Kitty Kelley Oprah Bio Set for TV Treatment

LOS ANGELES: Larry A. Thompson has reached a deal to produce a television adaptation of Kitty Kelley’s unauthorized biography of Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah, published by Crown Publishers, a division of Random House, will serve as the basis for the telefilm or mini-series. "Oprah Winfrey’s fascinating journey from rural Mississippi to the world stage is packed with simple truths and complicated personalities," said Thompson. "Kitty Kelley’s extensively-researched book offers us the factual foundation to frame our cinematic portrait of this powerful and beloved icon. Casting someone to play Oprah will be the real challenge. We are planning to audition both known and unknown actresses."

Kelley reportedly sold the book rights to Thompson for a six-figure sum. The TV movie or mini-series is expected to air in September 2011, reports indicate, coinciding with the end of Winfrey’s syndicated TV series. Thompson previously produced Lucy and Desi: Before The Laughter (CBS), And The Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story (ABC), among others. His latest movie, Amish Grace, is the most-watched and highest-rated original movie in the history of Lifetime Movie Network.