5 Shocking Facts About Lauryn Hill's 'Sister Act' Role And Her Possible Return In Sister Act 3

The connection between legendary artist Ms. Lauryn Hill and the beloved film franchise *Sister Act* is one of Hollywood's most fascinating breakout stories, a pivotal moment that launched a global superstar before she even joined The Fugees. For fans looking for the most current information in December 2025, it is crucial to revisit her unforgettable performance in the 1993 sequel, *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit*, and examine the persistent rumors—both true and false—that have followed her role as Rita Watson for over three decades, especially with the highly anticipated *Sister Act 3* still in development. Lauryn Hill’s time on the set of *Sister Act 2* was a definitive moment, showcasing her powerful vocal talent and acting chops long before *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill* became a cultural phenomenon. While the film is a nostalgic favorite, recent news, including updates on *Sister Act 3* and behind-the-scenes stories from co-stars like Sheryl Lee Ralph, continue to bring new context to her early career trajectory and raise the burning question: will the iconic Rita Watson return to the screen?

Lauryn Hill: The Full Biography and Profile

Lauryn Hill is a highly influential American singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress, whose career spans groundbreaking work in hip-hop, R&B, soul, and gospel. Her unique blend of musical genres and lyrical depth has cemented her status as one of the most important artists of her generation.

• Full Name: Lauryn Noelle Hill
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1975
• Place of Birth: East Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
• Primary Occupations: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Actress, Record Producer
• Breakout Acting Role: Rita Watson in *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit* (1993)
• Musical Group: The Fugees (with Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel)
• Debut Solo Album: *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill* (1998)
• Major Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards (including Album of the Year), World Music Awards, American Music Awards.
• Early Career: Appeared on the soap opera *As the World Turns* as Kira Johnson before *Sister Act 2*.
• Family: Has six children; five with Rohan Marley, the son of Bob Marley.
• Legacy: Known for her powerful voice, conscious lyrics, and fusing neo-soul with hip-hop and reggae influences.

The Unforgettable Role: Lauryn Hill as Rita Watson in *Sister Act 2*

Lauryn Hill was just 16 years old when she took on the role of Rita Watson, a rebellious but immensely talented Catholic school student in *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit* (1993). Her character was the central focus of the young choir, acting as the primary foil to Whoopi Goldberg's character, Sister Mary Clarence (Dolores Van Cartier). Rita Watson was the student who initially refused to participate in the choir, viewing it as a waste of time. Her arc is one of the most compelling in the film, culminating in her show-stopping solo performance of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" and her powerful rap verse in the grand finale, "Joyful, Joyful." Her performance was widely praised and is considered her breakout role in cinema, demonstrating a raw talent that would soon dominate the music world. The film’s success, and specifically the popularity of the young cast, solidified her as a rising star in both acting and music. It’s a classic example of a pre-fame role that, in retrospect, is packed with future star power, also featuring a young Jennifer Love Hewitt. The film, while initially receiving mixed reviews from critics, has become a cult classic, particularly within the Black community and among fans of musical cinema. Many view Hill's contribution as one of the major reasons for the film's lasting cultural impact.

The Shocking Rumors and The Fugees Warning: Behind the Scenes Secrets

The legacy of Lauryn Hill’s time on *Sister Act 2* is not without its dramatic, and often false, footnotes. One of the most persistent, yet completely debunked, rumors involved alleged racist remarks.

The Persistent and False 'Sister Act' Rumor

A widely circulated, but completely false, rumor claimed that Lauryn Hill had made derogatory comments about white people or white fans, allegedly stating she would rather her children starve than have white people buy her music. This malicious rumor was completely fabricated and has been debunked multiple times by fact-checking sites like Snopes. Hill herself addressed the false claim on *The Howard Stern Show* in 1996, categorically denying that she ever made such a statement. Despite her denial, the rumor unfortunately persisted for years, highlighting the challenges of misinformation in the early days of the internet. The fact that she had to officially respond to it underscores how damaging and widespread the false narrative became among some audiences.

Sheryl Lee Ralph's Warning About The Fugees

A true and fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdote involves her co-star, Sheryl Lee Ralph, who played Florence Watson, Rita's mother, in the film. Ralph revealed that she warned Hill about the name of her then-fledgling hip-hop group. The group, which included Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel, was called The Fugees, short for "refugees." Sheryl Lee Ralph, whose own mother was a "strong immigrant" from the West Indies, advised Hill against the name, cautioning that "refugee" was a word people often looked down upon. Despite the warning from her on-screen mother, Hill and her bandmates stuck with the name, eventually achieving massive global success with albums like *The Score*.

Will Lauryn Hill Return for *Sister Act 3*? The Latest Updates

The most pressing question for fans today is whether Lauryn Hill will reprise her role as Rita Watson in the upcoming third installment, *Sister Act 3*, which is currently in development at Disney+ with Whoopi Goldberg set to return as Deloris Van Cartier.

The Script Rework and Whoopi's Tease

As of late 2024, Whoopi Goldberg provided a significant update on the film's status, revealing that the script was undergoing a rework. Goldberg has been vocal about her desire to bring back the original cast members, specifically mentioning the students from *Sister Act 2*, including both Lauryn Hill and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The film is being produced by Tyler Perry, and the involvement of the original "kids" is seen as a key element for the sequel's success and nostalgic appeal.

The Recent Reunion

Adding fuel to the speculation, Whoopi Goldberg and Lauryn Hill had a public reunion during New York Fashion Week in 2024. This heartwarming interaction, over 30 years after the film's release, demonstrated a clear, positive relationship between the two stars, suggesting that a potential on-screen reunion is certainly plausible and not hindered by any personal issues.

The Current Outlook

While there has been no official confirmation of Lauryn Hill’s casting, the continued development of the script and Goldberg’s persistent efforts to include the *Sister Act 2* alumni keep the hope alive. Given Hill's current focus primarily on her touring and music career—and her known reluctance to take on new film roles—securing her participation is likely a significant challenge for the production team. However, the cultural weight of her return as Rita Watson, a now-adult, successful artist, would be an enormous draw for the Disney+ feature. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if the script rework successfully creates a compelling narrative reason for Rita Watson to rejoin Sister Mary Clarence's choir. The story of Lauryn Hill and *Sister Act 2* is a powerful reminder of a star on the cusp of greatness. From her powerhouse vocals as Rita Watson to the debunked rumors and the ongoing anticipation for *Sister Act 3*, her connection to the franchise remains a vital, fascinating chapter in her illustrious career.