Tyrese Gibson has played many roles across music and film, but there’s one story he says still keeps him up at night, the life of Teddy Pendergrass.
During a recent appearance on TD Jakes’ NXT Chapter podcast, the singer and actor opened up about the role he’s still determined to bring to the screen: portraying the legendary soul icon in a biopic. When asked if there was a part he regretted passing on, Tyrese made it clear this wasn’t about missed opportunities; it was about an unfinished promise.
“That’s the movie that keeps me up at night,” Tyrese said, speaking about the possibility of telling Pendergrass’ story. The connection between the two artists runs deeper than admiration. Tyrese revealed he was a pallbearer at Pendergrass’ funeral and spent nearly six years with him before his passing.
According to Tyrese, Pendergrass personally chose him to portray his life on screen. The reason wasn’t imitation, it was authenticity.
“He said, ‘You’re the only person that could play me in a movie,’” Tyrese recalled. “Because even though you sing and you act, you never wanted to be me.” Pendergrass, who was famously protective of his legacy, didn’t want someone who modeled their entire identity after him. Instead, he wanted someone who stayed true to themselves while honoring his story.
That distinction mattered. Pendergrass reportedly told Tyrese he didn’t want an actor who had been “groomed and nurtured to sound like me, look like me, perform like me.” What he wanted was someone who understood his humanity, his complexity, and his journey, not just his voice.
At one point, the project appeared to be moving forward. Tyrese shared that Lee Daniels, another Philadelphia native and longtime admirer of Pendergrass, was attached to direct the film.
But for now, the biopic remains in limbo. Tyrese described the project as sitting in a “gray area,” citing creative issues that have temporarily put things on hold. Despite the pause, his commitment hasn’t wavered.
“I hope and I pray that I’m able to keep my word that I gave him, that I’m going to tell his story,” he said.
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