Charles Malik Whitfield Otis Williams D.B. Woodside Melvin Franklin Terron Brooks Eddie Kendricks Leon Robinson David Ruffin, The Temptations' lead singer from 1964 to 1968, whose ego leads the others to force him out of the group. Jenifer Lewis Mama Rose Christian Payton Paul Williams Gina Ravera Josephine Obba Babatundé Berry Gordy J. August Richards Richard Street, a member of Otis Williams & the Distants, who later replaces Paul Williams in The Temptations Vanessa Bell Calloway Johnnie Mae Matthews, producer and manager for Otis Williams & the Distants. Christopher "Kid" Reid Joltin' Joe, a radio DJ who summons The Distants for Johnnie Mae Matthews Mel Jackson Norman Whitfield, The Temptations' primary producer and songwriter during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Smokey Robinson (Lui/elle même) Rhonda Ross Kendrick Maxine, Paul's wife Chaz Lamar Shepherd Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Otis' high school friend and a member of both Otis Williams & the Distants and The Temptations. Having a day job as a milk man, Al becomes restless and moody as the Temptations struggle to find their big break, and is fired in Decemb Bianca Lawson Diana Ross of The Primettes/The Supremes. Lamman Rucker Jimmy Ruffin, David's older brother and a Motown performer.