The first episode of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Chapter, the series derived from The Chronicle of Bridgerton (Netflix), ends with a discreet tribute to Jacqueline Avant. But who was this woman to whom the production pays tribute?
It is one of the most anticipated series of this spring 2023. After the tidal wave The Chronicles of Bridgerton, the American platform put online this Thursday, May 4, a brand new series produced by Shonda Rhimes: Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton chapter. “Centered on the rise to the top of Queen Charlotte, this prequel in the universe of “The Chronicle of Bridgertons” tells how the marriage of the young woman to King George gave birth to a great love story that jostled the mores of the time, creating the society in which the Bridgertons and their contemporaries evolve”specifies Netflix.
The first episode of this new series, which will appeal to lovers of history and romance, was dedicated to Jacqueline Avant, as shown by a sober message broadcast at the end. A beautiful tribute for this woman who met a tragic end. In December 2021, she was indeed shot from behind and in the middle of the night at her home in Beverly Hills by a burglar. “Jacqueline was shot in the stomach, but was alert and talking when paramedics arrived at the house, and we’re told the family were shocked she didn’t make it.” wrote TMZ at the time, stating that a security guard, hired to watch the house, had also been shot. In April 2022, Aariel Maynor, a man in his 30s, was sentenced to 190 years in prison for the burglary and murder.
An iconic couple
Jacqueline Avant, who was a recognized philanthropist, was none other than the wife of a heavyweight in the American entertainment industry. She was indeed married since 1967 with Clarence Avant, nicknamed The Godfather in the United States. The latter made a name for himself as a music producer, notably within the Interior Music and Avant-Garde labels that he founded, but also with the legendary Motown label, of which he was one of the presidents. He was also the manager of several big music stars such as Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder or Miles Davies and Barbara Streisand.
Mentor and figure in the African-American community who was one of the architects of the birth of the film The color purple by Steven Spielberg (he even plays a role in it), he is also known for his political commitment in favor of the Democrats. The couple had a daughter, Nicole Avant, who served as United States Ambassador to the Bahamas. Film producer, the latter is married to Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix.
Clara Kolodny
