Perry Set for ‘Ron Clark Story’

After The Whole Ten Yards maybe it is appropriate that Matthew Perry do only made-for-TV moviews as the three-time Emmy nominee has signed on to star in Turner Network Television (TNT)’s original drama The Ron Clark Story, the network’s newest production under the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation® banner, announced Michael Wright, senior vice president of original programming for TNT. Perry is best known for his Emmy®-nominated performance on the long-running comedy series Friends. He also earned an Emmy® nomination for his work in a recurring role on the drama series The West Wing. Perry’s big-screen credits include Fools Rush In, Three to Tango and The Whole Nine Yards. He also co-starred in London’s record-breaking West End revival of David Mamet’s “Sexual Perversity” in Chicago and recently directed an episode of the comedy series “Scrubs.” Perry also hosted this year’s ESPY Awards, which received its highest ratings in 13 years.

The Ron Clark Story will be produced by Granada America and MAGNA Global Entertainment, with Howard Burkons (John Q), Brenda Friend (Joan of Arc) and Adam Gilad (Take My Advice: The Ann and Abby Story) serving as executive producers, along with Paul Jackson (Hell’s Kitchen, Nanny 911) and Jody Brockway (Rudy: The Rudy Giuliani Story) of Granada. Craig McNeil (TNT’s Second Nature) of Granada serves as producer. The Ron Clark Story, written by Max Enscoe and Annie DeYoung (Wuthering Heights), is set to begin production this fall for premiere early next year on TNT.

The Ron Clark Story is the true story of one teacher’s courage to leave his small hometown and head to one of the most challenging public schools in the country,” said Wright. “We are proud to have an actor the caliber of Matthew Perry bringing his talents to such a memorable, inspirational story.”

The Ron Clark Story is the perfect kind of moving, human story we seek to bring through the Johnson & Johnson Spotlight Presentation® series,” said Andrea Alstrup, corporate vice president, advertising, Johnson & Johnson. “This movie will engage both the viewers’ hearts and minds by letting them see the difference one person can make in the lives of so many.”

Inspired to leave his small North Carolina hometown to teach in one of New York City’s worst public schools, Disney’s 2000 Teacher of the Year, Ron Clark, uses his enthusiasm, creativity and passion to reach his toughest students. The Ron Clark Story is the true account of this innovative teacher, who strives to tap into his students’ potential, talents and abilities, gaining their respect and ultimately raising their test scores to the highest level in the school. Clark went on to win Teacher of the Year, was featured in Oprah’s O magazine and has written very successful books on education and child rearing.

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