Morris Chestnut just landed the lead role in the upcoming drama series Our Kind of People.
The Best Man actor joins previously announced cast member Yaya DaCosta, who will star in the role of Angela Vaughn.
Inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham's book of the same name, the series takes place in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. Oak Bluffs is a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful Black elite have come to play for over 50 years. The series follows strong-willed, single mom Angela Vaughn (DaCosta) as she sets out to reclaim her family's name and make an impact with her revolutionary haircare line that highlights the innate, natural beauty of Black women. But she soon discovers a dark secret about her mother's past that will turn her world upside-down and shake up this community forever.
Chestnut will play Raymond Dupont, the husband of Angela's chief nemesis Leah Franklin Dupont, who has yet to be cast. Raymond is described as a powerful man, raised in wealth, who has "Obama swag and presence." He is a top executive at a food conglomerate, but he has been struggling to revive the company after his white business partner Jack almost tanked the firm through mismanagement. A conscientious father, he is the soft place to land for his daughter. But ignores his son Quincy's ambitions to become a professional basketball player, something that puts him at sad odds with his son.
Karen Gist and Lee Daniels are set to executive produce the drama series for FOX.
According to Variety, Tasha Smith will direct the pilot episode.
Lord I can't wait for this!