Fox buys rights to Dangerfield story

LOS ANGELES -- Rodney Dangerfield is getting some respect.

Fox Television has secured rights to the "No Respect" comic's upcoming HarperCollins autobiography, "It's Not Easy Bein' Me: A Lifetime of No Respect but Plenty of Sex and Drugs."

"I'm excited that Fox is making a movie on my life story, but I hope they do it soon! I'm 82 years old," Dangerfield said in a statement Wednesday.

"At my age, I'm looking for a one-night sit! I'm thrilled about finishing my first book. Now I'm going to read another one," he said.

David Madden, executive vice president of movies and miniseries for Fox Television Studios, said Dangerfield has come up with a compelling book.

"It's clear that Dangerfield's 'no respect' catchphrase is more than just a glib line," Madden said. "Rodney struggled through a lot of menial jobs and a tortured personal life. It wasn't until he was 40 that he found his path.

"This mid-life transformation, along with his rough childhood, should provide fodder for a compelling biopic."