( ENSPIRE ENTERTAINMENT ) A Look at Five Celebs Who We Need to Catch Up With After Great Shows
Contributor: Luke Redhead
Good television shows wrap up too soon, leaving behind a treasure trove of unforgettable characters and remarkable performances. Moreover, despite their short runs, these series often leave a lasting impact. Largely due to a talented cast, audiences yearn for more long after the show finishes its run. Now, those same stars are shining again in exciting new roles across film and television.
The talent of these actors has not gone unnoticed and deserves to be celebrated. Moreover, people are drawn to these actors for the depth and charm they bring to every role. Whether they are in serious dramas, funny comedies, or thrilling action films, their remarkable abilities demonstrate that even short-lived shows can serve as a launching pad for exciting careers.
In “Riches”, Sara Niles portrayed Claudia, the elegant and strategic second wife of a deceased cosmetics mogul. Niles brought a cool, composed presence to the role, making Claudia a formidable force driven by loyalty to her children and a sharp sense of ambition. Most recently, Niles played Simone Bradshaw, the sharp and composed White House Chief of Staff, alongside John Cena, Priyanka Chopra and Idris Elba. In ‘Heads of State‘, Niles brings calm authority to the chaos, helping steer the President through a high-stakes conspiracy. It’s a fun shift from her role in Riches, showing off her range and talent in a big-budget action-comedy.
Additionally, Jurnee Smollett has been a fan favorite since the ’90s, making an appearance in many shows and movies. She returned to the spotlight with her role as Letitia Lewis in “Lovecraft Country”. In this short-lived sci-fi drama, she showed off her range with a bold performance. Smollett brought both strength and vulnerability to the role, winning over a new generation of fans. Now, Smollett has made a striking return in Apple TV+’s Smoke as Detective Michelle Calderone. Her commanding performance anchors the series, showcasing both physical intensity and deep vulnerability.
Next, William Catlett in “Love Is” showcased remarkable talent as he played a struggling writer attempting to rebuild his life. When he meets the ambitious Nuri, played by Michelle Weaver, Catlett brings a raw honesty and emotional depth that enriches this unique narrative set in 1990s Los Angeles. Notably, Catlett recently portrayed Quincy in Netflix’s “Forever”, a heartfelt story about two high schoolers discovering love. His natural screen presence and emotional range truly make him a standout in both roles.
McKinley Freeman played Nate Robinson in “Our Kind of People”, a once-absent father trying to reconnect with his daughter after 17 years in prison. With quiet strength and emotional depth, Freeman brought warmth and complexity to a role that hinted at even greater promise. Freeman continues to impress as Lewis Stewart on Reasonable Doubt, bringing a quiet strength to the role. His performance highlights him as a reliable and increasingly promising talent alongside favorites such as Morris Chestnut and Michael Ealy.
In contrast, Glynn Turman portrayed Charles Mitch in Hulu’s 2023 miniseries Black Cake, playing the trusted family lawyer of Eleanor Bennett (Chipo Chung). With decades of experience, his performance in Black Cake reaffirms him as an industry veteran. Turman delivers a chilling turn as Richard, the unforgiving supermarket boss in Tyler Perry’s “Straw”, who ruthlessly denies his employee financial help amid a spiraling day of trauma and misunderstanding. His performance adds emotional weight to the film and explores workplace power dynamics from a traumatic angle.
While some shows may end too soon, the journeys of our favorite underrated actors continue to inspire us. With each new role, talented performers remind us of their incredible range. As we follow their careers, we see them in new projects and remember how much we missed them. Celebrating their progress and sharing the excitement of their evolving paths in the entertainment industry is just one way to support them.
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