Starz’s Black Rodeo Drama Casts Eight In Recurring Roles

EXCLUSIVE: Starz is rounding out the recurring cast for its upcoming Black rodeo drama series with the addition of Patrick Cage (One Of Them Days, Mayor of Kingstown), Mpho Osei-Tutu (Outer Banks, Reasonable Doubt), Keith Arthur Bolden (The Ms. Pat Show, Reasonable Doubt), Tracey Bonner (Raising Dion, Sweet Magnolias), Cris Ruiz (Beyond the Gates, Captain America: Brave New World), Derek Delafonte (Paper Made, Reasonable Doubt), Demián Castro (Lioness, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot) and Christina DeRosa (Black-ish, Bad Moms).

The eight-episode family drama comes from Demascus showrunner Kirk A. Moore, Breaking Bad exec producer Mark Johnson and Counterpart Studios.

The series, said to be “infused with hip hop swagger and country soul”, unfolds in Southeast Texas, where rodeo isn’t just what you do – it’s who you are. At the center are three siblings bound by the legacy their mother built and the unfinished business their father left behind. Driven by their own ambitions and drawn into each other’s orbit, alliances shift, relationships tangle, and nothing stays private for long.

Cage will play Tennessee. An ex-military man and engineer by profession, Tennessee explores new business opportunities with Rodney that aren’t exactly aboveboard. Tennessee is also a loving single father to a young son. With his business up and running, an unexpected spark ignites his love life.

Osei-Tutu will portray TJ, the shady owner of a local eight-liner casino, where Sebastian is a frequent client. He also has a past with Sebastian’s father, Elias, and his Uncle LeRoi.

Bolden is LeRoi Louis, the Clarke siblings’ favorite and only uncle. Though he ran the streets of Trinity City with Elias back in the day, he stepped up as the father figure in the siblings’ lives after Elias went away. LeRoi appears to be a dedicated member of the family, but he’s haunted by a deep secret that may one day catch up to him.

Bonner will play Neo Leland. Quick-witted, feisty, and loving, Neo is the owner of Neo’s Soul Kitchen. She’s Anaya’s closest friend, and also happens to be LeRoi’s on-again,-off-again girlfriend for over a decade. She’s in danger of losing her beloved restaurant after some financial setbacks. Good thing she has Anaya in her corner.

Ruiz will portray Rafael Morales, Francisco’s hot-headed, younger brother. While Francisco is the CEO of the family company, Rafael is mostly a follower and has already had several run-ins with the law. But when he feels like Francisco is distracted and leaving the business open to rivals, Rafael decides it might be time to assert himself and take the lead.

Delafonte is Playboy Ray, a cocky, obnoxious, and supremely talented all-around cowboy. Playboy Ray is one of the few multi-event riders in the city, and the rider everyone loves to hate. That’s his charm. His unexpected return to the rodeo reignites a long-standing beef as Julius’ biggest rival.

Castro will play Lieutenant Mescal. Observant, overworked and understaffed, Lieutenant Mescal is willing to do the hard work to solve any case – even if it means clashing with the mayor. He proves to be a threat to multiple people as he tries to piece together the truth behind Trinity City’s recent string of crimes.

DeRosa will portray Natalia Morales, Francisco’s supportive wife who believes strongly in family. She’s also second in command (COO) at Morales Timber, and not afraid to assert her opinion. Natalia believes everyone has a role in the Morales family and works to preserve their respected name – God bless anyone who gets in her way.

Previously announced cast includes DeWanda Wise as Anaya Clarke-Reagan, Shannon Wallace as Sebastian Clarke, Tian Richards as Rodney Clarke, Curtiss Cook as Elias Clarke, Lauren E. Banks as Wynter, Marcus Emanuel Mitchell as Julius Calhoun, Liv Symone as Jojo Calhoun, and Jason Dirden as Greg Reagan.

Moore serves as showrunner and executive producer. Johnson and Myki Bajaj executive produce via Gran Via Productions, along with Tony Hernandez, Elise Henderson and Lilly Burns of Counterpart Studios. It will be overseen by Starz execs Giovanna Desselle and Christina Jokanovich.

Cage is repped by Anonymous Content, CESD, and Goodman, Genow, Shenkman, Smelkinson, & Christopher. Osei-Tutu is repped by Aligned Stars Agency and GS Entertainment Managemen Bolden is repped by Sean M. Butler at Citizen Skull Management and Atlanta Talent & Model Agency. Bonner is repped by Stewart Talent and Jackson Entertainment Management. Ruiz is repped by J Pervis Talent Agency. Delafonte is repped by Formation Talent Agency and Sweeney Entertainment. Castro is repped by Privilege Talent and Established Artists. DeRosa is repped by Tay Smith at Smith Young Talent Agency and Roger Paul of Roger Paul Inc.