Just over a month since Tyler Perry’s expanded collaboration with Netflix was unveiled, bringing forth the upcoming 16-episode drama, ‘Beauty in Black,’ the star-studded cast has been unveiled. Among the notable names are Taylor Polidore Williams, Amber Reign Smith, Crystle Stewart, Ricco Ross, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson, Steven G. Norfleet, Julian Horton, Terrell Carter, Shannon Wallace, Bryan Tanaka, Joy Rovaris, Xavier Smalls, Charles Malik Whitfield, Tamera “Tee” Kissen, Ursula O. Robinson, Ashley Versher, and George Middlebrook.
In Tyler Perry’s ‘Beauty in Black,’ audiences are drawn into the lives of two women, Kimmie (portrayed by Polidore Williams) and Mallory (played by Stewart), each navigating contrasting paths. While Kimmie struggles to make ends meet after being cast out by her mother, Mallory thrives as a successful entrepreneur, they find themselves entangled in each other’s lives.
The 16-episode hour-long drama will be written, directed, and produced by Perry.
Taylor Polidore Williams (known for roles in ‘Divorce in the Black’ and ‘Snowfall’) takes on the role of Kimmie, while Amber Reign Smith (recognized for her work in ‘Outlaw Posse’ and ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’) embodies Rain, and Crystle Stewart (renowned for her performances in ‘Tyler Perry’s The Oval’ and ‘Acrimony’) portrays Mallory.
Ricco Ross (featured in ‘A Husband for Christmas’ and ‘Aliens’) stars as Horace, alongside Debbi Morgan (from ‘Power’ and ‘Power Book II: Ghost’) as Olivia, Richard Lawson (known for appearances in ‘Black Hamptons’ and ‘For Colored Girls’) as Norman, Steven G. Norfleet (notable for roles in ‘Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’ and ‘Ruthless’) as Charles, and Julian Horton (recognized for his work in ‘National Champions’ and ‘Tyler Perry’s Bruh’) as Roy.
Terrell Carter (known for his roles in ‘Empire’ and ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’) portrays Varney, while Shannon Wallace (from ‘Diarra from Detroit’ and ‘City on a Hill’) brings Calvin to life, Bryan Tanaka (recognized for his appearance in ‘Entourage’) steps into the shoes of Officer Alex, Joy Rovaris (known for her work in ‘Saint Clare’ and ‘The Neighborhood’) embodies Gillian, Xavier Smalls portrays Angel, Charles Malik Whitfield (notable for appearances in ‘The Temptations’ and ‘If Loving You is Wrong’) takes on the role of Jules, Tamera “Tee” Kissen (from ‘House Party’ and ‘White Men Can’t Jump’) plays Body, Ursula O. Robinson (known for her role in ‘Hightown’) stars as Delinda, Ashley Versher (recognized for her performances in ‘This is Me… Now’ and ‘Law and Order’) portrays Lena, and George Middlebrook (from ‘The Final Play’ and ‘McGraw Ave H-Block’) embodies Officer Trackson.
Angi Bones and Tony Strickland join Perry as producers for Tyler Perry Studios.
In this fresh creative collaboration with Netflix, Perry assumes the helm as he writes, directs, and produces feature films and series under a multi-year first-look agreement. Upcoming projects for the streaming giant include the World War II drama “Six Triple Eight,” highlighting the contributions of an all-black and all-female battalion, and the gripping thriller “Mea Culpa,” featuring Kelly Rowland.
While expanding his horizons with Netflix, Perry also maintains a strong television presence with over ten series airing on BET, including popular titles like “Sistas” and “The Oval.” This long-standing partnership with BET, initiated in 2017 as part of a larger deal with Viacom, remains pivotal in Perry’s ongoing success.
Perry’s collaboration with Netflix marks a shift from his previous multi-year content partnership with Paramount Global. Despite prior interest in acquiring BET when Paramount Global explored selling the network, Perry remains dedicated to crafting compelling content and broadening his impact across various platforms.