Marvin Gaye’s ex-wife is displeased about an upcoming stage play and biopic based on her late ex-husband’s life, reports The New York Daily News.
Janis Gaye admits that Marvin’s last years weren’t his happiest, but doesn’t want his battle with drugs and depression displayed for all to see. “I don’t think Marvin is a very happy spirit right now,” said Gaye. “This is the last thing he would want to have happen.”
She’s also none too pleased that the play, My Brother Marvin (opening April 11), will portray her in an unfavorable manner.
“I haven’t read the script, but it’s supposed to be based on (sister Zeola Gaye’s) book and I did read the book from cover to cover, and it was very difficult to read,” explained Gaye.
Shooting for the much talked about biopic, Sexual Healing, will reportedly begin in a few weeks. Janis hopes that newly cast lead actor, Jesse L. Martin, will follow in the footsteps of the film’s former lead actor, Lenny Kravitz, who recently relieved himself of the leading role as Marvin.
“Ultimately, I think it was Lenny’s heart and soul and conscience that caused him to step away,” said Gaye. “Hopefully, that touches Jesse in the same way.”