Tracy Morgan to Portray Redd Foxx in Upcoming Biopic

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tracy Morgan is currently in talks to take on the role of legendary comedian Redd Foxx in Lee Daniels upcoming biopic on the life of Richard Pryor. Foxx was the owner of a local comedy club where Pryor first started his career. He would later star in the 1970's sitcom, Sanford and Son.

In a statement today, Morgan commented, "Mr. Foxx, I hope I do you justice! It will be an honor to portray an icon."

As previously reported, Mike Epps will take on the role of Pryor, with Kate Hudson playing his wife, Jennifer. Taraji P. Henson and Eddie Murphy will portray Pryor's parents. Oprah Winfrey will star as Pryor's grandmother who raised him.

The 30 ROCK star recently made his return to TV as host of NBC's SNL. In June 2014 he was involved in a devastating car accident in New Jersey.

The last time Morgan appeared on the big screen was opposite Chris Rock in Top Five. He will soon be seen in the comedy Fist Fight, co-starring Ice Cube and Charlie Day. The comic recently announced a stand up tour launching in February.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos