Kenya Barris will write, product and direct a biopic about legendary comedian Richard Pryor at MGM, the studio announced on Monday.
The film lands at MGM following a competitive bidding war with multiple studios involved. Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films will produce alongside Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society. Adam Rosenberg will serve as executive producer.
“The way Pryor did what he did — with truth and specificity that was somehow self-aware and self-deprecating, and said with an unmatched level of vulnerability – that was the power and impact of his work,” Barris said. “Pryor had a voice that was distinctly his and, in many ways, comedy since then has been derivative of what he created. To me, this is a film about that voice, the journey that shaped it, and what it took for it to come to be.”
Jennifer Lee Pryor, Richard’s widow,...
The film lands at MGM following a competitive bidding war with multiple studios involved. Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films will produce alongside Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society. Adam Rosenberg will serve as executive producer.
“The way Pryor did what he did — with truth and specificity that was somehow self-aware and self-deprecating, and said with an unmatched level of vulnerability – that was the power and impact of his work,” Barris said. “Pryor had a voice that was distinctly his and, in many ways, comedy since then has been derivative of what he created. To me, this is a film about that voice, the journey that shaped it, and what it took for it to come to be.”
Jennifer Lee Pryor, Richard’s widow,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Kenya Barris, the creator of “Black-ish” and its spinoffs “Grown-ish” and “Mixed-ish,” is directing a feature film about famed comedian Richard Pryor. MGM nabbed worldwide rights to the movie following a highly competitive sale.
Barris will write, produce and direct the yet-to-be-titled project, marking his feature film directorial debut. The movie is centering on the life and times of Pryor, one of the most influential comedians of all time. Over the course of his career, Pryor appeared in over 50 movies, headlined the series “The Richard Pryor Show” and “Pryor’s Place,” and wrote for TV shows including “Sanford and Sons.” Among his numerous accolades, Pryor was the first-ever recipient of the annual Mark Twain Humor Prize.
“The way Pryor did what he did — with truth and specificity that was somehow self-aware and self-deprecating, and said with an unmatched level of vulnerability — that was the power and impact of his work,...
Barris will write, produce and direct the yet-to-be-titled project, marking his feature film directorial debut. The movie is centering on the life and times of Pryor, one of the most influential comedians of all time. Over the course of his career, Pryor appeared in over 50 movies, headlined the series “The Richard Pryor Show” and “Pryor’s Place,” and wrote for TV shows including “Sanford and Sons.” Among his numerous accolades, Pryor was the first-ever recipient of the annual Mark Twain Humor Prize.
“The way Pryor did what he did — with truth and specificity that was somehow self-aware and self-deprecating, and said with an unmatched level of vulnerability — that was the power and impact of his work,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
MGM won a heated film rights auction and will partner with black-ish creator Kenya Barris for a movie on iconic comedian Richard Pryor. Barris will make his directorial debut on a film he will write. The producers are Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society, Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee Witt will serve as executive producers.
This comes after the studio acquired rights for a biopic on Sammy Davis Jr.
Hollywood has long been fixated in turning Pryor’s life into a narrative film, which the comic kind of did after lighting himself on fire in a freebasing accident. He includes that in Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling back in 1986. The most serious attempt to mount a movie came in 2016, when The Weinstein Company and Pryor’s widow Jennifer teamed with director Lee Daniels on...
This comes after the studio acquired rights for a biopic on Sammy Davis Jr.
Hollywood has long been fixated in turning Pryor’s life into a narrative film, which the comic kind of did after lighting himself on fire in a freebasing accident. He includes that in Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling back in 1986. The most serious attempt to mount a movie came in 2016, when The Weinstein Company and Pryor’s widow Jennifer teamed with director Lee Daniels on...
- 10/26/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Jennifer Lee Pryor, Tory Metzger join producer roster.
MGM has set Black-ish creator Kenya Barris to write, direct and produce a biopic of the trailblazing late comic Richard Pryor.
Barris will make his feature directorial debut on the project.
Joining Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society is Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel, and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee Witt will serve as executive producers.
Pryor was a trailblazing black comic who entered the mainstream in film and TV as a star and writer.
The first recipient of the prestigious annual Mark Twain Humor Prize,...
MGM has set Black-ish creator Kenya Barris to write, direct and produce a biopic of the trailblazing late comic Richard Pryor.
Barris will make his feature directorial debut on the project.
Joining Barris and his Khalabo Ink Society is Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel, and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee Witt will serve as executive producers.
Pryor was a trailblazing black comic who entered the mainstream in film and TV as a star and writer.
The first recipient of the prestigious annual Mark Twain Humor Prize,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
A biopic of boundary-breaking comedian Richard Pryor is in the works with Kenya Baris set to write and direct.
Pryor’s work spanned television, film and stand-up with credits that include Blazing Saddles, The Richard Pryor Show and Pryor’s Place. He was the first recipient of the Mark Twain Humor Prize for humor and earned numerous Emmys, WGA Awards and Grammys.
MGM landed the project in a competitive situation.
Barris will also produce the movie via his Khalabo Ink Society, along with Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee ...
Pryor’s work spanned television, film and stand-up with credits that include Blazing Saddles, The Richard Pryor Show and Pryor’s Place. He was the first recipient of the Mark Twain Humor Prize for humor and earned numerous Emmys, WGA Awards and Grammys.
MGM landed the project in a competitive situation.
Barris will also produce the movie via his Khalabo Ink Society, along with Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee ...
- 10/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A biopic of boundary-breaking comedian Richard Pryor is in the works with Kenya Baris set to write and direct.
Pryor’s work spanned television, film and stand-up with credits that include Blazing Saddles, The Richard Pryor Show and Pryor’s Place. He was the first recipient of the Mark Twain Humor Prize for humor and earned numerous Emmys, WGA Awards and Grammys.
MGM landed the project in a competitive situation.
Barris will also produce the movie via his Khalabo Ink Society, along with Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee ...
Pryor’s work spanned television, film and stand-up with credits that include Blazing Saddles, The Richard Pryor Show and Pryor’s Place. He was the first recipient of the Mark Twain Humor Prize for humor and earned numerous Emmys, WGA Awards and Grammys.
MGM landed the project in a competitive situation.
Barris will also produce the movie via his Khalabo Ink Society, along with Pryor’s widow Jennifer Lee Pryor and her Tarnished Angel and Tory Metzger for Levantine Films. Adam Rosenberg and Levantine’s Renee ...
- 10/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Richard Pryor remains known for channeling his misfortune into groundbreaking comedy. But he was lucky to be alive after setting himself on fire in June 1980.
In Paramount Network’s new documentary I Am Richard Pryor, his widow Jennifer Lee Pryor classifies the life-threating incident a suicide attempt.
“He warned me,” she claims to People. “He said to me, ‘I’ve decided what to do. I have to do this otherwise I don’t know how I’m going to get out. There’s no way out of this so you need to leave so you don’t get hurt too.
In Paramount Network’s new documentary I Am Richard Pryor, his widow Jennifer Lee Pryor classifies the life-threating incident a suicide attempt.
“He warned me,” she claims to People. “He said to me, ‘I’ve decided what to do. I have to do this otherwise I don’t know how I’m going to get out. There’s no way out of this so you need to leave so you don’t get hurt too.
- 3/15/2019
- by Dana Rose Falcone
- PEOPLE.com
Over 18 years after Richard Pryor died of a heart attack while suffering from multiple sclerosis, new secrets about the late comedian continue to pour out from the people who knew him best.
Last year, Quincy Jones said in a bombshell interview that Pryor had a slept with Marlon Brando, an assertion that his wife Jennifer Lee Pryor later said was true. (Richards’ son Miko disputed the claim.) In a new documentary titled I Am Richard Pryor, Jennifer — who discusses their whirlwind romance in an exclusive People clip — dives deeper into Richard’s life.
“It certainly wasn’t an affair, it was a dalliance with Brando,...
Last year, Quincy Jones said in a bombshell interview that Pryor had a slept with Marlon Brando, an assertion that his wife Jennifer Lee Pryor later said was true. (Richards’ son Miko disputed the claim.) In a new documentary titled I Am Richard Pryor, Jennifer — who discusses their whirlwind romance in an exclusive People clip — dives deeper into Richard’s life.
“It certainly wasn’t an affair, it was a dalliance with Brando,...
- 3/15/2019
- by Dana Rose Falcone
- PEOPLE.com
Set to air March 15 on the Paramount Network after its SXSW world premiere, “I Am Richard Pryor” is a largely satisfying if thoroughly conventional portrait of the immensely gifted and deeply troubled entertainer whose richly deserved reputation as a comic genius stems at least partially from his frequent and fearless willingness to make himself the target of his take-no-prisoners humor.
Director Jesse James Miller has entwined film clips, archival material and talking-heads interviews to fashion what occasionally feels like an officially sanctioned biography — an impression only reinforced by the billing of Jennifer Lee Pryor, the subject’s widow and a recurrent interviewee in the film, as an executive producer. Still, the story that emerges is undeniably fascinating, and may prove especially intriguing for viewers who have only recently discovered the late legend through his scripted features and comedy-concert films.
Even longtime fans of Pryor might be surprised by those sections...
Director Jesse James Miller has entwined film clips, archival material and talking-heads interviews to fashion what occasionally feels like an officially sanctioned biography — an impression only reinforced by the billing of Jennifer Lee Pryor, the subject’s widow and a recurrent interviewee in the film, as an executive producer. Still, the story that emerges is undeniably fascinating, and may prove especially intriguing for viewers who have only recently discovered the late legend through his scripted features and comedy-concert films.
Even longtime fans of Pryor might be surprised by those sections...
- 3/13/2019
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
“I Am Richard Pryor,” a look at a comedy legend who reinvented stand-up with his confessional style of humor, is being produced for Paramount Network. The film follows Richard Pryor as he rises from his impoverished childhood, growing up in a brothel run by his grandmother, to become the highest-paid performer in the entertainment industry. In addition to being a stand-up legend and a keen social critic of race in America, Pryor starred in “Stir Crazy,” “Silver Streak,” and other Hollywood blockbusters.
The film will be executive produced by Jennifer Lee Pryor, the late comic’s wife. It is being backed by filmmaker Derik Murray’s Network Entertainment and is part of the company’s “I Am” series. The documentaries look at celebrities such as Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, and Steve McQueen.
The Pryor film features interviews with comedians, filmmakers, writers, and collaborators including Lily Tomlin, Tiffany Haddish, Michael Epps,...
The film will be executive produced by Jennifer Lee Pryor, the late comic’s wife. It is being backed by filmmaker Derik Murray’s Network Entertainment and is part of the company’s “I Am” series. The documentaries look at celebrities such as Paul Walker, Heath Ledger, and Steve McQueen.
The Pryor film features interviews with comedians, filmmakers, writers, and collaborators including Lily Tomlin, Tiffany Haddish, Michael Epps,...
- 10/12/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Pryor's widow says his daughter needs to be proud of her father's truth -- that he also liked having sex with men ... and there's no shame in that. We got Jennifer Lee Pryor leaving Book Soup on Sunday in WeHo where she was signing copies of Richard's reissued book, "Pryor Convictions And Other Life Sentences." She was particularly upset about Richard's daughter, Rain, insisting Richard never slept with Marlon Brando. Jennifer told us why she thinks it's true.
- 4/9/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Tiffany Haddish will introduce a man who needs no introduction, but will get it anyway, because he's the late, great and legendary Richard Pryor. We're told Tiffany's writing the intro to the highly-anticipated 'Richard Pryor Diaries' ... a project spearheaded by Richard's wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor. The book's due out in October, but there's been tremendous buzz since TMZ broke the story that Richard did, in fact, bang Marlon Brando. The book, of course, will dive into Richard's bisexuality,...
- 4/8/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Richard Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor, has confirmed that Quincy Jones’ comment about Richard sleeping with Marlon Brando in his latest interview with Vulture was true. “It was the ’70s!” she said to TMZ. “Drugs were still good, especially quaaludes. If you did enough cocaine, you’d f—k a radiator and send it flowers in the […]
Source: uInterview
The post Jennifer Lee Pryor Claims Her Late Husband Slept With Marlon Brando appeared first on uInterview.
Source: uInterview
The post Jennifer Lee Pryor Claims Her Late Husband Slept With Marlon Brando appeared first on uInterview.
- 2/11/2018
- by Natasha Roy
- Uinterview
After a very revealing Vulture interview with Quincy Jones — in which Jones alleged, among other revelations, that Marlon Brando slept with Richard Pryor — the comedian's widow confirmed the news Wednesday (Feb. 7).
Jennifer Lee Pryor told TMZ: "Richard would have no shame about Quincy's comments." She also revealed that Pryor was open about his bisexuality, which he detailed in diaries that she hopes to publish later in the year.
In the Vulture interview, Jones recalled spending time with the Godfather star. "Brando used to go cha-cha dancing with us," he said. "He could dance his ass off. He was...
Jennifer Lee Pryor told TMZ: "Richard would have no shame about Quincy's comments." She also revealed that Pryor was open about his bisexuality, which he detailed in diaries that she hopes to publish later in the year.
In the Vulture interview, Jones recalled spending time with the Godfather star. "Brando used to go cha-cha dancing with us," he said. "He could dance his ass off. He was...
- 2/8/2018
- by Nina Braca, Billboard
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jennifer Lee Pryor, who was twice married to the comedian, corroborates claims by music producer Quincy Jones, noting that ‘it was the 70s’ and ‘drugs were still good’
Quincy Jones said what? Star interviews that got us all talking
The widow of Richard Pryor has confirmed a claim by music producer Quincy Jones that the late comedian and Marlon Brando were lovers in the 1970s.
Jones first made the allegation in a wide-ranging interview with New York Magazine while talking about Brando’s sexual habits. “He’d fuck anything. Anything! He’d fuck a mailbox. James Baldwin. Richard Pryor. Marvin Gaye,” the producer said.
Quincy Jones said what? Star interviews that got us all talking
The widow of Richard Pryor has confirmed a claim by music producer Quincy Jones that the late comedian and Marlon Brando were lovers in the 1970s.
Jones first made the allegation in a wide-ranging interview with New York Magazine while talking about Brando’s sexual habits. “He’d fuck anything. Anything! He’d fuck a mailbox. James Baldwin. Richard Pryor. Marvin Gaye,” the producer said.
- 2/8/2018
- by Gwilym Mumford
- The Guardian - Film News
Way back in May, we reported that Lee Daniels was forced to drop out of The Weinstein Company’s oft-delayed Richard Pryor biopic over—what else—“scheduling conflicts.” Daniels is a big deal in the TV world these days, and it turns out that his schedule was simply too hectic for the movie studio, which chose to give him the boot rather than keep putting off the project. Now, though, it looks like those conflicts have cleared up, as Variety is reporting that Daniels is back on board to direct the film.
Titled Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said (which will probably be trimmed down because it’s very unwieldy), the film will star Mike Epps as Pryor, Oprah Winfrey as his grandmother, and Kate Hudson as Jennifer Lee Pryor. The script was written by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Mr. Holmes, and a few Twilight movies for good measure...
Titled Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said (which will probably be trimmed down because it’s very unwieldy), the film will star Mike Epps as Pryor, Oprah Winfrey as his grandmother, and Kate Hudson as Jennifer Lee Pryor. The script was written by Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Mr. Holmes, and a few Twilight movies for good measure...
- 10/6/2016
- by Sam Barsanti
- avclub.com
Lee Daniels will return as director of the upcoming Jay Z-produced Richard Pryor biopic, Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?. Weinstein Company head Harvey Weinstein announced the news at a press conference Thursday.
Jay Z and Weinstein were on hand to discuss their upcoming Spike TV docuseries about Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old who was imprisoned on Rikers Island for three years without conviction and later took his own life after his release. Later in the press conference, Weinstein touched on Is It Something I Said?, which Daniels left in May.
Jay Z and Weinstein were on hand to discuss their upcoming Spike TV docuseries about Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old who was imprisoned on Rikers Island for three years without conviction and later took his own life after his release. Later in the press conference, Weinstein touched on Is It Something I Said?, which Daniels left in May.
- 10/6/2016
- Rollingstone.com
Precious and The Butler director Lee Daniels has has exited the long awaited biopic about the legendary comic Richard Pryor. Apparently this time is wasn't because of "creative differences," but due to his busy schedule, and the studio did not want to wait for his schedule to clear up.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Weinstein Company declined to comment, but is currently searching for another helmer and made initial overtures to several filmmakers this weekend.
Bill Condon wrote the script for Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, which chronicles the life of the groundbreaking comedian, who rose to prominence in the 1970s before enjoying a film and television career and succumbing to Parkinson’s disease.
The project has been in development in various incarnations for more than a decade. The current version has a star-studded cast set, including Mike Epps as Pryor, Oprah Winfrey as his grandmother,...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Weinstein Company declined to comment, but is currently searching for another helmer and made initial overtures to several filmmakers this weekend.
Bill Condon wrote the script for Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, which chronicles the life of the groundbreaking comedian, who rose to prominence in the 1970s before enjoying a film and television career and succumbing to Parkinson’s disease.
The project has been in development in various incarnations for more than a decade. The current version has a star-studded cast set, including Mike Epps as Pryor, Oprah Winfrey as his grandmother,...
- 5/9/2016
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
30 Rock star Tracy Morgan has opened negotiations to join Lee Daniels’ Richard Pryor biopic, where he’ll be assuming the role of comedy icon Redd Foxx, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In what would be his first major role since the serious accident last year, Morgan is in line to play the brash yet loveable comedian, who opened the industry door for Pryor by recruiting him to be his opening act at a small-time comedy gig, before going to become a fixture of hit NBC comedy Sanford and Son between 1972 to 1977. Currently titled Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, the biopic will chart his rise to becoming one of the very best stand-up acts of his generation, and the newcomer couldn’t be more excited to join the project as Foxx.
“Mr. Foxx, I hope I do you justice!” said Morgan in a statement. “It will be an honor to portray an icon.
In what would be his first major role since the serious accident last year, Morgan is in line to play the brash yet loveable comedian, who opened the industry door for Pryor by recruiting him to be his opening act at a small-time comedy gig, before going to become a fixture of hit NBC comedy Sanford and Son between 1972 to 1977. Currently titled Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?, the biopic will chart his rise to becoming one of the very best stand-up acts of his generation, and the newcomer couldn’t be more excited to join the project as Foxx.
“Mr. Foxx, I hope I do you justice!” said Morgan in a statement. “It will be an honor to portray an icon.
- 11/13/2015
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Tracy Morgan is in negotiations to play Redd Foxx in the Richard Pryor biopic that is set to be directed by Lee Daniels. “Mr. Foxx, I hope I do you justice!" said Morgan in a statement to The Wrap, who first reported on his casting. "It will be an honor to portray an icon.” Assuming negotiations lead to a deal, Morgan will join a growing cast that includes, Taraji P. Henson playing Richard Pryor's mother; Eddie Murphy as Pryor's father; Oprah Winfrey as Pryor's grandmother; Kate Hudson as Jennifer Lee Pryor, Richard Pryor’s 4th wife; and, of course, Mike Epps in the starring role, as Richard Pryor. Production is set to begin next March, as soon as...
- 11/13/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Tracy Morgan is in talks to play comedian Redd Foxx in Lee Daniels‘ biopic of Richard Pryor, an individual familiar with the Weinstein Company project has told TheWrap. Representatives for the Weinstein Company and Morgan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mike Epps will star as Pryor, while Kate Hudson will play his wife, Jennifer Pryor. Eddie Murphy and Taraji P. Henson will co-star as Pryor’s parents, though Oprah Winfrey will play the woman who raised him — his grandmother. In the film, Foxx will be depicted as a brash comedian who owned a local comedy club and encouraged Pryor.
- 11/12/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
The biopic on Richard Pryor lives.
Following years of being put to the side, a biopic on the famed comic is coming by the hands of The Butler and Empire director Lee Daniels. Deadline reported the news on Friday.
The project was originally attached to director Bill Condon with Marlon Wayans starring as Pryor, but that project fell apart with The Weinstein Company revitalizing it when Daniels said he would sign on. Along with Daniels, the film will star Mike Epps as Pryor, Eddie Murphy as Pryor’s father, and Oprah Winfrey as Pryor’s grandmother.
Kate Hudson is also attached to play Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Lee.
The script will come from Condon and Empire scribe Danny Strong with Daniels aiming to start filming in March once he wraps on the popular Fox series’ second season. This is the first time Murphy has been attached to the project (he...
Following years of being put to the side, a biopic on the famed comic is coming by the hands of The Butler and Empire director Lee Daniels. Deadline reported the news on Friday.
The project was originally attached to director Bill Condon with Marlon Wayans starring as Pryor, but that project fell apart with The Weinstein Company revitalizing it when Daniels said he would sign on. Along with Daniels, the film will star Mike Epps as Pryor, Eddie Murphy as Pryor’s father, and Oprah Winfrey as Pryor’s grandmother.
Kate Hudson is also attached to play Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Lee.
The script will come from Condon and Empire scribe Danny Strong with Daniels aiming to start filming in March once he wraps on the popular Fox series’ second season. This is the first time Murphy has been attached to the project (he...
- 8/31/2015
- by Zach Dennis
- SoundOnSight
A film about late stand-up comedian Richard Pryor is coming along with a strong cast under the project.
Oprah Winfrey and Eddie Murphy have all officially signed up to help bring Pryor's life to the big screens, reports Deadline.
Directed by Lee Daniels and produced by The Weinstein Company, the biopic follows the life of Pryor who was famous for his commentary on social issues such as racism. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 65.
Winfrey will play Pryor's grandmother, who raised the comic in the brothel she ran; Murphy, who was attached to the project back in March, will play Pryor's father LeRoy 'Buck Carter' Pryor.
Stand-up comedian Mike Epps was cast to portray Pryor. Epps' past acting credits include Next Friday, Friday after Next and two Resident Evil films.
Kate Hudson is set to play Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor. The couple were briefly married in the...
Oprah Winfrey and Eddie Murphy have all officially signed up to help bring Pryor's life to the big screens, reports Deadline.
Directed by Lee Daniels and produced by The Weinstein Company, the biopic follows the life of Pryor who was famous for his commentary on social issues such as racism. He passed away in 2005 at the age of 65.
Winfrey will play Pryor's grandmother, who raised the comic in the brothel she ran; Murphy, who was attached to the project back in March, will play Pryor's father LeRoy 'Buck Carter' Pryor.
Stand-up comedian Mike Epps was cast to portray Pryor. Epps' past acting credits include Next Friday, Friday after Next and two Resident Evil films.
Kate Hudson is set to play Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee Pryor. The couple were briefly married in the...
- 8/30/2015
- Digital Spy
The Weinstein Company is reportedly ready to green light its Richard Pryor biopic with Oprah Winfrey hopping onboard to play Pryor's grandmother.
Pryor's grandmother ran a brothel and raised the iconic comic there. Winfrey joins a cast that includes Mike Epps as Pryor, Eddie Murphy as Pryor’s father, and Kate Hudson as Pryor's widow.
Bill Condon and Danny Strong penned the script while Lee Daniels will direct the project which begins production in March. Bruce Cohen and Jennifer Lee Pryor will produce.
Source: Deadline...
Pryor's grandmother ran a brothel and raised the iconic comic there. Winfrey joins a cast that includes Mike Epps as Pryor, Eddie Murphy as Pryor’s father, and Kate Hudson as Pryor's widow.
Bill Condon and Danny Strong penned the script while Lee Daniels will direct the project which begins production in March. Bruce Cohen and Jennifer Lee Pryor will produce.
Source: Deadline...
- 8/30/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Our last update on this project was in March, when director Lee Daniels hinted via his Instagram page that Eddie Murphy would be joining the cast of his Richard Pryor film, which Mike Epps is attached to star in, as well as Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson The Weinstein Co. production will see Murphy play Richard Pryor's father, LeRoy Pryor, Winfrey as Marie Carter, Pryor's grandmother, and Hudson as Jennifer Lee Pryor, Richard Pryor’s 4th wife. This evening, Deadline is reporting that the above cast is officially set, and production is set to begin next March, as soon as Daniels wraps up the second season of his hit Fox series...
- 8/29/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Exclusive: The Weinstein Company is ready to greenlight its Richard Pryor biopic, and my, have Harvey Weinstein and Lee Daniels put together a terrific cast. The new additions: Oprah Winfrey will play Pryor’s grandmother, who ran a brothel and raised the iconic comic there; Eddie Murphy will play Pryor’s father, Leroy “Buck Carter” Pryor. Kate Hudson is set to play Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor. And Mike Epps is now locked to play Pryor, a role coveted by a lot of…...
- 8/29/2015
- Deadline
Eddie Murphy, Mike Epps and Kate Hudson are to lead the cast of Lee Daniels' Richard Pryor biopic...
Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy came together on the big screen just once, for the latter's ill-fated directorial debut, Harlem Nights (a film that underperformed at the box office, was hit by critics, but has a couple of merits to it). It's been nearly a decade now since Pryor died, and this year, production will begin on a biopic of the much-missed comedian. Lee Daniels, who last helmed The Butler, is to direct the film, that once had Bill Condon attached to it.
Eddie Murphy has been less proficient on the big screen of late, but it looks as though he's going to be involved in bringing Pryor's story to film. Et Online reports that he's in talks to play Leroy Pryor, Richard's father, in the upcoming biopic.
The role of...
Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy came together on the big screen just once, for the latter's ill-fated directorial debut, Harlem Nights (a film that underperformed at the box office, was hit by critics, but has a couple of merits to it). It's been nearly a decade now since Pryor died, and this year, production will begin on a biopic of the much-missed comedian. Lee Daniels, who last helmed The Butler, is to direct the film, that once had Bill Condon attached to it.
Eddie Murphy has been less proficient on the big screen of late, but it looks as though he's going to be involved in bringing Pryor's story to film. Et Online reports that he's in talks to play Leroy Pryor, Richard's father, in the upcoming biopic.
The role of...
- 3/16/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
In Eddie Murphy's stand-up classic Raw, the comedian reveals, "Richard [Pryor] is the one who made me want to do comedy. When I was young, I wanted to be Richard Pryor so bad I used to sneak in the basement, put his albums on, and just listen… I wanted to be Richard so bad, I used to go out on stage when I was 15 and talk and act and walk and everything like Richard Pryor." With that admiration in mind, Murphy has been cast to play an unexpected role in...
- 3/14/2015
- Rollingstone.com
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }A:link { } The Richard Pryor Biopic, which about six months ago cast Mike Epps in the role of Pryor, just added another big name to its slate of actors. That's right, SNL vet Eddie Murphy has just officially joined the cast of the upcoming drama. Murphy is said to be in talks to board the film in the role of the comedian's father, LeRoy "Buck Carter" Pryor, a boxer and WWII veteran, reports Variety. The Lee Daniels project is also said to co-star Oprah Winfrey, and potentially Kate Hudson, and will be produced by the Weinstein Company, the lattermost which Richard Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor said "would like it [the upcoming biopic] to be released for the Oscars." Daniels posted this photo of himself and the Dreamgirls star to his Instagram Thursday night. Strap in and brace ...
- 3/14/2015
- cinemablend.com
Eddie Murphy is in talks to join Mike Epps, Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson in the Richard Pryor biopic that Lee Daniels is directing for The Weinstein Co. Murphy will play Richard Pryor's father, LeRoy Pryor, while the previously cast Winfrey will play Marie Carter, Pryor's grandmother, and Hudson as Jennifer Lee Pryor, Richard Pryor’s 4th wife. Entertainment Tonight first reported the news of Murphy's casting. I should note that Mike Epps actually plays Richard Pryor in Cynthia Mort's still-unreleased Nina Simone film that Zoe Saldana stars in. A rather gutsy choice by Daniels and company, this could be the dramatic catalyst that...
- 3/14/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Eddie Murphy is in talks to join the cast of Lee Daniels‘ untitled biopic of comedian Richard Pryor, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap. Murphy will play Pryor’s father, LeRoy “Buck Carter” Pryor, a former boxer. Mike Epps had been previously cast as the late comedian, while Kate Hudson will play his wife, Jennifer Pryor. Also Read: TheWrap’s 25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2015: From ‘Fifty Shades’ to ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Spectre’ Oprah Winfrey is also set to play Pryor’s grandmother in the film. Speculation about Murphy’s involvement in the Weinstein Company project rose...
- 3/14/2015
- by Linda Ge
- The Wrap
Entertainment Tonight reports that Eddie Murphy is in talks for a role in Precious director Lee Daniels’ upcoming Richard Pryor biopic. Murphy has remained interested in the movie for several years now and was linked to a previous iteration of the project with Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters) attached to direct.
Should he commit to Daniels’ version, he will play Pryor’s father LeRoy “Buck Carter” Pryor. Mike Epps, who was at one stage attached to that earlier version, is still on board for the lead role, and Kate Hudson will play Pryor’s wife Jennifer Pryor, who is also a producer on the film.
Many are hopeful that this project could mark Murphy’s return to ‘serious’ fare. The comedian landed a ton of critical acclaim for his last major acting performance in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls. Director Condon led him to an Oscar nomination for that role and...
Should he commit to Daniels’ version, he will play Pryor’s father LeRoy “Buck Carter” Pryor. Mike Epps, who was at one stage attached to that earlier version, is still on board for the lead role, and Kate Hudson will play Pryor’s wife Jennifer Pryor, who is also a producer on the film.
Many are hopeful that this project could mark Murphy’s return to ‘serious’ fare. The comedian landed a ton of critical acclaim for his last major acting performance in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls. Director Condon led him to an Oscar nomination for that role and...
- 3/13/2015
- by Gem Seddon
- We Got This Covered
Et can exclusively confirm that Eddie Murphy is in talks for a role in Lee Daniels' untitled Richard Pryor biopic, according to a source close to the production. So what part will he play? Richard Pryor's father, LeRoy "Buck Carter" Pryor, a former boxer.
Et can also confirm that Kate Hudson will in fact play Pryor’s wife, Jennifer Pryor, who is a producer on the film.
News: How Terrance Howard Found 'New Freedom' with 'Empire' Boss Lee Daniels
On Thursday, the director posted a photo of the him and Murphy together on Instagram with the caption: “Strap in and brace yourself. They done let me and him out of our cages! #idonteventhinkimreadyforthisone! #excited #proud #Omg”
Murphy and Hudson joins Mike Epps, who cast as Pryor in August of last year. The highly anticipated film also includes Oprah Winfrey, who Et exclusively confirmed as his grandmother, Marie Carter.
The biopic...
Et can also confirm that Kate Hudson will in fact play Pryor’s wife, Jennifer Pryor, who is a producer on the film.
News: How Terrance Howard Found 'New Freedom' with 'Empire' Boss Lee Daniels
On Thursday, the director posted a photo of the him and Murphy together on Instagram with the caption: “Strap in and brace yourself. They done let me and him out of our cages! #idonteventhinkimreadyforthisone! #excited #proud #Omg”
Murphy and Hudson joins Mike Epps, who cast as Pryor in August of last year. The highly anticipated film also includes Oprah Winfrey, who Et exclusively confirmed as his grandmother, Marie Carter.
The biopic...
- 3/13/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
It's safe to say that comedian Richard Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor, is not a fan of Bill Cosby.
In an interview on Alison Rosen's podcast, Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend, Lee goes off on the 77-year-old comedian in light of the numerous sexual assault allegations against him. Lee served as a manager for Pryor, and wasn't shy about sharing her insight.
"It was a well-kept secret that Bill f*cked everything that moved," she claimed. "This kind of s**t that we're finding out about is beyond. I wasn't aware of this kind of business. There are people in the business who were aware of it and they're coming out now too."
Video: Norm Macdonald Claims Eddie Murphy Declined to Portray Bill Cosby on 'SNL 40'
"The condescension that was going on and the holier than thou. It got so over-the-top," she said about his attitude.
She then pointed...
In an interview on Alison Rosen's podcast, Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend, Lee goes off on the 77-year-old comedian in light of the numerous sexual assault allegations against him. Lee served as a manager for Pryor, and wasn't shy about sharing her insight.
"It was a well-kept secret that Bill f*cked everything that moved," she claimed. "This kind of s**t that we're finding out about is beyond. I wasn't aware of this kind of business. There are people in the business who were aware of it and they're coming out now too."
Video: Norm Macdonald Claims Eddie Murphy Declined to Portray Bill Cosby on 'SNL 40'
"The condescension that was going on and the holier than thou. It got so over-the-top," she said about his attitude.
She then pointed...
- 2/25/2015
- Entertainment Tonight
Not holding back. Jennifer Lee, the widow of comedian Richard Pryor, sounded off on Bill Cosby and called him names in a revealing new interview during Alison Rosen's podcast, Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend. Lee, who served as a manager for Pryor and was married to him twice, spoke to Rosen about her marriage and her late husband before turning the conversation to Cosby, asserting "I'd like to address the whole Bill Cosby thing." "Richard was dirty on the outside, but he was a good person, [...]...
- 2/25/2015
- Us Weekly
Not everyone who's known Bill Cosby for years is standing by him. The widow of actor-comedian Richard Pryor—who like Cosby (or unlike him now, depending on who you ask) is considered a master at stand-up, but whose material ultimately became more fiery, profane and cutting-edge than Cosby's—did not mince words when giving her opinion of her late husband's fellow entertainer in a recent interview. Talking about the dynamic between the two on the podcast Alison Rosen Is Your Next Best Friend, Jennifer Lee Pryor said, "Richard was dirty on the outside, but he was a good person on the inside. Bill, f--k. Clean. Oh, 'clean.' He hated Richard because he 'worked dirty.'...
- 2/25/2015
- E! Online
Jennifer Lee Pryor, wife of deceased comedian Richard Pryor, over the weekend blasted Bill Cosby, who stands accused of raping, drugging or sexually assaulting over 30 women. “Richard was dirty on the outside, but he was a good person … he was clean on the inside. Bill — fuck,” she told Alison Rosen on her podcast “Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend.” “He hated Richard, because Richard worked dirty. Bill worked clean,” she added. See Photos: Bill Cosby’s NBC Sitcom Is Dead: 10 Other TV Dads Who Adopted a New Family Pryor went on to say that Cosby had a reputation for promiscuity over.
- 2/24/2015
- by Travis Reilly
- The Wrap
While Harvey Weinstein is generally known as Mr. Oscar, this year he had a relatively quiet time at the awards ceremony, with The Weinstein Company walking away with just two trophies. But Harvey is a man with a plan, and he already has a lot of potential contenders on his plate for next year, including "Macbeth" with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight," and "Lion" with Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. And never one to have a couple more options at his disposal, he's apparently eyeing Lee Daniels' Richard Pryor biopic for the awards season. The news comes from Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee, who recently stopped by the "Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend" podcast (via FilmDrunk) and provided an update on the status of the Lee Daniels directed picture about the late comedian. Mike Epps is in the lead role, with Kate Hudson as Jennifer Pryor,...
- 2/24/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
A t-shirt company stole Richard Pryor's swag ... according to a suit filed by the late great comic's widow.Jennifer Lee Pryor says Fret Shirt -- a company that specializes in irreverent tees -- used a pic of Pryor emblazoned with the word "Swag" ... but did so without her permission. Now she's suing to stop production on the line, and get her piece of the profits.In the docs ... Pryor is demanding they shell out $5 mil in damages.
- 1/21/2015
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
As confirmed through a photo posted to Lee Daniels’ Twitter feed earlier this week, comedian Mike Epps will play the late iconic stand-up Richard Pryor in the forthcoming biopic directed by Daniels, and produced by media mogul Oprah Winfrey.
As Deadline reports, Epps claimed the role after a phenomenal audition that made it difficult to pass over the actor. He beat out several higher profile young actors, including Marlon Wayans (whom, according to TMZ’s, was the favorite choice of Pryor’s kids), Nick Cannon, and Fruitvale Station’s Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, Deadline has stated that both Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway have been auditioning alongside the potential Pryors, with the actresses being looked to for the role of Richard’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor.
Fans of the late Richard Pryor should be satiated by the selection of Mike Epps. Though many know of Epps through his roles in Next Friday and The Hangover,...
As Deadline reports, Epps claimed the role after a phenomenal audition that made it difficult to pass over the actor. He beat out several higher profile young actors, including Marlon Wayans (whom, according to TMZ’s, was the favorite choice of Pryor’s kids), Nick Cannon, and Fruitvale Station’s Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, Deadline has stated that both Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway have been auditioning alongside the potential Pryors, with the actresses being looked to for the role of Richard’s widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor.
Fans of the late Richard Pryor should be satiated by the selection of Mike Epps. Though many know of Epps through his roles in Next Friday and The Hangover,...
- 8/29/2014
- by Zachary Shevich
- SoundOnSight
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey has been spending more time on the big screen lately, with roles in such high-prestige pics like Lee Daniels' The Butler and the upcoming Civil Rights docudrama Selma. But for her next film, she's going downright gritty. TMZ reports Oprah Winfrey has been cast to play a brothel-running madam in the biopic about the late Richard Pryor. But this is no common lady pimp role. Winfrey is set to portray a very pivotal figure in the young Pryor's life. That would be none other than the iconic and crass comedian's grandmother, Marie Carter. After Pryor's mother abandoned him at the age of ten, the boy went to live with his father's mother in Peoria, Illinois. There, little Pryor grew up in a brothel. Let's take a moment to let that settle in...Okay? Pryor's widow Jennifer Lee told TMZ that Oprah Winfrey has been eager to...
- 8/27/2014
- cinemablend.com
Mike Epps will play Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels's biopic of the legendary stand-up comedian.
Daniels confirmed the casting news through his Twitter page, posting an image of himself posing with Epps and Oprah Winfrey, who'll play Pryor's grandmother in the drama.
Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014
Epps is said to have held off competition from Nick Cannon, Michael B Jordan and Marlon Wayans to win the coveted role.
The actor, whose credits include The Hangover and Resident Evil: Apocalypse, celebrated the news by posting a picture of himself with Pryor's wife Jennifer.
Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing !you got to be stong to have been with the king! pic.twitter.com/OxvbjvPqHc
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) August 24, 2014
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are reportedly the frontrunners to play Jennifer Pryor in the film.
Daniels's...
Daniels confirmed the casting news through his Twitter page, posting an image of himself posing with Epps and Oprah Winfrey, who'll play Pryor's grandmother in the drama.
Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014
Epps is said to have held off competition from Nick Cannon, Michael B Jordan and Marlon Wayans to win the coveted role.
The actor, whose credits include The Hangover and Resident Evil: Apocalypse, celebrated the news by posting a picture of himself with Pryor's wife Jennifer.
Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing !you got to be stong to have been with the king! pic.twitter.com/OxvbjvPqHc
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) August 24, 2014
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are reportedly the frontrunners to play Jennifer Pryor in the film.
Daniels's...
- 8/27/2014
- Digital Spy
Lee Daniels has finally found his Richard Pryor—and he made the announcement with a little help from his friend Oprah Winfrey.
On Sunday, Aug. 24, Winfrey posted a picture on her Instagram of herself, Lee Daniels, and Mike Epps after the trio had completed a first read-through of the Richard Pryor movie. Daniels did the same shortly after on his Twitter, confirming Epps’ starring role.
Get ready y’all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014
Epps later tweeted a picture of himself with Richard Pryor’s wife, Jennifer Pryor, after the two met so...
On Sunday, Aug. 24, Winfrey posted a picture on her Instagram of herself, Lee Daniels, and Mike Epps after the trio had completed a first read-through of the Richard Pryor movie. Daniels did the same shortly after on his Twitter, confirming Epps’ starring role.
Get ready y’all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
— lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014
Epps later tweeted a picture of himself with Richard Pryor’s wife, Jennifer Pryor, after the two met so...
- 8/26/2014
- by Jonathon Dornbush
- EW - Inside Movies
Director Lee Daniels has confirmed via Twitter that Mike Epps (The Hangover and The Hangover III) is set to play Richard Pryor in a new biopic. Over the years other actors rumored to be up for the role have included Nick Cannon, Michael B. Jordan, and Marlon Wayans.
Daniels released a photo of himself (below) with Epps and Oprah Winfrey with the following caption, "Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor." Deadline previously reported that Epps blew everyone away at his audition and that Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway were on the list of options to play Pryor’s widow, Jennifer.
The movie will depict Pryor’s controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs. Pryor's widow, Jennifer Pryor, is also producing the film, and she "brings to the project more than 50 pages of Pryor's personal journals, which offer a glimpse into his brilliant, but dark, mind."
Richard Pryor was a freakin' funny comedian.
Daniels released a photo of himself (below) with Epps and Oprah Winfrey with the following caption, "Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor." Deadline previously reported that Epps blew everyone away at his audition and that Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway were on the list of options to play Pryor’s widow, Jennifer.
The movie will depict Pryor’s controversial brand of comedy and his battle with drugs. Pryor's widow, Jennifer Pryor, is also producing the film, and she "brings to the project more than 50 pages of Pryor's personal journals, which offer a glimpse into his brilliant, but dark, mind."
Richard Pryor was a freakin' funny comedian.
- 8/26/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Oprah lands a huge new role.
Oprah is headed back to the big screen!
Et can exclusively confirm that Oprah, 60, will be playing Richard Pryor's grandmother, Marie Carter, in Lee Daniels' highly anticipated biopic on the legendary comedian.
Pryor, who died from a heart attack in 2005, had a notoriously complicated relationship with his grandmother. Pryor grew up in a house of prostitution run by Marie, when his mother Gertrude walked out on the family when he was 10 years old.
Photos: Stars Take on Real Life Roles
Oprah recently confirmed on her Instagram that actor Mike Epps, 43, will play Pryor, also hinting at her involvement in the film as well.
"@theoriginalbigdaddy, @eppsie, and me just finished a great 1st read session. #RichardPryorMovie," Oprah posted on her Instagram Sunday.
This of course isn't the first time Oprah his worked with Daniels. She memorably starred in Lee Daniels' The Butler last year, and co-executive...
Oprah is headed back to the big screen!
Et can exclusively confirm that Oprah, 60, will be playing Richard Pryor's grandmother, Marie Carter, in Lee Daniels' highly anticipated biopic on the legendary comedian.
Pryor, who died from a heart attack in 2005, had a notoriously complicated relationship with his grandmother. Pryor grew up in a house of prostitution run by Marie, when his mother Gertrude walked out on the family when he was 10 years old.
Photos: Stars Take on Real Life Roles
Oprah recently confirmed on her Instagram that actor Mike Epps, 43, will play Pryor, also hinting at her involvement in the film as well.
"@theoriginalbigdaddy, @eppsie, and me just finished a great 1st read session. #RichardPryorMovie," Oprah posted on her Instagram Sunday.
This of course isn't the first time Oprah his worked with Daniels. She memorably starred in Lee Daniels' The Butler last year, and co-executive...
- 8/26/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Director Lee Daniels's Richard Pryor biopic has found its leading man: Mike Epps is set to play the late comedian in the long-awaited flick.
Daniels made the news official over the weekend, tweeting a photo of himself, Epps, and producer Oprah Winfrey to announce the casting.
Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
- lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014 Epps was in some serious competition for the role, with actors including Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans, and Nick Cannon all vying for the part. (Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson are currently said to be in talks to play Pryor's wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor.) But the comedian had some history on his side, with both Pryor and his wife giving Epps their blessing to play Pryor in a different biopic that was in the works nine years ago.
While that project never got off the ground, it...
Daniels made the news official over the weekend, tweeting a photo of himself, Epps, and producer Oprah Winfrey to announce the casting.
Get ready y'all- #MikeEpps as #RichardPryor pic.twitter.com/0sothu7yVB
- lee daniels (@leedanielsent) August 24, 2014 Epps was in some serious competition for the role, with actors including Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans, and Nick Cannon all vying for the part. (Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson are currently said to be in talks to play Pryor's wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor.) But the comedian had some history on his side, with both Pryor and his wife giving Epps their blessing to play Pryor in a different biopic that was in the works nine years ago.
While that project never got off the ground, it...
- 8/26/2014
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
Sorry, Nick Cannon.
It's official!
Actor Mike Epps, 43, will play the late Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels' highly anticipated biopic on the legendary comedian.
Epps beat out big names like Nick Cannon, Michael B. Jordan and Marlon Wayans to land the coveted part.
Photos: Stars Take on Real-Life Roles
"@theoriginalbigdaddy, @eppsie, and me just finished a great 1st read session. #RichardPryorMovie," Oprah posted on her Instagram, confirming the big news.
In addition, Epps tweeted a pic of himself with Pryor's wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor, saying that she gave him her "blessing" to play the part.
Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing !you got to be stong to have been with the king! pic.twitter.com/OxvbjvPqHc
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) August 24, 2014
Photos: Role Call -- Who Got Hired in Hollywood?
This actually isn't the first time the Next Friday star has played Pryor -- he also played him in the Nina Simone film Nina...
It's official!
Actor Mike Epps, 43, will play the late Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels' highly anticipated biopic on the legendary comedian.
Epps beat out big names like Nick Cannon, Michael B. Jordan and Marlon Wayans to land the coveted part.
Photos: Stars Take on Real-Life Roles
"@theoriginalbigdaddy, @eppsie, and me just finished a great 1st read session. #RichardPryorMovie," Oprah posted on her Instagram, confirming the big news.
In addition, Epps tweeted a pic of himself with Pryor's wife, Jennifer Lee Pryor, saying that she gave him her "blessing" to play the part.
Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing !you got to be stong to have been with the king! pic.twitter.com/OxvbjvPqHc
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) August 24, 2014
Photos: Role Call -- Who Got Hired in Hollywood?
This actually isn't the first time the Next Friday star has played Pryor -- he also played him in the Nina Simone film Nina...
- 8/26/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
• It looks like Mike Epps may finally get the chance to play legendary stand-up comedian Richard Pryor after all. The comic has emerged as the front-runner to play the part in a biopic for The Weinstein Company directed by Lee Daniels (The Butler). Epps was previously signed on to play Pryor back in 2005 and met with the late comedian while he was still alive to prepare for the role, but that project fell through. Epps reportedly beat out actors Michael B. Jordan, Nick Cannon, and Marlon Wayans after Wayans had also been previously attached to another Pryor film, this one...
- 8/13/2014
- by Jake Perlman
- EW - Inside Movies
A Richard Pryor biopic has been on Hollywood's to-do list for years, even though the project has repeatedly fallen apart in the hands of capable filmmakers and studios. Recently, Lee Daniels got involved, and the lead role became a part highly in-demand for a number of leading male comedians. But only now does it look like the production has found its star, and it's actually a very familiar face. Deadline reports that Mike Epps is the frontrunner to play Richard Pryor in the coming Lee Daniels-directed biopic. Epps reportedly blew Daniels away during auditions held at The Weinstein Company studios, beating out a list of contenders that included Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans and Nick Cannon. Additionally, those actors might have been auditioning with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, both of whom are frontrunners to play Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor. Epps was actually the first choice of Pryor...
- 8/12/2014
- cinemablend.com
Actor-comic Mike Epps has emerged as the front-runner to star as Richard Pryor in Lee Daniels' upcoming biopic about the comedian at The Weinstein Company.
Daniels reportedly auditioned the likes of Epps, Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans, and Nick Cannon for the role. Both Epps and Wayans were previously set to play Pryor in previous incarnations of the film that didn't take off.
No final decision had been reached but Epps reportedly delivered a smashing audition which has put him in front-runner position, however Wayans is not out of the running.
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are being floated about as potential actresses to play Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor.
Source: Deadline...
Daniels reportedly auditioned the likes of Epps, Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans, and Nick Cannon for the role. Both Epps and Wayans were previously set to play Pryor in previous incarnations of the film that didn't take off.
No final decision had been reached but Epps reportedly delivered a smashing audition which has put him in front-runner position, however Wayans is not out of the running.
Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are being floated about as potential actresses to play Pryor's widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor.
Source: Deadline...
- 8/12/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
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