Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

Lionel Richie To Produce Sammy Davis Jr. Biopic
Lionel Richie To Produce Sammy Davis Jr. Biopic

Lionel Richie To Produce Sammy Davis Jr. Biopic

Lionel Richie To Produce Sammy Davis Jr. Biopic

A biopic on the iconic American entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. is officially a go, with Lionel Richie spearheading the project.

According to a report from Deadline, the movie will be based on the 1965 memoir centered around Davis' life — Yes I Can: The Story Of Sammy Davis, Jr. 

The film will have plenty of source material to work with, considering just how compelling of a life Davis lived up until his death in 1990. Born and raised in Harlem by his vaudeville dancing parents, Davis grew up to become one of the most important entertainers of his time, eventually landing a role alongside Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford in the Rat Pack.

However, Davis also faced the challenges of segregation, often times having to endure conditions that his white colleagues never had to. Nevertheless, Davis' influence is still celebrated and cherished today.

"It's an honor for me to bring the life of one of my idols and friends to the screen," Richie said in a statement. "I'm so grateful to be working closely with the Davis family on this and couldn't be happier to be moving forward on this passion project."

"Sammy's life story is an unparalleled tale of what can be achieved with unbridled perseverance and talent," Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who is also serving as a producer for the film alongside Richie, added. "It is at its essence a uniquely American story of one man's ability to use his talents to reach the pinnacle of his profession."

Davis' heirs, which includes his four sons and one daughter, are also onboard for the biopic.

"I am happy to tell the whole entire world that my family and I look forward to working with everyone to educate audiences of all ages about our father’s incredible American adventure," Manny, Davis' youngest son and the estate administrator, said.

No other details are provided for the biopic but it is nice to see that it is finally moving.