July 26, 2001 – Grammy Award-winner Mary J. Bilge joins a roster of prestigious women guest stars on the #1-rated Lifetime Television original drama "Strong Medicine" to air Sunday, August 5, 2001

Blige, who portrays a singer, follows appearances by Star Jones, Holly Robinson Peete, and Academy Award nominees Sally Kirkland and Diane Ladd.

"We're thrilled that so many diverse women from all areas of entertainment have appeared on the series," commented Executive Producer Tammy Ader. "What we hear all the time is how much these women, like our audience, are drawn in to the drama and issues the series explores. 'Strong Medicine' celebrates strong women from everywhere."

Blige appears as an up-and-coming hip-hop/R&B singer whose unexpected pregnancy leads to both medical and personal conflicts.

The episode will also feature the debut of Blige singing her single "PMS," from her upcoming album No More Drama (MCA Records) due out August 28.

"Singing is clearly my first love, but the chance to act in a powerful series about women's health issues was an opportunity I could not pass up," said Blige. "I was a big fan of 'Strong Medicine' before this opportunity arose, and thoroughly enjoyed the chance to act and sing with such a talented group of people."

"Strong Medicine" follows the challenges, victories and disappointments faced by two very different women (Janine Turner and Rosa Blasi), with polarized theories on the practice of medicine, when they team up to run a women's medical clinic.

Mary J. Blige first burst on to the music scene with her successful debut album What's the 411 in 1992, and has since become both a multi-faceted talent and template for contemporary R&B. Her new album No More Drama is set to a gospel-laced mid-tempo track. Along with her singing and acting, Mary is also preparing to launch her own label.