendipitous. This is a miracle,” Richardson Jackson said on Monday after successfully completing a full day of rehearsals. “This is an incredible dream. I could cry, but I don’t have time.”

Carroll was originally cast to play the part of Younger, but withdrew over the weekend, due to “the vigorous demands of the rehearsal and performance schedule.” She later released a statement, regarding her departure from the show.

Richardson Jackson just happened to be shopping in New York when she received the phone call from director Kenny Leon asking her to join the cast.

“How it arrived, I can’t question, although I can’t say I wasn’t upset, because I am. Carroll is a friend and I just regret that she wasn’t able. I was looking so forward to seeing her in this production,” said Richardson Jackson.

“Listen, she’s already in there killing it,” said Washington after their rehearsal. “She’s already pushing me so that’s good. I’m happy that she’s here.” Richardson Jackson will also be co-starring alongside Sophie Okonedo and Anika Noni Rose.

A Raisin in the Sun will mark Richardson Jackson’s first role on Broadway since she starred in the 2009 revival of Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.

Image via Wikimedia Commons