Comedian Mike Epps to Portray Richard Pryor in Biopic; Oprah Winfrey to Play Pryor’s Grandmother

Comedian, entertainer, actor, producer and rapper Mike Epps has been cast to portray Richard Pryor in a biopic to be directed by Oscar nominee Lee Daniels.

Oprah Winfrey confirmed the news in a post on Instagram, posting a photo of Epps, Daniels and herself.

Epps tweeted a photo of him meeting Pryor's widow, Jennifer Pryor, and getting her blessing.

Winfrey will also star in the film as Pryor's grandmother, Marie Carter, Entertainment Tonight reports.

According to ET, Michael B. Jordan, Marlon Wayans and Nick Cannon also tried out for the role.

Reportedly, Cannon had support from the late comedian's son, Richard Pryor, Jr., who told TMZ that Cannon had the "passion" and "commitment" to portray his father.

Pryor battled multiple sclerosis and died of a heart attack in 2005 at the age of 65.

Source: The Touch Radio