The late producer and composer revealed exactly who he would like to portray him in a biopic back in 2018.
Often with the passing of icons comes conversation surrounding who could possibly bring their stories to life on the big — or small — screen. After all, they deserve to have their tales of trial and triumphs preserved for future generations, with biopics being an essential tool in cementing these legacies.
With the passing of Quincy Jones, some have come to wonder who could do the legend justice in a story of his life. While he’s been portrayed on screen by various talents over the years, the icon himself revealed in a profile for GQ back in 2018 that he’d choose Donald Glover to portray him in a biopic, more specifically a 10-part television biographical series.
The January 2018 profile indicates that the project was in “prospective” stages at the time, with no follow-ups on its progress or word of Glover officially being offered the role.
Larenz Tate, who portrayed the musical genius in the 2004 Ray Charles biopic Ray, has previously discussed his desire to embody the legend once again, telling AL.com in October 2023, “He’s at the top of my list” as far as possibly reprising a prior role.
While Tate hopes to tackle Jones’ life once more, he’s set to portray another musical icon, Berry Gordy, in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael while Kendrick Sampson of Insecure fame will take on the role of Jones.
The death of the musical genius and VIBE founder was confirmed by the composer’s family in a statement to the Associated Press, revealing that he passed away Sunday, Nov. 3, at his Los Angeles home.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
The family also shared with People, “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
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