Why didn't we get a Sammy Davis Jr. biopic when Tommy Davidson/Eddie Griffin were in there primes?

[Vandelay]

Relax, I read his autobiography, ya'll read his wikipedia.

Sammy Davis Jr. was a dancer first, there is no reason a comedian would have to play him in a movie over just a talented actor. Only reason Eddie Griffin might work is cuz he can dance too. Thats why you got people in here suggesting DC Young Fly lol, cuz the premise is wrong.

Only reason ya'll brought those names up is cuz they liked to do impressions of Sammy, but so did Billy Crystal...sha boing boing man!

By this logic, Jamie should never have played Ray. I know you see that...

 

[hayesc0]

All I can think of, the young black actor can pull it off to play Sammy Davis Jr is

Elijah Kelley

@hayesc0 @FeloniousMonk @WesCrook @Luke Cage @Boesky @Get These Nets

I would have to research him honestly don't know his work.

 

[Luke Cage]

My money is on him

He, like most british actors (outside of Idris Elba), are not good in roles the require an excess of swag. They need to stick to preacher, lawyer, doctor or accountant type roles. too much theater training, it would be like having Patrick Stewart play Elvis.

 

[Mʀ2ᴋDᴇᴇᴢ]

Always thought Tommy was perfect for that role too

 

[boskey]

By this logic, Jamie should never have played Ray. I know you see that...

Not the same. Jamie being able to actually sing and imitate Ray's voice made him the best choice for the role hands down. Eddie Griffin and Tommy Davidson did Sammy impressions for laughs...by this logic Dave Chappelle should play Rick James, right?

 

[The_Sheff]

Cause it would have turned into a rat pack film and you would be mad.

 

[Wear My Dawg's Hat]

I would go with Andre Royo. He has the stature and the chops.

 

[hayesc0]

Cause it would have turned into a rat pack film and you would be mad.

Honestly that wouldn't bother me lol.

 

[Hey_zeus]

Sammy Davis would get hammered by posters on this site if he was around right now.

He'd be Donald Glover.

 

[newworldafro]

All I can think of, the young black actor can pull it off to play Sammy Davis Jr is

Elijah Kelley

@hayesc0 @FeloniousMonk @WesCrook @Luke Cage @Boesky @Get These Nets

Yeah you need an actor with that type of skull shape and acting, and definitely either one of them could have done it.

I think they both could still play that role.

 

[Ol’Otis]

DC Young Fly?

he is not funny

he took Chris Tucker whole persona

 

[The Message]

i remember reading in gq a few years ago that denzel was pushing super hard for it. he wanted to star and direct, but i guess it fizzled out

 

[hayesc0]

i remember reading in gq a few years ago that denzel was pushing super hard for it. he wanted to star and direct, but i guess it fizzled out

He doesn't look like him facially or his stature but probably would have murdered the role anyway.

 

[FeloniousMonk]

By this logic, Jamie should never have played Ray. I know you see that...

This is the analogy I was basically making. Nobody thought a dude who was doing this

Was going to star as Ray in a biopic many years later.

Not the same. Jamie being able to actually sing and imitate Ray's voice made him the best choice for the role hands down. Eddie Griffin and Tommy Davidson did Sammy impressions for laughs...by this logic Dave Chappelle should play Rick James, right?

You do KNOW that Jamie had extensive training for the movie Ray?

Yes. He's talented and can sing, but dont act like he could play Ray soon as he was cast for the role, my breh.

 

[FeloniousMonk]

All I can think of, the young black actor can pull it off to play Sammy Davis Jr is

Elijah Kelley

@hayesc0 @FeloniousMonk @WesCrook @Luke Cage @Boesky @Get These Nets

Good choice, my breh.