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Meet The Clutch's Less Expensive Cousin
By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
To hell with what you heard; have Eddie Murphy tell it, he will play the role of James Brown when and if a filmed version of his life story ever see the light of day.
Not some of the other folks who have been mentioned -- like Usher.
The box-office superstar, currently starring in the critically acclaimed movie musical 'Dreamgirls,' claims that he was hand picked by the legendary Godfather of Soul to portray him.
The funnyman, who is experience a career resurgence (of sorts) with his Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award winning role as a soul crooner past his prime, told 'Access Hollywood': "James Brown said to me years ago 'If they ever do my life, you got to play my story.' I said, 'James, if I do you, people will be laughing.' [He said] 'They ain't gonna laugh if you don't try to be funny.'"
With a pompadour coif and heavy sarcastic wit, the Brooklyn born star of hit franchises 'The Nutty Professor' and 'Beverly Hills Cop' became a household name in the early 1980s with his infamous impersonation of Brown during his 'Saturday Night Live' heyday.
While those days are long gone the memories were harkened by film audiences with Murphy's dramatic acting debut in the Bill Condon-helmed adaptation, which also stars Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, Danny Glover and Jennifer Hudson.
"I couldn't do James Brown now until he got [to] 40, 'cause I'm 45," he quipped.
"I'll be 46 in April and I'm not doin' no splits and no s**t like that and rippin' my ass out tryin' to make no movie. The split days are gone."
Well, never say never.
Murphy is a strong contender for an Academy Award this year, so that may change his thinking.
Fellow funnyman Foxx initially said he wouldn't do another period movie after his star turn in 'Ray.' But then he won the Oscar for the role. And now he's in 'Dreamgirls.'
Period.
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Comments: (41)
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By: m. brooks on 2/05/2007 11:12AM
Eddie Murphy is the perfect person for james Brown role . He knew james , and he is the most experinced actor besides people like Usher . You can't take Usher serious in a role like that . Eddie on the other hand is one of the kings of looking , and acting the parts of other people , and also making you believe that person is really real . Jamie fox is not the original Eddie is for sure one of the best at playing different roles .
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By: Donyetta Simms on 2/05/2007 12:39PM
Hey there was a Jimi Hendrix movie already. Plus I think that Katt williams would be a great James Brown. LOL that would be hilarious.
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By: Butterfly on 2/05/2007 11:51PM
RE: Curious comment..... That was real ugly for you to say that Eddie is ugly and greasy I would sure like to see a picture of you. Eddie you go boy your the best person for the Role of OUR GOD FATHER OF SOUL...
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By: Priest on 2/05/2007 2:43PM
I enjoyed reading the other comments regarding Eddie Murphy playing James Brown. "Curious" you need help. Stop judging people for past mistakes! Until you have won numerous prestigeous awards for stand up comedy, acting and have been known all over the world for being a tremendously talented individual with millions upon millions stacked in your bank account, you need to shut up until that happens! Eddie is human so don't act like you don't have any skeletons in your closet! So stop acting so self righteous, HATER! Eddie is a credit to us because of where he's come from to where is still going!
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By: Chuckdeezul on 2/05/2007 7:18PM
Eddie SHOULD play The Godfather of Soul! Check out when he played Mr. Brown 'gittin' in the hot tub'-Saturday Night Live Best of Eddie Murphy. Funny as hell!
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By: Quisha on 2/05/2007 5:21PM
Why should the story of James Brown be "hilarious/funny"???!! If you know anything about Mr. Brown, if you are a TRUE FAN you know that Mr. Brown was all about BUSINESS and advancement of Black People and Black Music. We don't need a cheesy portrayal or Mr. Brown...We don't need a black man, standing up acting like a white man in black face, showing teeth and acting like a clown..Being a fan of Spike Lee, I know this will be a just portrayal.......We need someone who can show what the struggle was for him....Laughter is always good in its place...this AINT THE PLACE!
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By: Angela R. Ocala on 2/05/2007 8:23PM
Um...No. I don't see Eddie playing the role of James Brown ...He might do awesome. But I know I'll laugh through the whole movie. He was great in dreamgirls ..they did good on the makeup to make him look old. Go Eddie...independent black male.
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By: Annie Ford on 2/05/2007 6:39PM
Eddie Murphy is the right man to play James Brown.Without a doubt.The only man for that part.Hell if he can play a white man,he can play George Bush.but who wants to do that.Mr. Murphy is a talented man.Only a fool cannot see that.The only part that he may not be able to play is Hallee Berry. And he may try that Ha,Ha.
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By: C Williams on 2/05/2007 6:51PM
Eddie Murphy would make a great James Brown. He showed his talent playing his role in Dreamgirls, not to mention all the other movies he's done. Go for it, Eddie. You don't give yourself enough credit!!!!!!!
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By: dezzie1 on 2/05/2007 7:02PM
Eddie Murphy has had his up and downs just like everyone else who is human. I am very proud of him, he is a very good comedian/actor. Keep your head up Eddie!!
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