HBO Henrietta Lacks

Starring Oprah Winfrey, the film explores the real life story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells led to incredible medical breakthroughs, and her daughter's search for the truth.

Sydney Scott Feb, 17, 2017

We’ve been waiting for a peak at HBO’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks since the project was announced and now it’s here.

Starring and produced by Oprah Winfrey, the poignant trailer sees Deborah Lacks, played by Winfrey, on a quest to find out more about her mother’s life and her immortal cells. Lacks is accompanied by Rebecca Skloot (Rose Byrne), who helps Lacks discover her mother’s story. The film is adapted from the best-selling book of the same name.

Henrietta Lacks died in 1951 at the age of 31 after a battle with cancer. Her cells, which were illegally harvested and used in studies, led to numerous medical finds. Lacks was never named or credited.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks airs Saturday, April 22 at 8pm on HBO.