The Family Business BET Cast: A Deep Dive into the Duncan Family

Based on Carl Weber’s gripping crime drama novels, The Family Business on BET has captivated audiences with its intricate storylines and compelling characters. At the heart of this series is the Duncan family, owners of a luxurious car dealership by day and a clandestine criminal enterprise by night. The success of the show hinges on the stellar performances of The Family Business BET cast, who bring these complex characters to life. This article provides an in-depth look at the talented actors who make up the core family business bet cast, exploring their roles, backgrounds, and contributions to the series’ enduring appeal.

Meet the Duncan Family: The Core of The Family Business BET Cast

The Duncan family, led by the formidable patriarch L.C. Duncan, is the nucleus around which The Family Business revolves. Each member contributes to the family’s intricate dynamic, both in their legitimate business and their shadowy dealings. Here’s a breakdown of the key players within this powerful family and the actors who portray them.

Ernie Hudson: The Unshakeable Patriarch, L.C. Duncan

The Respected CEO and Family Leader

Actor Profile: Ernie Hudson is a seasoned actor with a career spanning decades. He is most famously known for his iconic role as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters franchise. Beyond Ghostbusters, Hudson has showcased his versatility in a range of roles, from Warden Leo Glynn in the gritty prison drama Oz to appearances in films like The Crow, Congo, and Miss Congeniality. His recent roles include Herbert “Magic” Williams in Quantum Leap, further demonstrating his enduring presence in television.

Character Insight: In The Family Business, Ernie Hudson embodies L.C. Duncan, the authoritative head of the Duncan family and CEO of Duncan Motors. L.C. is a complex character, balancing the responsibilities of a legitimate businessman with the darker aspects of his family’s criminal empire. Initially wanting to step back and retire, L.C. finds himself constantly drawn back in, protecting his family and their legacy. Hudson’s gravitas and commanding presence make him perfectly cast as the Duncan family patriarch.

Valerie Pettiford: The Steadfast Matriarch, Charlotte Duncan

Supporting Wife and Family Backbone

Actor Profile: Valerie Pettiford brings a wealth of experience from stage and screen to her role as Charlotte Duncan. Beginning her career as a dancer on Broadway, working with Bob Fosse, she garnered a Tony nomination for her performance in Fosse. Pettiford transitioned to television with roles in soap operas and sitcoms like Half & Half and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Her film credits include Glitter, Stomp The Yard, and Jumping the Broom.

Character Insight: As Charlotte Duncan, Valerie Pettiford portrays the strong and supportive matriarch of the Duncan family. Charlotte is L.C.’s unwavering partner, providing emotional grounding and moral guidance to her husband and children. While she may disapprove of their criminal activities, her loyalty to her family is absolute. Pettiford’s portrayal captures Charlotte’s strength, warmth, and fierce protectiveness, making her a crucial anchor within the family business bet cast.

Darrin Dewitt Henson: The Charming CEO, Orlando Duncan

Taking the Reins of Duncan Motors

Actor Profile: Darrin Dewitt Henson’s career began in music as part of the freestyle group Trilogy. He later became a sought-after choreographer, working with iconic groups like NSYNC and The Spice Girls. Henson transitioned into acting, landing his breakout role as Lem Van Adams in Soul Food. He has also appeared in films like Stomp the Yard, Tekken, and Chocolate City, and recently starred in the TV series Double Cross.

Character Insight: Darrin Dewitt Henson plays Orlando Duncan, the charismatic son who steps into his father’s shoes as CEO of Duncan Motors. Orlando inherits L.C.’s business acumen and charm, but also displays a playboy lifestyle and a relentless work ethic. He is fiercely devoted to his family, often navigating the complexities of the business and the dangers that come with their lifestyle. Henson’s portrayal captures Orlando’s ambition, loyalty, and the internal conflict of balancing his desires with family obligations.

Javicia Leslie: The Spirited Daughter, Paris Duncan

Navigating Family Expectations and Personal Troubles

Actor Profile: Javicia Leslie gained significant recognition for her groundbreaking role as Ryan Wilder/Batwoman in the CW series Batwoman. Taking over the lead role, Leslie made history as the first Black Batwoman in television. Prior to this, she had a recurring role in God Friended Me and appeared in films like Always a Bridesmaid and Something From Tiffany’s.

Character Insight: Javicia Leslie embodies Paris Duncan, the youngest daughter of L.C. and Charlotte. Paris is introduced as a free-spirited and sometimes reckless character who often finds herself in precarious situations. Despite her tendency to get into trouble, Paris is deeply loved by her family, who are always ready to protect her. Leslie’s performance brings out Paris’s vulnerability, her underlying strength, and her journey of growth within the turbulent Duncan family dynamic.

Sean Ringgold: The Enigmatic Enforcer, Junior Duncan

Actor Profile: Sean Ringgold built his acting career through television roles, most notably as Shaun Evans in the soap opera One Life to Live. He has also made guest appearances in numerous popular TV shows and had a notable role as Suge Knight in the film Notorious. Ringgold further showcased his range as Sugar in Luke Cage, a former antagonist who becomes an ally to the hero.

Character Insight: Sean Ringgold portrays Junior Duncan, the eldest son and the family’s imposing security specialist. Junior is the muscle of the Duncan family, handling security and often getting involved in the more dangerous aspects of their “business.” Ringgold’s physicality and intensity make him believable as the family enforcer. As the series progresses, Junior’s character evolves, leading to unexpected conflicts within the family, adding layers of complexity to his role in The Family Business BET cast.

Tami Roman: The Daughter with Secrets, London Duncan-Grant

Balancing Family and Hidden Agendas

Actor Profile: Tami Roman first gained fame on MTV’s The Real World: Los Angeles. She transitioned into acting and reality television, becoming a prominent figure on Basketball Wives. Beyond reality TV, Roman has expanded her acting credits with roles in series like Truth Be Told and The Ms. Pat Show, showcasing her comedic and dramatic talents.

Character Insight: Tami Roman plays London Duncan-Grant, the eldest daughter, married to Harris Grant. London is a sophisticated and ambitious character with secrets of her own. While appearing to be a devoted wife and mother, London navigates her own agenda within the family business. Roman’s portrayal captures London’s poise, intelligence, and the underlying mystery that surrounds her motivations, making her a captivating member of The Family Business BET cast.

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Miguel A. Núñez Jr.: The Complicated Lawyer, Harris Grant

Loyalty and Self-Interest in Conflict

Actor Profile: Miguel A. Núñez Jr. has enjoyed a long and varied acting career since the 1980s. He has appeared in films like The Return of the Living Dead, Lethal Weapon 3, and Street Fighter. Núñez Jr. is also known for his television work, including a lead role in the sitcom Living Single and the Friends spin-off Joey.

Character Insight: Miguel A. Núñez Jr. portrays Harris Grant, London’s husband and the Duncan family’s lawyer. Harris is initially presented as a morally ambiguous character, willing to bend the law to serve the family’s interests. His ambition and sometimes questionable actions create tension within the family. Núñez Jr. brings a nuanced performance, showcasing Harris’s intelligence, his flaws, and his complex relationship with the Duncan family.

Arrington Foster: The Independent Brother, Rio Duncan

Finding His Place Within the Family

Actor Profile: Arrington Foster is recognized for his role as Rio Duncan in The Family Business. While earlier in his career, Foster has credits in short films and guest appearances in TV series like Evil Twins and Deadly Affairs.

Character Insight: Arrington Foster plays Rio Duncan, Paris’s twin brother. Rio is portrayed as independent and somewhat distanced from the direct criminal activities of his family. As a gay man, Rio seeks respect and recognition from his father on his own terms, managing a successful club and lounge. Foster’s portrayal highlights Rio’s individuality, his ambition outside the family business, and his desire for acceptance within his family.

Dylan Weber: The Next Generation, Nevada Duncan

Actor Profile: Dylan Weber is a young actor, still early in his career. Besides The Family Business, he has appeared in the film Throwback Holiday and voiced a character in the short film Circuit Breaker.

Character Insight: Dylan Weber plays Nevada Duncan, L.C. and Charlotte’s grandson. Nevada represents the younger generation of the Duncan family, just beginning to learn about the family business. With his father Vegas Duncan initially absent, Nevada is under the wing of L.C. and Charlotte. Weber’s portrayal captures Nevada’s youthful curiosity and his introduction to the complex world of his family.

Clifton Powell: The Criminal Mind, Uncle Lou Duncan

Actor Profile: Clifton Powell is a highly accomplished actor with an extensive filmography of over 100 roles. He has appeared in iconic films like Menace II Society, Rush Hour, and Next Friday. Powell received critical acclaim for his role as Jeff Brown in Ray, earning him an NAACP nomination. His television work includes recurring roles in Army Wives and Saints & Sinners.

Character Insight: Clifton Powell portrays Lou Duncan, L.C.’s brother and partner at Duncan Motors. Uncle Lou is more deeply entrenched in the criminal side of the family business than legitimate car sales. He represents the darker, more ruthless aspect of the Duncan empire. Powell’s seasoned acting skills bring a compelling edge to Uncle Lou, making him a significant and often menacing presence within The Family Business BET cast.

Supporting Players in The Family Business Universe

Expanding the World Beyond the Duncans

The Family Business is further enriched by a strong supporting cast that adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Armand Assante as Sal Dash: A powerful mafia boss and long-time associate of L.C. Duncan. Sal, played by Armand Assante (known for Gotti and The Odyssey), is invested in the Duncan family’s leadership transitions.

Emilio Rivera as Alejandro Zuniga: The head of the Zuniga Cartel, Alejandro, portrayed by Emilio Rivera (Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C.), is initially an adversary but seeks to forge an alliance with the Duncans.

KJ Smith as Sasha Duncan: A cousin to the Duncan siblings, Sasha, played by KJ Smith (Queen Sugar, Sistas), shares a competitive dynamic with Paris, adding another layer to the family relationships.

Michael Jai White as Vegas Duncan: The initially missing son of L.C. and Charlotte, Vegas Duncan, played by action star Michael Jai White (Spawn, Black Dynamite), returns in later seasons, adding new dimensions to the family dynamics.

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The Enduring Appeal of The Family Business BET Cast

The Family Business has resonated with audiences thanks to its blend of crime drama, family dynamics, and a captivating cast. The talented actors who make up the family business bet cast bring authenticity and depth to their roles, drawing viewers into the intricate world of the Duncan family. With its availability on Netflix and BET+, The Family Business continues to expand its fanbase, solidifying its place as a compelling series driven by its unforgettable cast of characters.

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