Gabourey Sidibe's Mother Sings in Subway Stations!

Alice Tan Ridley

Gabourey Sidibe earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in last year's 'Precious', but that doesn't make her rich. At least not rich enough to convince her mother to stop singing underground in New York City subway stations to make money.

"My name is not on Gabby's paycheck. For a while, I was teaching and doing the singing, burning the candle at both ends to support my family", Ridley told The New York Post.
Alice Tan Ridley shows up three times a week to sing in the 14th Street/Union Square, 34th Street/Sixth Avenue and Times Square/Eighth Avenue subway stations. Before doing that, Ridley worked as a nursery-school teacher and Department of Education teacher's aide.
Now she feels proud of helping her daughter throughout her movie career. "Four years ago, they asked me to play the part of the mother. But being a mom and teacher, I just couldn't play that part. It was just too hard. I read the book, and I gave it to Gabby. Her friends encouraged her to try out for 'Precious,' and she got it", Ridley also said.