Richard Pryor Biopic Movie, Release Date Rumors: Oprah Winfrey Cast As 'Abusive Lady Pimp' Grandmother Opposite Lead Mike Epps

Richard Pryor was raised by his grandmother, Marie Carter Pryor Bryant, who happened to be a madam - which is to say she ran a number of brothels (whorehouses) in Peoria, Ill. Naturally, the upcoming biopic about the iconic stand up comedian starring Mike Epps and directed by Lee Daniels needs to fill that role. Well, Oprah Winfrey is set to portray the "abusive lady pimp" of a grandmother that raised Pryor in the upcoming movie!

We can't say we'd ever imagined the former talk show host taking on such a role, but we're certainly excited to see how she pulls it off!

TMZ reports:

Pryor's widow, Jennifer, tells TMZ ... Oprah got hold of the script, and was desperate to play Marie Carter -- the woman who raised Pryor in her brothel in Peoria, Illinois ... and who was known to beat him. We're told Oprah really wanted to play Grandma Carter because she's anxious to show her gritty side -- after her 'Butler' performance -- and let's face it ... there's not much grittier than an abusive grandma running a whorehouse while raising a kid.

What do you think of Oprah's role as the abusive, madam grandmother of Richard Pryor? Do you think she's the right choice for the role? Let us know in the comments section below!

Earlier this week we reported on Mike Epps being cast as Pryor, which was announced on Twitter by Oprah and Daniels. Read more on this movie news HERE!