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By India McCarty
“Singing Janitor” Richard Goodall is about to make the jump from TV to movies; the AMERICA’S GOT TALENT winner’s story is coming to the big screen.
“Richard Goodall’s unbelievable journey from sweeping hallways to the center of television’s biggest stage is the epitome of the American dream,” Everard Entertainment’s Ben Everard said in a statement. “Like the millions worldwide, I was captivated the moment he stepped foot on that audition stage. Bringing his journey to the silver screen is an honor we take seriously.”
Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar added, “Goodall’s story is one of never giving up on your dreams, no matter what your circumstances are or your age. No doubt this film will resonate with audiences around the world.”
Goodall worked as a school janitor for 23 years before auditioning for AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, impressing both the judges and the audience with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin.’” He would go on to win the competition.
“I had no expectations [of winning],” he told TV Insider. “I went into every single round that way.”
He also provided some words of wisdom for any other dreamers out there: “Don’t sell yourself short. If you pursue a dream, pursue it to the end, you know? Don’t stop believing.”
Related: AGT Winner Still Happy as High School Janitor: ‘The Same Person’
Speaking to Billboard, Goodall said, “Being who I am, a janitor for 23 years, now singing songs on TV and singing with Journey. I mean, you can’t make that stuff up. This is beyond surreal. I couldn’t dream up everything that’s happened to me. I mean, there’s a bucket list, and then there’s a bucket list that you didn’t even know existed.”
“Nothing is out of reach in this world, but you got to work at it,” the singer added. “You gotta put the time in if you want it bad enough. Sky’s the limit.”
Even though Goodall won AGT — including its $1 million prize — and now has a movie deal in the offing, the singer hasn’t quit his day job. In a 2025 interview with NBC, Goodall revealed he was “still at the school.”
“Things are going on behind the scenes, you know, some concerts are popping up,” he continued. “A lot of amazing things are just popping up, and so I’ll continue to work at the school until, you know, I can’t anymore.”
Fans of Goodall can’t wait to see his story brought to life on the big screen.
Read Next: What’s Next for This AMERICA’S GOT TALENT Winner?
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