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.
BV Extras:
31. Eddie is more than qualified to play james Brown. Just because he is a comedian like Jaime doe not mean that he cannot act. Take a look at his role in Dreamgirls.
Deven at 10:31PM on Feb 14th 2007