Written by | Ray Cornelius
Bounce TV’s new original dramatic series “Saints & Sinners” airs tonight at 9 p.m. and one of the show’s brightest stars is acclaimed actress, dancer, and producer Vanessa Bell Calloway.
Best known for her unforgettable roles in such iconic films as “Coming to America” and “What’s Love Gotta Do With It,” Calloway has been doing her thang on the stage and screen for more than 30 years. From the original Broadway show “Dreamgirls” to “The Temptations” to “The Inkwell” and “CSI,” Calloway is a jack of all trades and has eight NAACP Image Award nominations to prove it.
Now the seasoned veteran is taking on the role of ‘First Lady Ella’ in “Saints and Sinners” and says that she was drawn to this character particularly because of her her flaws. She was also attracted to Ella’s position of power as a city council woman.
Calloway on set with her co-star and my buddy Jasmine Burke/RayCornelius.com
“From what I know of ‘church’ lives, she is not your typical first lady. She’s got a lot of ‘stuff’ going on with her and that makes for an interesting character. A person with flaws makes for an interesting arc in a character and as an actress that it makes it an interesting job for me to do. I’m not just this goody two-shoe loving wife. Those people exist and are good to play too but everyone has secrets!”
“Saints & Sinners” centers around the pursuit of power, intertwined with deceit, greed, corruption and murder – all set against the backdrop of a large southern church. It also stars Richard Lawson, Clifton Powell, Chrisitan Keyes, Jasmine Burke, Gloria Rueben and Keith Robinson. Also look for appearances by Kelly Price, David Banner, Erica Campbell and Deitrick Haddon.
Check out the newest teaser below and don’t forget to catch it TONIGHT at 9 p.m. EST on BounceTV:
Photo Credits: Parade.com and RayCornelius.com