In a heartfelt transition, Giancarlo Esposito steps into the shoes of the late Andre Braugher in Shondaland’s latest Netflix series, “The Residence.” Following Braugher’s untimely death, Esposito will succeed him in the cast of this comedic murder-mystery drama.
“The Residence,” inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book is a screwball comedy and mystery, with Uzo Aduba leading the cast as a wildly eccentric detective investigating a murder during a State Dinner.
Production on “The Residence” had faced a temporary halt due to a writers strike, but with the strike resolved, filming has resumed. The cast added notable additions, including former U.S. Senator Al Franken portraying Senator Aaron Filkins, Andrew Friedman as Irv Samuelson, Director of the National Park Police, and Julian McMahon as Stephen Roos, the Prime Minister of Australia.
Esposito, renowned for his roles in “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” steps into the shoes of the White House Chief Usher, a role previously played by Braugher. Reflecting on this transition, Esposito expressed his pride and honor in stepping into Braugher’s role, emphasizing the respect and admiration he held for the late actor. “I couldn’t be prouder and more honored to be stepping into Shondaland’s The Residence for someone that I loved and respected and cherished in Andre Braugher,” Esposito said. “To be afforded the opportunity to create in his honor with this incredible team extends the depth and breadth of his legacy through all of us who loved him so dearly.”
He sees this opportunity as a way to pay homage to Braugher’s legacy and collaborate with an exceptional team.
Despite his commitment to “The Residence,” Esposito’s involvement will not impact his starring role in AMC’s “Parish” should the series receive a second season.
The cast also includes Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mary Wiseman, Randall Park, Kylie Minogue, Jane Curtin, James Babson, Eliza Coupe, Izzy Diaz, Paul Fitzgerald, Ros Gentle, Chris Grace, Juliette Jeffers, Sumalee Montano, Nathan Lovejoy, E. L. Losada, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Brett Tucker, and Rebecca Field.
The series, executive produced by Paul William Davies, Shonda Rhimes, and Betsy Beers, initially shot four episodes before suspending filming during the early days of the writers strike in May.
Originally scheduled to resume production on January 2, the tragic loss of Andre Braugher on December 12 led to a postponement, providing the cast and crew with more time to mourn. Netflix and the producers have charted a course to continue the series without Braugher, reshooting his scenes with Esposito to seamlessly carry on with the production.