The other day when director Lee Daniels tweeted a picture of himself with Mike Epps and Oprah working on his Richard Pryor biopic, the big news was that Epps had won the part of Pryor, beating out Nick Cannon, Marlon Wayans, Eddie Murphy, and God knows who else. The big question was what Oprah’s part would be. She’s an actress, producer, multi-hyphenate, and demigod, so it was hard to say at the time. Oprah could’ve been there reading a part, or just sanctifying the event with her very presence. Who knew?
Now TMZ says she’s going to be playing a big ‘ol whore (better luck next time, your mom).
Oprah Winfrey’s been cast to play Richard Pryor’s grandmother — a cruel and abusive lady pimp — in the upcoming biopic directed by O’s pal Lee Daniels.
Damn, a lady pimp? I hope she has to he-bitch man slap someone.
Pryor’s widow, Jennifer, tells TMZ … Oprah got hold of the script, and was desperate to play Marie Carter — the woman who raised Pryor in her brothel in Peoria, Illinois … and who was known to beat him.
We’re told Oprah really wanted to play Grandma Carter because she’s anxious to show her gritty side.
That last sentence about “showing her gritty side” makes me imagine Oprah bending over spreading her butt cheeks because I’m 10. But I do enjoy that Oprah thinks playing an imperious tyrant will show people a “whole new side” of her. Meanwhile the world hears the news and breathes a collective sigh of “yeah, I could see that.” I heard Oprah was so happy to be cast that she tossed Gail King an extra sardine from her feed bucket.