Amanda Tavarez to Star in OWN’s Original Holiday Movie “First Christmas”

Posted on November 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Amanda Tavarez is ready for her OWN Christmas…

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has expanded its holiday season programming with the new original holiday movie First Christmas, starring the Dominican American actress.

First Christmas, which also stars Idara Victor and Tonea Stewart, will premiere on Tuesday, December 22. The movie joins the previously announced Our OWN Christmas gospel music special hosted by Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin, which airs on Tuesday, December 1 at 9:00 pm ET/PT.

Given up for adoption and placed in foster care at a young age, writer Halle Downing receives the blessing of a lifetime when she’s invited to spend Christmas in New Orleans with the biological family she never knew she had – The Moores. Halle’s grandmother “Memaw” welcomes the young woman with open arms, completely overwhelming Halle with emotion at the significance of finally finding her family. Extremely excited to meet her twin siblings Tiffany (Samantha Smith) and Glenn (Mason Beauchamp) along with younger brother Drew (Peyton Jackson) for the first time, Halle soon faces the hard reality that finding her place in this close-knit family is going to take longer than she thought, something that becomes particularly evident when she witnesses Tiffany’s apprehension about introducing her new girlfriend Paris (Tavarez) to the family for the first time. However, as Christmas approaches, Halle begins to gain perspective on the Moore family dynamic and ultimately comes to embrace and celebrate her first family holiday with a special gift that tells her she is right where she is supposed to be.

First Christmas is produced for OWN by MarVista in association with Harpo Films.

Tavarez’s previous credits include Queen Sugar, Dynasty, Cake: The Series and The Resident.

Arlen Escarpeta to Star in the Second Season of OWN’s Drama Series “David Makes Man”

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Arlen Escarpeta is the Manof the hour…

The 39-year-old Belizean actor has been cast as a series regular for the second season of OWN’s acclaimed Peabody-winning drama series David Makes Man.

He’ll star alongside Kwame Patterson, who has been tapped to portray the title character, the adult version of David.

Escarpeta will play his brother JG, in the series which hails from Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney and Warner Horizon Scripted Television.

They join returning series regulars Akili McDowell, Alana Arenas, Travis Coles and Cayden K. Williams for season two.

Created by McCraney and executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, the first season ofDavid Makes Mancentered on David Young (McDowell), a 14-year-old prodigy learning to survive the streets that raised him and the higher education that could offer him a way out. Season two finds David in his early 30s, a rising business man facing an opportunity that will change him and his community forever; the mounting pressure forces David to choose between the instincts that helped him survive or finding a new way to finally, truly live.

Escarpeta’s television credits include series regular roles on Crackle’s The Oath and NBC’s American Dreams, and a recurring role in Syfy’s The Magicians,among others. He also starred as Bobby Brown in the Lifetime original film Whitney.

His feature film credits include Into the Storm, Final Destination 5, Brotherhood, Friday the 13th (2009), and We Are Marshall, among others.

Cris Abrego Named to Television Academy Foundation’s Board of Directors

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Cris Abrego is joining the Board…

The Television Academy Foundation has added four new members to its board of directors, including the Latino television executive at Endemol Shine.

Abrego will be joined by fellow newcomers to the board: Bunim/Murray Productions co-founder Jonathan Murray, OWN president Tina Perry and composer Rickey Minor.

Abrego is chairman of Endemol Shine Americas, and CEO of Endemol Shine North America. He oversees shows in the U.S. including Big Brother, MasterChef and Lego Masters.

The Television Academy Foundation is the charitable arm of the Television Academy. Its board of directors also includes Netflix’s Cindy Holland, Nina Tassler, Epix’s Michael Wright and Suzanne de Passe.

“Our incoming board members bring extensive business and creative acumen in key sectors of our television industry,” said Madeline Di Nonno, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. “We welcome their thought leadership, strategic guidance and support as the Foundation expands its educational programs and community outreach, which are designed to promote diversity and inclusivity within the television industry and deepen support for the next generation of entertainment leaders.”

Liza Colón-Zayas to Appear in OWN’s Coming-of-Age Drama Series “David Makes Man”

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Liza Colón-Zayas is OWNingthe day…

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has added ten recurring and guest star cast members to the ensemble of its upcoming coming-of-age drama series David Makes Man, including the Puerto Rican actress and playwright.

From Oscar-winningMoonlight co-writer Tarell Alvin McCraney and Warner Horizon Scripted Television. David Makes Mancenters on David, a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out.

Set in South Florida, the lyrical drama, inspired by events in McCraney’s own life, explores the inherent trauma sustained in the fight for survival.

In addition to Colon-Zayas, who starred in The Purge: Election Year, other cast additions include Lela Rochon, Trace Lysette, Juanita Jennings, Lindsey Blackwell, Solomon Valdez ([Bi]Polar), Teshi Thomas, and newcomers Nick Creegan, Kimaya Naomi and Logan Rozos.

Colon-Zayas plays Principal Fallow. She runs the magnet school that David, Seren and Marissa attend.

Valdezwill play Willie Derrick, an 11-year-old wanna-be dope dealer.

They join the previously announced series regular ensemble cast that includes Akili McDowell, Phylicia Rashad, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Isaiah Johnson, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Cayden K. Williams, Travis Coles and Alana Arenas, along with guest stars Gillian Williams, Elvis Nolasco, and Ruben Santiago-Hudson.

Elvis Nolasco Joins Cast of OWN’s Coming-of-Age Drama Series “David Makes Man”

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Elvis Nolasco is the Man with a plan…

The Dominican actor has joined the ensemble cast of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s upcoming coming-of-age drama series David Makes Man, from Oscar-winning Moonlight co-writer Tarell Alvin McCraney.

David Makes Man centers on David, a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out. Set in South Florida, the lyrical drama, inspired by events in McCraney’s own life, explores the inherent trauma sustained in the fight for survival.

In addition to Nolasco, who starred in ABC’s anthology series American Crime, cast additions include Alana Arenas, (L.A. Confidential, Chicago P.D.), while Gillian Williams (The Girlfriend Experience), Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Quad, Billions) and Randy Gonzalez (Bloodline) are set for recurring roles.

They join previously announced cast Phylicia Rashad, Akili McDowell, Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, Isaiah Johnson, Ade Chike Torbert, Jordan Bolger, Cayden K. Williams and Travis Coles.

Directors joining the hour-long drama for Season 1 include Michael Francis Williams, Kiel Adrian Scott, Daina Reid and Cheryl Dunye.

The series, currently in production in Orlando, Florida, is set for a 2019 premiere on OWN.

Arenas will play Gloria, David’s young, hardworking, single mother who wants better for her children. A now-sober, former drug user, she worries that social services might take her sons away.

Williams will recur as Jessica Kelly, David’s former music teacher who is the mother of his best friend, Seren. Santiago-Hudson is Dr. Bree, a clinical psychiatrist who challenges David to examine the trauma of his past and his hopes for the future. Nolasco will play Tio-Teo, the uncle to David’s strained acquaintance, Raynan. He aims to expand his illegal prescription med operation . . . no matter what the cost. Gonzalez is Mr. Lopez, a teacher of remedial math who believes in David more than David believes in himself.

David Makes Man is produced by Page Fright and Outlier Productions in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television.

Christina Milian Joins Cast of Sony Crackle’s Drama Series “The Oath”

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Milian is taking The Oath…

The 36-year-old Cuban-American singer, songwriter and actresshas been cast as a series regular on the sophomore season of The Oath, Sony Crackle’s gritty drama from executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

Zulay Henao will recur during Season 2, which has begun production in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Created by Joe Halpin, The Oathexplores a world of gangs made up of those sworn to protect and defend and sheds light on corrupt and secret societies that are nearly impossible to join. Only a select few make the cut — but once inside, members will do what they must to protect each other from enemies on the outside and from within their own ranks.

Season 2, which was ordered in April, finds the Ravens trying to free themselves from their debt to the cartel. The season will examine themes of family and redemption, giving the characters a chance to reclaim their lives as their own, pushing them to find a new path and attempting to conquer their inner demons – all while trying to protect their own lives in the process.

Milian will play Christine Parks, a second-generation Raven — her father was one of the gang’s founders — and partner of Kraley (Andrew Howard). She grew up admiring her dad and wants to follow in his footsteps.

Milian’s previous credits include Grandfathered and East Los High.

Henao will recur as Carmen Velasquez, the older sister of Ricardo and daughter of Ignacio who, after living most of her life surrounded by violence, is trying to move the family toward a legitimate business.

Henao was a regular on OWN’s Tyler Perrydrama If Loving You Is Wrong.

Cast members also returning for Season 2 include Howard, Law, Ryan Kwanten— who’s also a producer — Cory Hardict, J.J. Soria, Elisabeth Röhm, Michael Malarkey, Isaac Keys, Kim Delaney, LaToya Tonodeo and Braulio Castillo.

OWN Gives Lozada’s “Livin’ Lozada” Additional Eight-Episode Order

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

There’s more Evelyn Lozada heading your way…

OWN has ordered eight additional episodes of freshman docuseries Livin’ Lozada, starring the 40-year-old Puerto Rican reality television star.

The series has been a strong ratings performer for Oprah Winfrey’s cable network.

Livin’ Lozada, which debuted on July 11, was the highest-rated freshman season ever for an OWN docuseries among women 18-49.

In addition, the recent finale of Livin’ Lozada (0.86) on August 29 ranked as one of the top two unscripted season finales in OWN history among women 25-54.

Livin’ Lozada follows the lives of the Basketball Wives star, and her 22-year-old daughter Shanice. The series returns this spring with a new setting. Now that baseball season has ended, Evelyn and her fiancé, LA Dodgers star Carl Crawford, leave the glitz of Hollywood for their offseason home in Arizona.

OWN Orders Docuseries Starring Evelyn Lozada

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Evelyn Lozada is venturing out on her OWN…

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered a brand new docuseries starring the 39-year-old Puerto Rican reality television star, one of the former cast members of VH1’s Basketball Wives.

Evelyn (working title) follows the lives of Lozada, and her 21-year-old daughter Shaniece. Evelyn is engaged to big league baseball player Carl Crawford and the couple just welcomed their first child, Carl Leo Jr., to the family last March.

Between learning to be a mom all over again, setting up a new home in Los Angeles for her family, running several businesses and dealing with issues surrounding her family back East… Evelyn has a lot on her plate. Not to be outdone, her daughter Shaniece’s modeling career is taking off resulting in a flood of business opportunities with no clear choice of which to pursue, leaning on her mom for advice which she (sometimes) takes. Each episode is filled with close friends and relatives in the ladies’ lives who help round out a world filled with laughter, support, encouragement and tears as we follow Shaniece carving out the new life before her and Evelyn finally feeling like she has the life she deserves.

Evelyn is scheduled to premiere in July.

Richie to Appear on the Oprah Winfrey Network Web Series “Who I Am”

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Nicole Richie is ready to answer the question, “Who Am I?”

The 32-year-old part-Mexican American fashion designer, author, actress and television personality will be part of a special Oprah Winfrey Network web series debuting on August 28.

OWN has been working out of YouTube Space LA for more than six months to experiment with digital formats and online talent. The result of that partnership is a growing slate of digital programming, including the new series Who Am I, which will feature interviews with celebrity guests, including Richie, about the qualities that define them.

After the first two episodes of Who Am I premiere this Thursday, subsequent two- to three-minute episodes will be made available each week.

In addition to Richie, guests will include beauty vlogger Michelle Phan, Brandy, former American Idol judge Randy Jackson and La Toya Jackson.

Who Am I is the second digital series from OWN. #OWNSHOW, a daily series that features stories from the Oprah community, debuted in March with the relaunch of Oprah.com, a digital hub for the network, O, The Oprah Magazine and Harpo Studios.

Henao to Star in Tyler Perry’s New OWN Drama Series “If Loving You Is Wrong”

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Zulay Henao has signed on for the wrong project…

The 35-year-old Colombian American actress has joined the principal cast of If Loving You is Wrong, the latest Tyler Perry drama series for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Premiering in September, the new series, which was formally called Single Mom’s Club, created, written, directed and executive produced by Perry, follows the relationships of a group of husbands and wives that live and love on the same street. While the neighbors come from very different backgrounds, their lives are similar — raising children, dealing with exes, worrying about money and keeping romance in their relationships. But just below the surface — secrets, lies and deception threaten to destroy what they have built.

Henao, who starred in The Single Moms Club, plays Esperanza, ex-wife of Edward, played by Joel Rush. She and Edward are parents of an eight-year-old girl. Esperanza is terrified what her ex will do when he finds out about her new boyfriend, Julius, played by Octavio Pizano.

The series also stars Amanda Clayton, Aiden Turner, Heather Hemmens, Eltony Williams, Edwina Findley, April Parker-Jones and Charles Malik Whitfield.

If Loving You is Wrong is Perry’s second drama series for OWN under his production deal with the network. The first, The Haves and the Have Nots, has been a breakout hit. It returned with new episodes May 27 to more than 3 million total viewers, becoming the network’s highest season premiere in history. Additionally, Perry’s OWN comedy, Love Thy Neighbor, returns with new episodes June 25.

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