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R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor Ne-Yo (Shaffer Chimere Smith, Jr.) has turned down the role of Martin Luther King, Jr. in an upcoming film. He revealed his disappointment during a recent interview, but his reason is probably not what you think.
It turns out that the up-and-coming actor turned down the role because it would have required him to gain 30 pounds in order to fill King’s shoes. While he really would have liked to play the role, Ne-Yo said that he’s been busy hitting the gym to create a new image for his upcoming R.E.D. album, due out in September.
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“They wanted to start shooting at the time my album R.E.D. comes out and wanted me to gain 30 pounds, so I couldn’t do it. I’m kicking myself but acting can’t take the place of my music. Plus, I’ve been killing myself in the gym for months preparing for this album because I wanted a complete makeover.”
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His acting portfolio includes Stomp the Yard (2007), Battle: Los Angeles (2011), and Red Tails (2012). His music has been included in many more movies, including the upcoming Step Up Revolution, which opens in theaters this weekend.
What an idiot.
Wait, so the chance to honor the greatest African-American leader ever is less important to this man that the chance to create a new image for an album, I would have thought his music would have sold his album, not his image. Oh well, I am sure there are plenty of gifted black actors out there who have some shred of personal integrity who leap at the chance to play the great MLK.
wow! a new album!