Exclusive: Wendell Pierce Talks CBS series Elsbeth, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Suits
Hitting CBS and Paramount Plus this week is ELSBETH, a new series based on the fan favorite and Emmy-winning character featured in the hit series’ THE GOOD WIFE and THE GOOD FIGHT by legends Robert and Michelle King.
ELSBETH stars Emmy Award winner Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce), a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson), a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth’s insightful and offbeat ways.
The show premieres on CBS on Thursday, February 29th (on leap day) during the 2023-2024 season from 10-11pm ET/PT.
For Pierce, the role represents another character that the New Orleans, LA native can count amount the many wonderful roles he played over his career.
Best known for his role as Det. Bunk Moreland on HBO’s groundbreaking series “The Wire,” Pierce was also praised for his starring role as Antoine Baptiste on David Simon’s critically acclaimed series “Tremé.” He also starred as Robert Zane on USA Network’s “Suits.” Most recently, he starred as James Greer in “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” alongside John Krasinski, as well as in an episode of the new Fox anthology series “Accused.” He currently recurs as Ishmael 'Snaps' Henry on the third season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”
Among his film credits are Ava Duvernay’s “Selma,” Taylor Hackford’s “Ray,” Spike Lee’s “Malcom X” and “Get on the Bus,” Forest Whittaker’s “Waiting to Exhale,” Barry Levinson’s “Sleepers,” and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize Winner “Clemency.”
Pierce returned to Broadway in 2022 for a limited engagement to reprise his portrayal of Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman,” for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Lead Actor in a Play.
Blackfilmandtv.com’s Wilson Morales spoke with Pierce on his illustrious career including his new series Elsbeth, being on Power Book III: Raising Kanan and the rise and return of Suits.