2004 Season

Actor Barry to star as Dale Earnhardt in ESPN original movie: "3"
ESPN PR

(February 25, 2004)
Barry Pepper, one of Hollywood’s most accomplished young actors, will play the role of the late Dale Earnhardt in ESPN’s original, made-for-television movie, “3”, based on the life and career of the auto racing legend. Pepper gained critical attention for his breakout performance of Private Jackson in the Academy Award and Golden Globe winning feature film “Saving Private Ryan.” Pepper will also serve as co-executive producer on the project. “3” will debut in December 2004 with principal photography set to begin this summer in Charlotte and Atlanta.

Pepper’s other film credits include the Academy Award winning feature “The Green Mile” with Tom Hanks and the critically acclaimed “We Were Soldiers” with Mel Gibson. Pepper also had starring roles in Spike Lee’s “25th Hour” with Edward Norton and in “Knockaround Guys” opposite John Malkovich, Dennis Hopper and Vin Diesel. His starring role as Roger Maris in the HBO feature “61*” earned him nominations for a Golden Globe, an Emmy and a Critic’s Choice Award.

“Barry will capture the intensity that was Dale Earnhardt and convey the depth of this fascinating and complex character," said Mark Shapiro, ESPN executive vice president, programming and production “He has excelled in major feature films and sports fans will remember his leading role in 61*."

Pepper said: “ESPN presented me with an offer to helm a story about a man that has captured my fascination and the hearts of millions of NASCAR fans across America. The opportunity to produce this with them is an aspiring filmmaker's dream come true."

Orly Adelson of Orly Adelson Productions (“The Junction Boys” “Playmakers”) will also serve as executive producer of “3.” Russell Mulcahy (“Highlander,” “Ricochet”) will direct from a screenplay by theatrical and television writer and producer Robert Eisele (“Resurrection Blvd.”).

Originally produced on film and re-mastered to high-definition, “3” will be simulcast in 16:9 widescreen format on ESPN HD.

EOE is developing a wide-variety of branded programming to add to the network’s comprehensive event and sports news coverage. Using a collection of genres - original movies, reality-based shows, dramatic series, documentaries, game shows and more - ESPN’s goal is to broaden its audience by more strongly appealing to young adults and casual sports fans.

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