Exclusive: Luke James talks The Chi and upcoming Broadway show Thoughts Of A Colored Man
This coming Sunday (August 1st) is the final episode to Season 4 of Showtime’s acclaimed series “The Chi.” Among the talent involved with pivotal storylines is actor and three-time Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Luke James.
James joined the cast in season three as newcomer Victor “Trig” Taylor, Jake’s (Michael V. Epps) estranged older brother, and was immediately a scene stealer and promoted to a series regular for the fourth season. Trig has had some emotional scenes with his girlfriend Imani, who is played by actress Jasmine Davis and the first transgender character to ever appear on the show.
On stage, Luke can next be seen starring in Keenan Scott II’s play “Thoughts of a Colored Man” at Broadway’s Golden Theatre, opening Sunday, October 31, 2021. The production blends spoken word, slam poetry, rhythm, and humor in a daringly universal new play. The limited engagement will be among the first new plays to open on Broadway, following a near two-year shutdown due to COVID-19.
Earlier this year, James appeared opposite Academy Award nominated actress Cynthia Erivo in “Genius: Aretha,” National Geographic’s critically acclaimed anthology series exploring Aretha Franklin’s musical genius and incomparable career. Luke portrayed Franklin’s ex-husband Glynn Turman, a well-known actor, writer, director and producer who coached Franklin prior to their romantic involvement and marriage.
Additional television credits for Luke include starring on the hit FOX/Lee Daniels musical drama series “Star,” HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story,” which drew in record ratings of 29M+ viewers during premiere week. On the film front, Luke appeared in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall and Marsai Martin.
BlackFilmandTV.com correspondent Sidnee Michelle recently caught up with James as he spoke about his character in The Chi and his upcoming Broadway show.