I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story is a biopic film which is directed by Alicia K. Harris. It premiered exclusively on Lifetime on February 8, 2025. The movie explains briefly and touches on the life of Gloria Gaynor, an American singer also known as Queen of Disco renowned for her 1978 hit I Will Survive, which became an anthem of empowerment.
The movie portrays her high-reaching run to fame and challenges that she faced within her pathway, such as that chaotic marriage with her husband, Linwood Simon-the husband who was also a former manager. Joaquina Kalukango stars as Gaynor, with Lance Gross portraying Simon. Shooting for the movie primarily
Where Was I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story filmed?
I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story was filmed mainly in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. British Columbia is indeed blessed with natural terrains – a coastal stretch in the west by the Pacific Ocean and a range of mountains running north-south. It has very many parkland areas which would be best suited for those fond of adventure. The entire area is marked by diversity combining metropolitan life and rustic environments and is even flush with forest areas wild with the wildlife.
As commercial and entertainment hubs, the province’s cities are among the most recognizable in the nation. Even its fresh food, which combines the flavours of many countries and highlights the diversity of its people, is well-known in British Columbia.
Vancouver, British Columbia
The neighbourhoods of Vancouver, the largest metropolis in British Columbia, served as the backdrop for the Lifetime project’s filming. It is a well-liked location for films because of its dynamic and adaptable settings. These incredible contrasts not only represent the beautiful city but also add a dimension to it by making it surrounded with mountains and oceans. They all together make it even more prosperous with music, theatre, and art housing legendary activities over the years – and valued up to now.
Being the home of many museums and art galleries, it is also considered a center of history and culture. Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, and the UBC Museum of Anthropology are some of the well-known landmarks. Cities found elsewhere in the world like it has seen some production, and Vancouver has filmed many different successful shows such as The Night Agent, Supernatural, House, and The Last of Us.
Cast details of I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story
A talented group of cast is featured in I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story bringing the singer’s life to the screen. The film stars Joaquina Kalukango as Gloria Gaynor and Lance Gross as Linwood Simon. Supporting roles are also crucial as the main lead roles are, the movie beautifully places and portrays these roles to enhance the overall watching experience.
Joaquina Kalukango as Gloria Gaynor
The famous singer Gloria Gaynor is portrayed by Joaquina Kalukango. Mainly Kalukango’s work in theatre is what made her most famous. Her performance as Nelly O’Brien in the Broadway musical Paradise Square, for which she won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, brought her special recognition. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Play as well because of her performance as Kaneisha in Slave Play.
Lance Gross as Linwood Simon
In I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story he portrays Linwood Simon, Gloria Gaynor’s husband and manager. He is an American actor, model, and photographer, who garnered recognition for his role as Calvin Payne on the TBS/BET sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, it was the performance through which he earned four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Gross has also been a part of several TV series and movies alongside his work on House of Payne. He is also known for his work in projects like Sleepy Hollow (2015), MacGyver (2017–2019), and Crisis (2014).
Francesca Bianchi as Stephanie Gold
Born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Francesca Bianchi took birth in a family having an Italian father and a Canadian mother; later she moved to Australia where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2010 from the Victorian College of the Arts. In I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story she played the role of Stephanie Gold
Bianchi’s TV credits include roles in Project Blue Book (2019), A Million Little Things (2021), and The Order (2020). She played the role of Heather in A Million Little Things. Her filmography also features appearances in Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance and Drive Hard.
Additional Cast Members
Apart from the main cast, I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story also includes supporting cast members mentioned below:
- Katelyn Vanier as the physical therapist,
- Wolf Ryman as Dino Fekaris
- Pendo Muema as Irma.
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