Pioneering actor, and a hidden gem in cinema Richard Brooks. He’s lead the way with diverse roles like the cocky defense attorney in NBC Law & Order from 1990 until 2006 although his talents brought him to the cinematic forefront much earlier than that in Hill Street Blues (1983) although many might remember him from his recent acts like the gentle but troubled Patrick on BET “Being Mary Jane (2013-2019,” in addition to Barbara’s quirky husband Gerald on ”Abbot Elementary (2022).”
Brooks has acting range that landed him on movies like, Teen Wolf. (1985), The Crow: City of Angels (1996), In Too Deep (1999), just to give stellar rundown on his elongated film and tv credits spanning over 30+ years.
Talk about #blackexcellence
Not taking his foot off the brakes, Brooks plays Cordell “Dell” Montross sr., in a TV One Original Movie, Montross: Blood Rules, directed by Victoria Rowell (Young & The Restless). Brooks has done his share of jaw dropping dirt over the years to secure family legacy, because after all, he’s the head of the Montross line.
But, he doesn’t have enough time, grace, or shovels to cover the truth once family secrets are unearthed.
"The most misunderstood trait of the character, is maybe his heart ," says Brooks when asked how viewers will perceive Dell. In film, there are good, and bad people that audiences will love, like or hate. The viewers are influenced by the actions of the characters, and this is how they choose their protagonist. What if circumstances led Dell to make the decisions, he's made that lands him in turbulent waters?
"I think how deeply he really cares about his family, and how heavy the responsibility that his father laid on him. Now, we're watching this correlation of something in England, of the new royal family, and that passing on; that, as soon a one leaves, in order to continue to ... maintain with what's been gained, and to build on it. Ah, the next child in line, has to stand up, has to step up, and do what needs to be done to keep it moving. So, you know, I think that it's a burden for him, and it's one that he doesn’t take lightly, but he knows there's no other way. He has learned that and so ah, whatever it takes, by any means necessary."
ABOUT MONTROSS: BLOOD RULES
When attorney Robyn Montross finally returns to her hometown of Evansdale at her father's request, she begins to unravel the web of lies that has secured her family's power and prominence in the community for generations. Consumed by guilt, Robin can't hide from her past - and is forced to face the dark secret that has haunted her for years.
“We’re excited to partner again with Victoria Rowell, Jami McCoy-Lankford and Camara Davis, a phenomenal dream team, to tell this story,” said TV One’s Executive Producer Jason Ryan. “Our TV One audience will enjoy all of the plot’s twists and turns in this film.” The collaboration with Rowell continues a longstanding partnership with the Emmy Award-Winning director and actress, who also directed TV One's original film, "Stranger Next Door".
MONTROSS: BLOOD RULES CAST
Dawn Halfkenny as Robyn Montross
Richard Brooks as Cordell "Dell" Montross, Sr.
Dwayne Boyd as CJ "Jackie" Montross
Sheléa Frazier as Nia Montross
Victoria Rowell as Elaine Montross
Renelle Nicole as Monty
Jon Eyez as Teddy
Leslie Black as Sedi
Kamel Goffin as Travis
MONTROSS: BLOOD RULES is directed by Victoria Rowell and written by Camara Davis. The film is produced for TV One by Jami McCoy-Lankford (Hillionaire Productions). Austyn Biggers is the SVP of Programming and Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production.
For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at http://www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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