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About That Popular 'Black Films Don't Sell ...Exclusive: 'Pariah's' Pernell Walker & Stephen Rider ('Safe House') Join Cast Of Lee Daniels' 'The Butler'
Since her lauded performance in Pariah last year, actress Pernell Walker's film projects have included primarily a string of short films, but no feature film attachments - at least none that we've known of; that is, until now anyway.
I learned this afternoon that the actress has landed a role in Lee Daniels' The Butler, playing role of Lorraine in the film, joining a stellar cast of thespians that includes Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack, Alan Rickman, Terence Howard, Cuba Good Jr., Jane Fonda, Nicole Kidman, Lenny Kravitz, Colman Domingo and Jess Williams.
No details yet on how involved the character Ms Walker plays, is in the film's core narrative, or what her relationship to the other characters are. That news will come eventually.
Also joining the cast, as I learned, is Stephen Rider, who, as we announced last week, co-stars in a found-footage thriller titled Event 15, alongside Kimberly Elise.
I should soon have details on what role he plays specifically in The Butler.
Stephen Rider also appeared in films like Safe House and The Great Debaters.
The Butler (based on the life of White House butler Eugene Allen who served eight US Presidents during his tenure) is scheduled to begin principal photography next month.
Whitaker will play Allen in the film. Oprah Winfrey is his wife.
I'd say that, regardless of the roles, both Walker and Rider are in very good company here. And as Lee Daniels seems to favor working with the same actors repeatedly, this could bode well for the two young actors.
6 Comments
Radha Blank | July 18, 2012 2:01 PM
Pernell is of that rare raw talent for character acting. When I saw her in both the short version of Dee Rees 'Pariah' and Rod Gailes 'Earl's Post Prison Playdate' i knew I would work with her on my play SEED. In it, Pernell portrayed Rashawn, a convicted woman-child of the penal and child welfare system as no on else ever could, ripping her audiences heart out every single night on that stage. She is the REAL deal, an actor not too big for her britches. She is always willing to work and always give her all on even the small budget film. If she believes in you as an artist, she's all in. I love her like a sister and admire her as an artist. Sooo happy for my lil sis!
Thanks Dee and Rod for bringing us the amazing talents of Miss Pernell Walker and Miss Adepero Oduye. Our arts community is a strong, vibrant and promising place because you all are in it!
Seekingpeace | July 17, 2012 5:58 PM
Me to I'm so happy for Vernell! She and Adepero both nailed that movie for me and I kept hoping something else would come up for her. Can't wait to see her on the big screen again in this!!
Dankwa Brooks | 'Nother Brother Entertainment | July 17, 2012 7:44 AM
I am beyond excited for Ms. Walker. I thought her performance in 'Pariah' was FANTASTIC and her chemistry with Adepero Oduye was one of the great film friendships in cinema. So happy for her!