Mike Epps to Play Richard Pryor

Originally Published: May 18, 2005

Variety reports that Mike Epps will play Richard Pryor in a film based on the comedian’s life. Walter Hill, who directed Pryor in the film Brewster’s Millions will direct.

Pryor and his wife Jennifer Lee will produce the feature. She has executive produced the Pryor tribute special I Ain’t Dead Yet Mother F*#*s for Comedy Central and Showtime’s Pryor Offenses.

Pryor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986 and is confined to a wheelchair.

An earlier incarnation of the film had been developed for Damon Wayans, but Pryor felt that the film would benefit with an actor who had yet to get heavy exposure on screen and in the public eye.

Mike Epps will next be seen in Paramount’s The Honeymooners, playing the role of Ed Norton.