Lionel Richie announce today he will be moving forward with production of the biopic on the iconic American entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.
After a 27 years of infighting among the estate heirs, Richie finally won the rights to do the biopic.
He will be joined by Author Burt Boyar and his wife, Jane, who wrote “Yes I Can,” a memoir of Sammy in 1965 which the movie will be based off.
Harlem native Sammy Davis Jr became one of the most iconic entertainers from the era of segregation and famous for landing a role along side Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford in the Rat Pack.
Davis was a all round entertainer, but primarily a dancer and singer, he was also an actor of stage and screen, comedian, musician, and impressionist, noted for his impersonations of actors, musicians and other celebrities.
Lionel said that Sammy was a mentor to him and in an email statement this morning added: “It’s an honor for me to bring the life of one of my idols and friends to the screen. 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,” Lionel continued. “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.
There has not been a release date or any further details provided as of yet.
