Film about Ronnie Spector's life and career in the works
It follows her time in The Ronettes and personal life
Tributes have been pouring in across social media for the late Ronnie Spector, who sadly passed away on 12th January. She died from cancer at the age of 78 and left behind a wonderful legacy. Ronnie started the 60's rock'n'roll group The Ronettes with her sister Estelle Bennett and their cousin Nedra Talley, releasing hit songs like 'Be My Baby', '(The Best Part of) Breakin' Up' and 'Walking in the Rain'. It has now been announced that a film about Ronnie's life is in the making.
The film is set to capture how The Ronettes formed and were signed to Philles Records in 1963, which was run by Phil Spector, who Ronnie ended up marrying in 1968. The film will also focus on Ronnie's personal life, including her divorce from Phil in 1974 and her battle to win back the rights to her music.
Before her death, Ronnie was an executive producer on the upcoming film, along with her manager Jonathan Greenfield. Ronnie even selected the person she wanted to play her in the film and chose American actress Zendaya, who recently starred in the latest Spider-Man trilogy, as well as the science fiction film Dune.
It seems that Ronnie and Zendaya had built up a friendship while getting to know each other for the film. Following the 'Baby, I Love You' singer's death, Zendaya wrote a touching tribute: 'This news just breaks my heart. To speak about her as if she's not with us feels strange as she is so incredibly full of life. There's not a time I saw her without her iconic red lips and full teased hair, a true rockstar through and through.'
Zendaya also spoke about getting to know Ronnie, and addressed the late singer directly: 'Ronnie, being able to know you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for sharing your life with me, I could listen to your stories for hours and hours. Thank you for your unmeasured talent, your unwavering love for performing, your strength, resilience and your grace. There is absolutely nothing that could dim the light you cast.
'I admire you so much and am so grateful for the bond we share. You are a magical force of greatness and the world of music will never be the same. I wish everyone got to experience you the way I did. We celebrate your beautiful life and give you all the flowers you so rightfully deserve. Rest in great power Ronnie. I hope to make you proud.'
No release date has been announced yet, but we can't wait to see Ronnie's incredible story told on the big screen.
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The production company A24 has secured Ronnie's life rights for the film, along with the rights to her autobiography Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness. The autobiography came out in 1990 and a revised version is due to come out later this year. Ronnie had been working on her memoir up until her death, adding in a postscript, new introduction and foreword from her friend Keith Richards.
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