From Gayle to Ebert: Casting the Oprah Biopic

"Poison pen" biographer Kitty Kelley struck gold with her latest unauthorized biography, that of #1 mortal Oprah Winfrey, and Deadline is reporting the inevitable (but still titillating!) news of an upcoming TV biopic adaptation. The art of the TV biopic is sorely maligned, and I hold the naive belief that a decent Oprah biography could redeem the canon of Lifetime-ready Dana Plato and Nadia Comaneci yarns. Quick, let's cast this epic while we still have time to influence the filmmakers (and persuade notable actors to withstand the real Oprah's disapproval).

Oprah Winfrey

First Choice: Viola Davis

Davis's Oscar nomination for Doubt, Tony win for Fences, and oddball role on United States of Tara already qualify her for the marquee spot in a buzzy biopic, but the particular role of Oprah requires an actor of Davis's power and precision. Plus, she would lend the key line of dialogue, "I'm Oprah Winfrey, and welcome to the very first national Oprah Winfrey SHooOOWWWwww" its proper zeal.

Stedman Graham

First Choice: Tyler Perry

This won't happen since Tyler and Oprah are each others' confirmed favorite things, but since we can count on Mr. Graham being a big part of the proceedings, the actor playing him will need to be someone who can amp up Stedman's character past the even-keel diplomacy we're familiar with. If Tyler Perry betrays God and ends up playing Stedman, I'd like if the biopic was called Why Didn't I Get Married to Oprah? Seriously.

Gayle King

First Choice: Free

The 106 & Park Top 10 Live alum doesn't have a scroll of credentials, but I'll tell you what she does have: Fly Gayle King hair and saucy reactions. She fulfills everything on the checklist.

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