Rob Peace’s Friend Explains Film Adaptation of His Book [Exclusive]

For those interested in the life of Yale graduate turned community leader, Rob Peace, look no further than his college roommate, Jeff Hobbs. After the murder of his long-time friend, Hobbs penned a book titled The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League. This poignant book has now been adapted into a film, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, known for his role in 12 Years a Slave.

The film features notable actors including Ejiofor himself, Mary J. Blige, and Jay Will, with the latter in the title role. Similar to the book, the movie delves into the multiple facets of Peace’s life, not just his involvement in the drug trade that ultimately led to his untimely death. Friends of Peace often recall him as a community connector, a sentiment echoed by Hobbs in a recent interview with PopCulture.com.

PC: Congratulations on everything. What initially inspired you to write the book?

JH: The book is about my really good friend, Rob Peace. The inspiration came from a basic human impulse to honor and celebrate someone you care about by sharing stories about them. The book is really about the many people who loved Rob Peace and their stories about him.

When I spoke with the director, he mentioned that the media mishandled Rob Peace’s death, focusing on the negativity of some of his choices. Did that influence your decision to write the book?

Yes, that’s definitely true and very insightful. I wanted to tell the story of a life, not just a death.

You were his roommate in college, correct?

Yes, for four years.

What did you know about the duality of him during your time living together?

When I first met Rob Peace, he gave me a minimal introductory phone call, mentioning he’d gone to a prep school, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and played water polo. This led me to assume he was a typical Yale student, which he wasn’t. Rob was very fluid and made friends effortlessly. He was an incredibly bright scientific mind, studying molecular biophysics and biochemistry, while also selling marijuana in our college dorm. Surprisingly, it didn’t seem unsafe at the time, perhaps because it felt necessary for him.

What was remarkable about Rob was his ability to connect people despite his own life’s challenges—his father’s imprisonment, his mother working hard to make ends meet, and his own academic pressures. He brought together international students, athletes, and scientists, creating a unique sense of community around him. That’s the quality I remember most.

Were you approached about the book being turned into a film?

Ideas about the book being turned into a film came forward probably 5 or 6 years ago. Chiwetel Ejiofor had personal connections and powerful ideas about the story, and he followed through on all of them. It wasn’t always a goal of mine for the book to become a movie. The book had its own impact, connecting me with students across the country and enabling meaningful discussions. I admire Chiwetel for taking on the responsibility and carrying it through.

What is the overall message people can take from Rob Peace’s life?

Different people might connect with various aspects of Rob’s story. For me, having known Rob well and spent years with his loved ones, the message is about listening and being attuned to each other. In our fast-paced lives, it’s essential to look beyond our presumptions and truly see people. Rob was a very present friend, a quality appreciated by everyone who knew him. His life encourages us to be more present and attentive to the people around us.

Source: PopCulture.com