Tyrese Gibson Is Slated To Play Teddy Pendergrass In Upcoming Biopic

BY Erika Marie 3.0K Views
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Tyrese Gibson
Gibson said that Pendergrass asked him to tell his story before he passed away.

The Fast & Furious franchise has proven to be lucrative for Tyrese Gibson, and now the multi-dimensional artist is excited to announce that he'll be starring in an upcoming biopic about Teddy Pendergrass. The film about the R&B singer's life will be produced by Lee Daniels, Donald De Line for De Line Pictures, and Gibson's own Voltron Pictures. Joan Pendergrass, the singer's widow, takes the role of executive producer while Little Marvin has been called on to write the screenplay. Gibson, a Grammy-nominated singer who is no stranger to creating R&B hits of his own, seems to be a good fit for the role.

Pendergrass was a Philly native who was raised by a single mother after his father abandoned his family when Teddy was young. Pendergrass is known for his hits including "Turn of the Lights," "Close the Door," and "Love T.K.O.," and for belting out classic slow jams that have won the hearts of music lovers from all generations. Following an accident in 1982, Pendergrass was confined to a wheelchair, but that didn't stop him from returning to the stage to perform for his adoring fans before he passed away in 2010.

“I am honored to take this journey… this is the role that I feel I was born to play. Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and before he passed put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story,” Gibson said. “Being here in this time and in this space and moment with Lee Daniels, Donald De Line, Little Marvin, and Warner Bros is an answered prayer. Teddy, I just hope we make you, your wife and family proud… Here we go!!”


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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