Tracy Morgan up for Redd Foxx role in Richard Pryor biopic

Tracy Morgan is in talks to portray outrageous comic Redd Foxx in director Lee Daniels' upcoming Richard Pryor biopic.

The comedian, who is making his comeback following a near-death traffic accident last year (Jun14), is close to signing on to play Foxx and he's making it clear he wants the part.

Announcing his interest in the real-life role in a statement on Thursday (12Nov15), Morgan wrote: "Mr. Foxx, I hope I do you justice! It will be an honor to portray an icon."

Foxx owned the comedy club where a young Pryor first performed, and served as a mentor to the young comic.

Mike Epps will play Pryor and Kate Hudson has signed on to portray the late comedian's wife. Taraji P. Henson and Eddie Murphy will play Pryor's parents and Oprah Winfrey will also star as the funnyman's grandmother.