A Louis Armstrong movie biopic is in the works starring Coming to America actor

9 March 2021, 16:43

Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong. Picture: Getty

By Tom Eames

A new film about the life and career of jazz icon Louis Armstrong is now in the works.

Comedy actor Tracy Morgan is said to be self-financing the movie, according to actor Jermaine Fowler.

When asked if he thinks Morgan is an under appreciated actor, Fowler said: “I do. I would love to see him do something dramatic.

"In fact, he showed us a clip of a movie he’s financing that’s really, really dope. He wants to play Louis Armstrong in a biopic and I believe he can do it.

“He sounds exactly like him and looks exactly like him, and I was blown away by it. If he can truly pull that off I think it’ll put Tracy on another level altogether.”

Tracy Morgan
Tracy Morgan. Picture: Getty

Morgan, who currently plays Fowler’s uncle in the new Coming To America sequel opposite Eddie Murphy, is best known for his role in sitcom 30 Rock.

The actor previously told Howard Stern about his dream to make and star in a Louis Armstrong film.

"Forget the skin complexion. Forget the voice," Morgan said at the time. "You'll go, 'Wow, that story is ... deep.'"

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