TV One, known for its hard-hitting dramas about real-life musicians, is continuing the tradition with the original movie, “The Bobby DeBarge Story,” premiering Saturday, June 29.
The movie stars Roshon Fegan in the lead role as Bobby DeBarge, Tyra Ferrell as Etterlene DeBarge, Blue Kimble as Tommy DeBarge, Adrian Marcel as James DeBarge, Lloyd as Switch member Gregory Williams and Big Boi as music mogul Berry Gordy.
The movie will give chance audiences a look into the tumultuous life of the former lead singer of the late 70’s R&B/Funk Band Switch, including his rise to stardom, coping with the memories of his dysfunctional childhood, romantic relationships, struggles with substance abuse, incarceration and failing health. Despite his success in music, Bobby DeBarge, the eldest sibling of the world- famous pop group DeBarge struggles with fame and fortune and found his life in peril.
“This was quite an experience and is definitely something that’s going to go down in history, especially in my book,” Roshan Fegan told reporters on a recent conference call. “I was honored enough to have a great team and a great casting too and everybody involved TV One and Swirl [Productions], everybody that did the thing…they really bring it to life. This is definitely my first in-depth role like this.”
Fegan had the challenge of playing a real-life person.
“I had to dive in and really get to know Bobby,” Fegan said. “…And, and, and figure out what he was feeling and what he was thinking and figure out my best way to portray it, uh, by being as genuine as possible selves. It was super exciting.”
The Bobby DeBarge Story premieres on TV One, Saturday, June 29 and airs at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m.PT followed by an encore presentation at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.
