Lionel Richie To Produce Sammy Davis Jr. Biopic

The story of Sammy Davis Jr. could be coming to the big screen thanks to Lionel Richie.

Richie has teamed up with Davis’ children for an upcoming film based on the entertainer’s 1965 memoir, Yes I Can: The Story Of Sammy Davis Jr, which he penned with his wife Jane . Davis was a multi-talented entertainer. The legendary actor/singer/tap dancer/pianist died of throat cancer in 1990 at the age of 64 years old. In the decades following his death, there have been a number of rumors surrounding a possible biopic. At one point it was rumored that Lee Daniels was set to produce one. However, all biopic talks were eventually shut down following years of legal battles.

It appears now, with the blessing of Sammy Davis Jr’s estate, a film on the entertainer’s life will be coming very soon. “It’s an honor for me to bring the life of one of my idols and friends to the screen,” Richie tells Deadline. “I’m so grateful to be working closely with the Davis family on this and couldn’t be happier to be moving forward on this passion project.”

All of Davis’ heirs — his four sons and a daughter — are behind the biopic.

I can’t wait to check it out. Who do you think should play Sammy? My pick is Tommy Davidson.