CBS announced the final cast for its upcoming daytime drama series “Beyond the Gates” on Tuesday.
Leading the final casting announcement is veteran actor Clifton Davis (“Godfather of Harlem,” “Madam Secretary”) who joins the series as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita (Tamara Tunie) and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) and Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley), respectively.
Joining Davis are actors Alex Alegria (“CSI,” “Gossip Girl”), Lauren Bugliogli (“Bad Monkey,” “Florida’s Man”), Ben Gavin (“Super 8,” “The Dark Tower”), Jibre Hordges (“grown-ish,” “9-1-1”), Jen Jacob (“The Union,” “Law & Order: Organized Crime”) and Mike Manning (“Days of our Lives,” “The Bay”).
Rounding out the series cast are previously announced actors Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.
Set to premiere in early 2025 on CBS, “Beyond The Gates” tells the story of the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty.
Set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States, “Beyond The Gates” is where viewers will find a posh gated community filled with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions that the wealthy call home.
Behind the pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. As for those living outside the gates, they are indeed watching closely. For every person who has “made it,” there are always those who have not. Follow the characters as they live, love, work, and play, all while trying to navigate life, some more gracefully than others.
What follows is a breakdown of the latest “Beyond the Gates” cast along with a description of their characters.
Clifton Davis as Vernon Dupree
A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Clifton Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown and nine Broadway shows. His most recent recurring roles include the series “Clipped,” “Godfather of Harlem” and MADAM SECRETARY on the Network. Recently on Broadway he played Dr. Dillamond in “Wicked” and originated the role of The Sultan in “Aladdin.” Davis is a Tony Award nominee for “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” a Theatre World Award winner for the Gershwin Review “Do It Again” and a GRAMMY nominee for writing “Never Can Say Good-bye” for The Jackson 5.
Jibre Hordges as Jacob Hawthorne
Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims. Jibre Hordges’ credits include “Grown-ish,” “9-1-1” and “The Resident.”
Mike Manning as Bradley “Smitty” Smith
Husband to Congressman Martin Richardson and father to teenagers Tyrell and Samantha. A former political reporter turned househusband, Smitty is a fantastic dad who has guided his children with warmth and good humor. Smitty is thinking of resuming his writing career but is hesitant to tell Martin, who likes their home life the way it is. Mike Manning’s credits include “The Bay,” “Days of Our Lives” and “This Is Us.”
Jen Jacob as Ashley Morgan
Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Ashley was a latchkey kid who has never been afraid of rolling up her sleeves. She is a nurse at Washington D.C.’s Garland Memorial Hospital and has the perfect temperament for her profession – positive, cheerful, brisk, resourceful and independent. She can be serious but is also fun-loving with a smile that lights up a room. Jen Jacob’s credits include “The Union” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.”
Ben Gavin as Derek Baldwin
A devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Derek is fearless, holds nothing back and goes into a zone when he fights fire – which is almost personal for him rather than just a professional calling. Incredibly handy, Derek can fix almost anything. Ben Gavin’s credits include “Super 8,” “The Dark Tower,” “My Christmas Love” and “Missing at 17.” His recent roles include the films “A Place Called Home,” “Going for Two” and “Winterset.”
Lauren Bugliogli as Vanessa McBride
A high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and best friend to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. The mother of twins, Vanessa is in a loveless marriage with her high school sweetheart. Lauren Bugliogli’s credits include “Bad Monkey,” “Florida Man” and “A Jazzman’s Blues.”
Alex Alegria as Tomas “Tom” Navarro
A handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. Tomas has an eye for Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Alex Alegria’s credits include CSI and “Gossip Girl.”
Created by Michele Val Jean, who also serves as showrunner/executive producer, “Beyond the Gates” is produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.
Robert Guza Jr. (“General Hospital,” “Sunset Beach”), Julie Carruthers (“All My Children,” “Port Charles”), Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld are set as executive producers alongside Val Jean and Ducksworth
Production on the show is currently underway in Atlanta.
