Richard Pryor Jr Accepts Nick Cannon
Richard Pryor’s son, Richard Pryor Jr. says he has changed his mind about Nick Cannon, since he’s shown real interest in the role and wants to learn everything about his father.
A few weeks ago, CelebNMusic247.com learned that Richard Pryor’s kids said that they did not approve of Nick Cannon playing their father, Richard Pryor, in an upcoming biopic. Pryor’s kids wanted Marlon Wayans for the role, but things have changed for Richard’s son, after speaking to Nick.
Pryor Jr. says:
“I am actually very excited about it now. He changed my mind by how he is delving into it…He did the small thing of using his left hand instead of his right hand, he picked up smoking to try and emulate my dad, he’s let his hair grow out…he’s looking into who my dad really was, looking into his childhood, who he was raised by and around, and he is interested in talking to me about who my dad was.”
Groundbreaking comic Pryor, one of the top entertainers of the 1970s and ’80s, suffered from MS and died of a heart attack in 2005. His widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor, has had a contentious relationship with Pryor Jr. She has rights to ALL od Pryor’s Laff Records material and recordings, and we’re told has been in touch with director Lee Daniels.
We’ve also learned via WordOnTheStreet that Pryor Jr. has not seen the script and tells us he’s concerned about how it will treat his dad and Jennifer, who was also Pryor’s manager.
Pryor Jr. said:
“I’m concerned about my dad in the later years, if he will be portrayed in the proper way when you have a person like Jennifer over things. She is going to portray herself as angelic when it was the opposite.”
“She’s not a nice lady…My dad’s money took care of him; they didn’t even live in the same home.”
A rep from Apples & Oranges PR tells us Pryor Jr.’s lawyers at the Otto Law Group have sent a letter to Jennifer, asking to be included.
“Our request is simple,” it reads. “Mr. Pryor desires an opportunity to come to the table and be heard. He does not seek to obviate your rights. He wishes only for his input to be included in certain aspects of the biopic production.”
Do you think Nick Cannon is a smart choice for Richard Pryor?
Nick looks a bit like Richard and with makeup he’ll look better, but can Nick truly embody the great Richard Pryor? Nick has NEVER been a good actor, and always tends to speak his lines. He is a great host like Ryan Seacrest, but this is a HUGE step for Cannon and if he screws this up, his acting career will be OVER for good.
Think back and see if you can remember Nick in any role that stood out? We know one but it’s because he ruined the classic 80s film Can’t By Me Love with Patrick Dempsey.
