Cynthia Erivo Cast as Aretha Franklin in 'Genius: Aretha'.<br />The "Queen of Soul" will be the focus of the National Geographic's anthology program's third season.<br />Franklin, one of music's most influential artists of all time, died last year at the age of 76.<br />Previous historical figures portrayed in 'Genius' include Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso.<br />Aretha Franklin has been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl. Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon.<br />To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor.<br />Erivo is best known for her leading role in the Broadway play, 'The Color Purple.'.<br />In 2016, she won the Tony award for best actress in a musical.<br />Erivo also took home a Grammy award in 2017 for best musical theater album.<br />On the big screen, she appeared in the 2018 films 'Widows' and 'Bad Times at the El Royale.'.<br />She also portrays another historical figure, Harriet Tubman, in the upcoming movie 'Harriet.'.<br />The third season of National Geographic's anthology series is scheduled to debut sometime next spring
