Mike Epps to Play Richard Pryor in Biopic, Oprah Winfrey to Star as Pryor’s Grandmother
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Vince Bucci/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Comedian Mike Epps has been cast to portray Richard Pryor in a biopic to be directed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels.
Oprah Winfrey confirmed the news in a post on Instagram. Winfrey posted a photo of Epps, Daniels and herself. She captioned the photo: “@theoriginalbigdaddy, @eppsie, and me just finished a great 1st read session. #RichardPryorMovie.”
Epps also tweeted a photo of him meeting Pryor’s widow, Jennifer Pryor, and getting her blessing. He added the caption: “Had to kiss the ring of @jennferLpryor for the blessing! you got to be stong to have been with the king!”
Entertainment Tonight reports Oprah will also star in the film as Pryor’s grandmother, Marie Carter.
According to ET, Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans and Nick Cannon also tried out for the role. Reportedly, Cannon even had support of the late comedian’s son, Richard Pryor Jr., who told TMZ that Cannon had the “passion” and “commitment” to portray his father.
Richard Pryor battled multiple sclerosis and died of a heart attack in 2005 at the age of 65.
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