CBS has announced the final cast members for the debut of its newest soap opera, Beyond The Gates set to premiere in early 2025. Veteran television and stage actor, Clifton Davis, will take on the leading role of Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch and husband of Anita Dupree (played by former ATWT favorite, Tamara Tunie).
In addition, Daytime Emmy-winner Mike Manning (The Bay, Days of our Lives) joins the new daytime series along with: Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Ben Gavin, Jibre Hordges, and Jen Jacob.
Beyond the Gates is from soap veteran writer, Michele Val Jean, who is the creator, executive producer and showrunner of the new soap alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.
Photo: CBS
Here’s a rundown of the final casting additions for Beyond the Gates as it gets ready to kick-off its first season.
Clifton Davis as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement.
Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown and nine Broadway shows. His most recent recurring roles include the series Clipped, Godfather of Harlem and Madam Secretary. Clifton recently was seen as on Broadway as Dr. Dillamond in Wicked and originated the role of The Sultan in Aladdin and was nominated for a Grammy for writing “Never Can Say Good-bye” for The Jackson 5.
Jibre Hordges as Jacob Hawthorne, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims. Jibre Hordges’ credits include 9-1-1 and The Resident.
Mike Manning as Bradley “Smitty” Smith, husband to Congressman Martin Richardson and father to teenagers Tyrell and Samantha. A former political reporter turned househusband, Smitty is a fantastic dad who has guided his children with warmth and good humor. Smitty is thinking of resuming his writing career but is hesitant to tell Martin, who likes their home life the way it is. Mike Manning’s credits include as previously mentioned The Bay, Days of our Lives, plus This Is Us.
Photo Courtesy of Matt Kallish
Jen Jacob as Ashley Morgan, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Ashley was a latchkey kid who has never been afraid of rolling up her sleeves. She is a nurse at Washington D.C.’s Garland Memorial Hospital and has the perfect temperament for her profession – positive, cheerful, brisk, resourceful and independent. She can be serious but is also fun-loving with a smile that lights up a room. Jen Jacob’s credits include The Union and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Ben Gavin as Derek Baldwin, a devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Derek is fearless, holds nothing back and goes into a zone when he fights fire – which is almost personal for him rather than just a professional calling. Incredibly handy, Derek can fix almost anything. Ben Gavin’s credits include My Christmas Love and Missing at 17. His recent roles include the films A Place Called Home, and Going for Two.
Photo: CBS
Lauren Buglioli as Vanessa McBride, a high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and best friend to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. The mother of twins, Vanessa is in a loveless marriage with her high school sweetheart. Lauren Bugliogli’s credits include Bad Monkey, Florida Man and A Jazzman’s Blues.
Alex Alegria as Tomas “Tom” Navarro, a handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. Tomas has an eye for Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Alex Alegria’s credits include CSI and Gossip Girl.
These actors join previously announced cast members as the core of Beyond the Gates including, the previously mentioned Tamara Tunie, plus, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.
Beyond the Gates is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. This marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere since Passions in 1999.
What do you think about the final casting announcements for CBS’s new daytime soap opera, Beyond the Gates? Who are you most excited about seeing on the show? Comment below.
