Chaz Lamar Shepherd (Marvel’s Luke Cage, The Game) will star as Marvin Sapp in TV One’s upcoming biopic on the gospel music legend and spiritual leader, the network announced Monday.
Joining Shepherd in the cast is Ambre Anderson (Power Book II, Manifest Evil) as Sapp’s wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp. Filming is currently underway on the authorized project.
“It is an honor to tell Marvin Sapp’s life story,” executive producer Jason Ryan said in a statement. “His vast contributions to gospel and American music are undeniable. We know this film will resonate with our viewers.”
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Sapp rose to prominence more than 30 years ago as a member of Commissioned and is widely known for his award-winning, chart-topping crossover hit “Never Would Have Made It.” He is also an author, radio host and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan — the church he founded with his late wife.
The untitled movie will chronicle Sapp’s life and career, including his upbringing in Michigan, growth in his faith, and his love for MaLinda Prince.
The film is directed by Russ Parr and produced for TV One by Swirl Films, with Eric F. Tomosunas, James Seppelfrick and Keith Neal serving as executive producers. Additionally, Marvin Sapp and Phil Thornton are executive Producers. For TV One, Jason Ryan is the executive producer in charge of production.
The biopic is scheduled to premiere Aug. 21 on TV One.
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