Singing star Diana Ross takes a major leap forward in her career by choosing as her first big screen acting role the portrayal of the tragic life of legendary singer Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues (1972). Beyond her six month preparation for the role, Ross brings to the work her own unique perspective as that of a famous singer. Much of Holiday's tragic life portrayed in the film centers around her love life, the object of her affection played by Billy Dee Williams. Ross had to dig deep within herself for parts of the role which she had no prior experience, such as the overt racial violence of the Deep South against the black population during Holiday's era. This aspect was especially difficult for Ross as a person who doesn't understand the emotion of hate. Ross also provides her perspective of acting being akin to "make believe".