Tyrese has secured a new role, and it’s pretty major. He has reportedly been hired to play R&B singer Teddy Pendergrass in an upcoming biopic from Warner Bros, Deadline reports.
“I am honored to take this journey… this is the role that I feel I was born to play,” Gibson said in a statement. “Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and before he passed put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story. 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!!”
The casting comes shortly after Warner Bros. secured the rights to Pendergrass’ music. Tyrese and Lee Daniels will reportedly produce the film. Pendergrass’ widow, Joan will serve as the executive producer.
As you may know, Teddy Pendergrass was a popular R&B singer from the 1970s to 2000s. Born Theodore DeReese Pendergrass, he grew up with his family in Kingstree, South Carolina.
He rose to fame in 197s2 as the lead singer Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. He later broke out as a solo artist, four consecutive, platinum albums between 1977 and 1981. His music catalog including a number of hits, such as the Grammy-winning singles “Close the Door,” I Can’t Live Without Your Love,” and “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart.”
The Teddy Pendergrass biopic has not begun production at this time.