Forest Whitaker to Play Louis Armstrong

[Lois Gilbert]

Whitaker played Bird in the 1988 film—and now the Oscar-winning (but not for "Bird") actor Forest Whitaker is taking on Satchmo in an estate-sanctioned bio-feature about Louis Armstrong. Whitaker is directing as well as starring in What a Wonderful World, the title of Pops' best-known song. The trumpeter and singer "left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," said Whitaker. "He lived an amazing life and, through his art, shifted the way music was played and would be heard after him." The 47-year-old actor will need to "work on his smile (it needs to be HUGE) and gravelly Satchmo impression," wrote a blogger on OrlandoSentinal.com. "The real Armstrong's been dead for 40 years, but his voice is still one of the most identifiable in all of American pop culture." Whitaker, an enormously popular actor, has directed three films, none critically acclaimed. Legende studios began shooting this summer in Louisiana (New Orleans is where Armstrong got his start). The French company did the 2007 Oscar-winning Edith Piaf epic, La Vie en Rose.

[Jazzooo]

Could be good, and would continue his career move of playing famous jazz musicians. I can't wait for him to tackle Bill Evans.

[Gary Sisco]

Great actor. Not sure I can picture him as Armstrong.

[clinthopson]

Pops was a short, average built guy. I can't picture Whittaker playing his role even though he's a fine actor. The part also should be played by someone with a big, lovable personality, which isn't Whit's forte. Idi Amin wasn't lovable, just scary.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by clinthopson

Pops was a short, average built guy. I can't picture Whittaker playing his role even though he's a fine actor. The part also should be played by someone with a big, lovable personality, which isn't Whit's forte. Idi Amin wasn't lovable, just scary.

i don't remember Louis being an "average built guy" but rather portly during the years i saw him. i think Forrest can meet the challenge and personality-wise make the character his. and then we have Cheadle playing Miles. talk about a stretch in character!!! just glad these musicians are getting this kind of attention.

[Gentle Giant]

Originally Posted by Gary Sisco

Great actor. Not sure I can picture him as Armstrong.

Agreed on both points, but I wouldn't have pegged Jamie Foxx to capture Ray so well, so let's see.

[groover]

Originally Posted by clinthopson

Pops was a short, average built guy. I can't picture Whittaker playing his role even though he's a fine actor. The part also should be played by someone with a big, lovable personality, which isn't Whit's forte. Idi Amin wasn't lovable, just scary.

He's much taller than Armstrong, but Whitaker has played all kinds of roles in his lengthy film career. He's played sympathetic characters ("The Crying Game", "Smoke", "Lush Life") at least as often as he's played bullies. I'm sure he'll do a fine job capturing Armstrong's personality, if you can get past the height difference.

[Gary Sisco]

I wonder will he smoke reefer daily as Armstrong did.

[groover]

Maybe he already does, but it would be a good way for him to prep for the role.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Gary Sisco

I wonder will he smoke reefer daily as Armstrong did.

and take Swiss Kriss daily as well!!

[groover]

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by groover

would you believe that I actually remember that card, albeit very vaguely. it must have been sent to my father eons ago. unbelievable! he was really kind of "out there"!!

[Gary Sisco]

Originally Posted by Valerie

and take Swiss Kriss daily as well!!

Damn straight.

[Ron Thorne]

"I take my Swiss Kriss, man, they keep you rollin'. Old Methuselah, he'd have been here with us if he had known about them." — Louis Armstrong

[Robert de St. Loup]

Next, he'll play Chick Webb.