Advertise on podcast: Opening Act

On the heels of 'All Rise' season 3's premiere on OWN, Simone Missick chats about the show being revived by the cable network after its CBS cancellation, what its like being on the legal drama after two fast-paced action series and what her perception is of playing a character in the justice system during these times. 

On the heels of the 'Conversations With Friends' season finale, Sasha Lane drops by to talk about the show, appearing in Marvel Studios' 'Loki,' how the pandemic and racial reckoning changed her perception, the projects she wants to take on next and more.

Ahead of the series finale of 'This Is Us,' Ron Cephas Jones drops by to chat about the series, the finale, playing William, how the show became a television anomaly and so much more. He also talks about his recent Tony Award nomination for Clyde's.

Javicia Leslie stops by 'Openinig Act' to talk about the most recent season of Batwoman on The CW, the community of Black actors in Hollywood and what else she's working on that she's very excited about.

On a special episode, this week we are joined by the always booked and busy Brian Tyree Henry, who breaks down the most recent episode of FX's 'Atlanta' which takes a shocking look at cultural appropriation, theft and influencer social justice. He also talks about the show returning for so long and how that has impacted him as an actor.

Bel-Air' star Jabari Banks, one of the biggest breakout stars of 2022, joins us to talk about his start in Hollywood and making his major TV/film debut with the role. He also breaks down some of the biggest moments from season 1 of the show, teases some things he hopes happens in season 2 and much more.  

Ludacris stops by 'Opening Act' to chat about the new season of his Netflix series, 'Karma's World,' which recently dropped new episodes. We also talk to him about getting move involved with television and film behind the scenes as a producer, and if 2000s-era Ludacris would have ever predicted what 2020s Chris Bridges would do.

The iconic always booked and busy Sheryl Lee Ralph is now one of the stars of Quinta Brunson ‘Abbott Elementary,’ on ABC one of the biggest and most promising broadcast network sitcoms in ages. She talks about the new series, playing an educator and the importance of the education field amid the pandemic. She also talked about her own Broadway legacy and how the pandemic has impacted Black artists on Broadway, as well as the legacy of, of course…’Moesha’! 

This week, Corbin Bleu became the inaugural winner of Fox's 'The Real Dirty Dancing.' He spoke to us about the competition, what he learned about dancing and himself, representation in film/television, his upcoming return to 'High School Musical,' reuniting with Monique Coleman and continuing a partnership with her and much more. 

With decades in the game, iconic roles in projects like 'Moesha' and stellar music and acting careers — Brandy is a modern industry gem. She sits down with us this week to talk about the season finale of ABC's 'Queens,' what she hopes happens if the show gets a season 2 and more. She also gives advice to aspiring Black creatives and walks us through some of her early career thoughts.

Nicole Ari Parker makes a splash on 'The Sex and the City' revival seres, 'And Just Like That...,' which is on HBO Max. She talks about being in the new series, her recent 'Chicago P.D.' role, if she'd be in a remake of any of her past projects and much more. The actress also talks about working with husband Boris Kodjoe on his directorial debut and the evolution of telling Black stories in Hollywood over time.

Since starring in Tyler Perry's 'The Haves and the Have Nots,' Tyler Lepley has gone on to star in Starz's 'P-Valley,' and most recently, the male lead in Amazon Prime Video's 'Harlem.' Lepley talks to us about being in the Black women-centric series, how his real-life experiences have informed both of hs portrayals in 'P-Valley' and 'Harlem,' what he's learned from his early roles, what's next and much more.