'Girlfriends'' Ross, 'Wire' co-star join cast

The soon-to-shoot HBO movie "Life Support" has found a considerable amount of support for its star, Queen Latifah.

Several actors, including "Girlfriends" star Tracee Ellis Ross, have joined the cast of the movie, which centers on an HIV-positive woman (Latifah) who has beaten her drug addiction and counsels others in her community. It's scheduled to begin shooting this week.

In addition to Ross, "The Wire" co-star Wendell Pierce, Tony Rock and Evan Ross -- Ross' half-brother -- have also signed on to the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Author/producer Nelson George ("The Chris Rock Show") is directing the film and co-wrote the screenplay. The story is based on the life of his sister. Queen Latifah and Jamie Foxx are among the executive producers of "Life Support."

Evan Ross ("ATL") will play Trace, a teenager who was born with HIV and has been making a living on the streets before coming to Latifah's character. Tracee Ellis Ross will play his older sister. Pierce, who plays Detective Bunk Moreland on "The Wire," will play Latifah's husband.