Bobby DeBarge will soon have his story told on the silver screen. TV One has announced its plans for The Bobby DeBarge Story, which is slated to premiere in June.
The cast has been revealed. Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up, Greenleaf) will take on the lead role as Bobby DeBarge. Tyra Ferrell (Boyz in the Hood, White Men Can’t Jump) will portray Etterlene DeBarge, who is Bobby’s mother.
R&B crooners Adrian Marcel (portraying James DeBarge) and Lloyd (portraying Switch member Gregory Williams) have also been tapped for the original film. Rapper Big Boi, who recently performed at the Super Bowl LIII halftime show, will portray legendary music mogul Berry Gordy, who is the founder of the iconic Motown Records.
According to a press release, The Bobby DeBarge Story will explore “the tumultuous life of the former lead singer of the 70’s R&B/Funk Band Switch, also the eldest sibling of the world-famous pop group DeBarge. Despite his success in music, the iconic falsetto found his life in peril as he struggled with fame and fortune while coping with the memories of his dysfunctional childhood.”
“The Bobby DeBarge Story is the quintessential story of sex, drugs and rock and roll,” stated Karen Peterkin, Director of Scripted Original Programming and Production, who serves as Executive in Charge of Production for TV One.
The film is written by Norman Vance, Jr., directed by Russ Parr with casting provided by Leah Daniels Butler (Leah Daniels Butler Casting) and George Pierre (Pierre Casting).
