Since his recovery from the tragic vehicle accident in June 2014 that left him seriously injured, acting roles have been coming in generously for funnyman Tracy Morgan. He’s now in negotiations to play iconic comedian Redd Foxx in director Lee Daniel’s upcoming Richard Pryor biopic.
Foxx, a legend on the stand-up comedy circuit, was known for his hilarious, yet sometimes vulgar, anecdotes. He was also well known for the popular character of Los Angeles junkman Fred Sanford on the 1970’s sitcom “Sanford and Son.” He was a mentor to Pryor, the two starring in the film Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy just two years before Foxx’s death in 1991.
“Mr. Foxx, I hope I do you justice!” Morgan said in a statement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “It will be an honor to portray an icon.”
Much of the biopic’s main cast has reportedly been selected. Mike Epps will play the lead role as Pryor and Kate Hudson will portray his wife, Jennifer. Taraji P. Henson and Oprah Winfrey, who have worked with Daniels before, will play Pryor’s mother and grandmother, respectively. Eddie Murphy will star as Pryor’s father.
Morgan’s first major public appearances since his accident were hosting an episode of “Saturday Night Live” in October and as a presenter at the Emmy Awards in September.
The comedian has also signed on to star in Ice Cube’s new comedy Fist Fight and announced an upcoming stand-up comedy tour slated for early next year.
