NAACP Image Award Winner Keith Powers among newly added cast with Kelli Simpkins, Keith Kupferer, and Deanna Reed-Foster
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LOS ANGELES—May 22, 2024—Today, premium linear channel and streaming service MGM+ revealed a first-look trailer at the highly anticipated series Emperor of Ocean Park. Executive produced by Sherman Payne, the series is set to premiere with its first episode on July 14 on MGM+, with new episodes airing on Sundays until September 15. In addition to previously announced stars (Forest Whitaker, Grantham Coleman, Tiffany Mack, Paulina Lule, and more), the first season has also added NAACP Image Award Winner Keith Powers (The Perfect Find, The Tomorrow War, The Uglies), Kelli Simpkins (American Rust, Work in Progress, 61st Street), Keith Kupferer (Ghostlight, Windows, The Dark Knight), and Deanna Reed-Foster (The Shining Girls, Vince Staples Show, Chicago Fire).
Set in the worlds of politics, Ivy League academia, and the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, the series centers on Talcott Garland, an Ivy League law professor whose quiet life is shattered when his father, Judge Oliver Garland, dies of an apparent heart attack. The nature of the judge’s death is questioned by Tal’s sister, Mariah, a former journalist and inveterate conspiracy theorist, who believes that the judge, a failed Black nominee to the Supreme Court, met with foul play.
The new cast announced today are Keith Powers, Kelli Simpkins, Keith Kupferer, and Deanna Reed-Foster.
Guest Stars:
- Keith Powers as “Lionel ‘Nasty Nel’ Eldridge”
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- Character Description: An ex-NBA star, Lionel is not your typical law student. He’s five years older and a foot taller. Lionel is a dedicated student who looks up to Tal for mentorship and advice.
- Powers is represented by The Gersh Agency, Megan Silverman Management, and Goodman, Genow, Shenkman, Smelkinson and Christopher.
- Kelli Simpkins as “Dana Worth”
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- Character Description: Dana is an opinionated, whip-smart, and funny law professor. A dedicated colleague and friend to Tal, she’s eager to join him when he gets wrapped up in a mystery.
- Simpkins is represented by Gray Talent Group and 1022m.
- Keith Kupferer as “Mallory ‘Uncle Mal’ Corcoran”
- Character Description: Uncle Mal is a well-connected lawyer and power broker who garners respect from politicians and the wealthy alike. A longtime ally to Oliver Garland and his family.
- Kupferer is represented by Gray Talent Group and Fusion Entertainment.
- Deanna Reed-Foster as “Sally Garland, aka Cousin Sally”
- Character Description: Sally is a single woman who brings a party with her wherever she goes. A functioning alcoholic with a fixation on the approval of her cousins, she struggles with feelings of loneliness and depression.
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- Reed-Foster is represented by DDO Artists Agency and Lewk Management.
Emperor of Ocean Park is produced by John Wells Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
About MGM+:
MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a
broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid, the anticipated new series Hotel Cocaine and Emperor of Ocean Park, the limited series A Spy Among Friends, and cinematic dramatic series Rogue Heroes, War of the Worlds, and Beacon 23. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons. Premium movies are also available, including Top Gun: Maverick, Beekeeper, Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls.
MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, digital distribution channels and the MGM+ app. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
About Warner Bros. Television:
One of the entertainment industry’s most-respected providers of original programming since its founding in 1955, Warner Bros. Television delivers scripted dramas, comedies, limited series, and original movies for multiple platforms. As of May 2024, WBTV is producing nearly 40 scripted series for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, external streaming platforms, cable, and the five U.S. broadcast networks.
MGM+ Contacts:
Eileen Quast | equast@amazon.com
Hripsime Shishkoyan | hshishko@amazon.com
Megan Choate |megan.choate@amazonstudios.com
Warner Bros. Television:
Rebecca Marks | Rebecca.Marks@wbd.com
Robert Pietranton | Robert.Pietranton@wbd.com
Brittany Rodgers | Brittany.Rodgers@wbd.com