Taraji P. Henson (Bertha Holly) is an Academy Award-nominated actor, producer, #1 New York Times bestselling author, mental health advocate, and entrepreneur, with a globally celebrated career that extends beyond the screen.

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In June 2025, Henson starred in Tyler Perry’s Straw for Netflix. The film, which also includes performances by Sherri Shepherd and Teyana Taylor, follows a single mother (Henson) who faces a series of unfortunate events that lead her down an unexpected path. Straw debuted as the #1 film globally on Netflix in its first week. Additional projects this year include Apple TV+’s “Number One on the Call Sheet,” a two-part documentary that celebrates the achievements of Black actors in Hollywood, and CNN’s latest travel series, “My Happy Place.”

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Most recently, Henson starred in Peacock’s limited series “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist,” which launched as the most watched premiere in Peacock history and the #1 original drama. The show earned the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie), and Henson took home the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Television (Series, Special or Movie).

She quickly rose to fame with her breakout role in Hustle & Flow, earning a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and a BET Award for Best Actress. She was most recently seen in the award-winning musical adaptation of The Color Purple, winning an NAACP Image Award and receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award ensemble nomination. Other film highlights include Hidden Figures, Acrimony, Proud Mary, Think Like A Man and Think Like A Man Too, Smokin’ Aces, No Good Deed, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

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On television, she has garnered multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations, most recently for her guest turn on “Abbott Elementary.” Previously, Henson won a Golden Globe Award, received multiple Emmy nominations, and became the first Black woman to win a Critics’ Choice Television Award in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the smash hit series “Empire.” Her producorial efforts on the play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Play in 2024.

In June 2024, she released her #1 New York Times bestselling and NAACP Image Award-winning children’s book, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!). Henson also released her New York Times bestselling novel Around the Way Girl in October 2016.

In 2018, Henson created the Boris L. Henson Foundation, which exists to both normalize and improve access to mental health services for Black communities in hopes of eradicating the stigma around seeking help and support. Furthering her passion for creating and uplifting her community and beyond, Henson founded TPH by Taraji in 2020, an award-winning brand of inclusive, spa-inspired products. In 2024, Henson further expanded her business portfolio as the strategic advisor and creative collaborator for Seven Daughters Moscato. For Henson, this collaboration is about more than wine; it’s about creating opportunities for magical moments of connection and lasting memories.

Cedric “The Entertainer” (Seth Holly) Cedric Antonio Kyles, better known by his stage name, Cedric “The Entertainer,” is an executive producer, director, actor, comedian, and novelist. Over the course of a career spanning 30 years, he has solidified his status as one of the world’s premier performers on the stage, in film, and on television.

Most recently, Cedric has developed and will serve as executive producer of the new comedy sitcom “Crutch,” starring Tracy Morgan, for Paramount+. He has also joined forces with Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur Toni Braxton for a music and comedy experience with their joint residency, Love & Laughter, at The Chelsea in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

In the literary world, Cedric released his debut novel,  Flipping Boxcars,  for Amistad Press/HarperCollins in September 2023. Collaborating with Alan Eisenstock, the literary noir tale drew on stories from his own close-knit family’s colorful history to serve up a fast-paced and diverting fictional crime caper.

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On the TV front, Cedric is the star and executive producer of the CBS hit comedy ”The Neighborhood,” which was recently renewed for an 8th season and continues to hold the spot for one of the top 3 most-watched comedy shows on broadcast television. The series features star-studded guests, including George Lopez, Toni Braxton, and Tracy Morgan, to name a few. In 2023, Cedric received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Neighborhood,” making it his sixth inclusion within the category.

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Concurrently, he is starring in and executive producing the ”Kings of BBQ” series now on Hulu, where he and Anthony Anderson tie in their love of BBQ with their lifestyle brand, AC Barbeque. Cedric also hosted and executive produced ”The Greatest #AtHome Videos” and has previously hosted and produced the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition, Cedric reprised his role as Uncle Bobby in Disney+’s ”The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”—the long-anticipated revival of the groundbreaking animated series “The Proud Family.” Other noteworthy television credits include ”The Last O.G. “ opposite Tracy Morgan and Tiffany Haddish, ”The Steve Harvey Show,” “Cedric the Entertainer Presents” and ”Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

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His versatile film work spans genres, from memorable performances in comedies such as the hit Barbershop franchise and The Original Kings of Comedy concert film—which chronicled his record-breaking comedy tour with fellow comedians Steve Harvey, D.L Hughley and the late Bernie Mac—to dramas like Paul Schrader’s critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated drama First Reformed, co-starring Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried, as well as his signature baritone voice in animated hits such as Disney’s Madagascar and Planes franchises, Ice Age, and Dr. Dolittle 2, among many others.

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He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.  Cedric has continuously been passionate about his philanthropic efforts through The Kyles Family Foundation, where they have raised funds and donated to organizations and programs including the Boys & Girls Club of America, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, United Negro College Fund, SSM Health’s Women’s Health Initiative, UNCF, Amazing Grace Conservatory, and more.

Joshua Boone (Herald Loomis). Tony^®– and Grammy Award-nominated Joshua Boone was most recently seen on Broadway playing the “absolute scene-stealing” role of Dally in Danya Taymor’s The Outsiders, for which he also received a Drama League nomination for Distinguished Performance. He starred in Netflix’s A Jazzman’s Blues, written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry, which premiered worldwide at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. The film received a roaring 7-minute standing ovation and was nominated for several 2023 NAACP Awards. Josh himself received nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture. He’ll next be seen in the indie psychological drama Blow the Horn, written and directed by Nacho Arenas, and starring Tracee Ellis Ross. He also starred opposite André Holland, Nicole Beharie, and DeWanda Wise in the feature film Love, Brooklyn, which premiered at Sundance, executive produced by Steven Soderbergh.

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He was seen on stage in Dominique Morisseau’s Broadway show Skeleton Crew, starring opposite Phylicia Rashad and Chante Adams for Tony-winning director Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Joshua previously starred in Premature for director Rashaad Ernesto Green opposite Zora Howard. He can also be seen in indie release Wheels for writer/director Paul Starkman. He also starred on stage at MCC in All the Natalie Portmans, and before that, he starred in Ivo van Hove’s highly acclaimed Broadway production of Network opposite Bryan Cranston. In 2018, he completed a guest star role in “Seven Seconds” for Netflix. Additional stage credits include Artney Jackson (Williamstown), Actually (MTC, Williamstown), Mother Courage and Her Children (Classic Stage Company), and Holler If Ya Hear Me (Broadway).

Ruben Santiago-Hudson (Bynum Walker). Ruben most recently helmed the world premiere of John Leguizamo’s The Other Americans at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and the Public Theatre in NYC. He will star opposite Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara in This World of Tomorrow, written by Hanks and James Glossman, at NYC’s The Shed in November 2025. His Broadway production of Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau received 4 Tony^® nominations, including Outstanding New Play.

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His own autobiographical Lackawanna Blues was awarded The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as a Tony Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor. With Lackawanna Blues, Ruben became the first person in the history of Broadway to write, direct and star in a play. His Broadway production of Jitney garnered several awards for Outstanding Revival including the Tony Award and six Tony nominations. Santiago-Hudson adapted August Wilson’s play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix: produced by Denzel Washington, directed by George C. Wolfe, and starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.

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Santiago-Hudson received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars and made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam; other Broadway credits include Stick Fly and Gem of the Ocean.

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Ruben wrote, executive produced and co-starred in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues based on his Obie- and Helen Hayes Award-winning play. The movie received many honors, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, The Christopher Award, and the Humanitas Prize.

Film and television credits include “East New York,” American Gangster, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shaft, Devil’s Advocate, Domestic Disturbance, Forgotten Genius, The Red Sneakers, Selma, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Solomon and Sheba (the first time a biblical movie starred actors of color), Rear Window, “The Quad,” “Public Morals,” “Low Winter Sun,” “David Makes Man,” “Billions,” “The West Wing,” “Law & Order,” and numerous other guest star appearances. Santiago-Hudson starred in the hit ABC series “Castle” for three seasons as Capt. Roy Montgomery.

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Ruben’s other honors as writer, director or actor include the Humanitas Prize, the National Board Of Reviews, the Christopher Award, the Clarence Derwent Award, the Lucille Lortel Award, 4 Obie Awards, 6 Audelco Awards, the Helen Hayes Award, the NAACP Image Award, the Glen Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award, the SDCF Joseph Calloway Directing Award, the Lloyd Richards Directing Award, the Nederlander Apple Award, and honorary doctorate degrees from Wayne State University and Buffalo State University.

Debbie Allen (Director) is a BFA graduate of Howard University in Theater and Classical Greek Studies, holds five honorary doctorate degrees, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was named a Kennedy Center honoree, and is an award-winning director/choreographer who has choreographed the Academy Awards a record 10 times. She has directed and choreographed for legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Gwen Verdon, Lena Horne, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dolly Parton, Savion Glover, and most recently, Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues.

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Allen received a Golden Globe for her role as Lydia Grant in the 1980s hit series “Fame,” the Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, and is a four-time Emmy award winner in Choreography for “Fame” (twice), “The Motown 25th,” and “Christmas on the Square.” She also received the Emmy award for Outstanding Movie Made for Television as executive producer of “Christmas on the Square,” and the Governors Award at the 73rd Emmys. Awarded 10 Image Awards as director, actress, choreographer and producer for “Fame,” “A Different World,” “Motown 25th,” “The Academy Awards,” “The Debbie Allen Special” and Amistad, she has also directed the best that TV offers, including “Scandal,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Jane The Virgin,” “Empire,” “Insecure,” “Ms. Pat,” and Samuel L. Jackson’s “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.” She currently serves as executive producing director of “Grey’s Anatomy”, where she recurs as Dr. Catherine Fox. She is the daughter of poet Vivian Ayers and Dr. Andrew Allen, wife to NBA All-Star Norman Nixon, sister to Phylicia Rashad, Tex Allen and Hugh Allen, mother of Vivian and Thump, and grandmother of four.

Paul Tazewell (Costume Designer) has profoundly impacted theater, film, and television over three decades with his innovative and inspired designs. Renowned for visually stunning costumes, his work enhances both storytelling and character development.

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Paul’s recent achievements include winning an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This accolade was accompanied by a BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design, a Critics Choice Award, the Costume Designers Guild’s Excellence in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film award, NAACP Image Award and the Innovator Award from the African American Film Critics Association, underscoring his critical role in bringing the fantastical world of Oz to life. Additional accolades include an Academy Award nomination for West Side Story in 2021, an Emmy for “The Wiz! Live,” and recognitions for his contributions to “Harriet, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”

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On Broadway, his costumes in Death Becomes Her currently on Broadway and the 2024 production of Suffs demonstrate his ongoing influence, earning him a Drama Desk Award in 2024 and a Tony Award nomination. His revolutionary designs for Hamilton won him a Tony Award in 2016, further establishing his reputation in theatrical costume design.

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Throughout his career, Tazewell has earned multiple Lucille Lortel Awards, Helen Hayes Awards, and additional accolades from the Costume Designers Guild. His dedication is also evident in his collaborations with The Metropolitan Opera, The Bolshoi Ballet, and The English National Opera.

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Educated at New York University and the North Carolina School of the Arts, Tazewell has shared his expertise as a guest artist at these institutions and served on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University from 2003 to 2006.

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Based in New York City, Tazewell continues to inspire and shape the future of costume design, bringing life to a rich tapestry of characters through his artful and intricate designs.

Justin Ellington (Sound Designer) is an award-winning composer and sound designer whose work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, and international stages. His Broadway credits include Othello, Our Town, McNeal, Home, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Tony-nominated), The Cottage, Ohio State Murders, Topdog/Underdog, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf (Tony-nominated), Clyde’s, and Pass Over. Off-Broadway credits include Pipeline (Lincoln Center Theater), Fetch Clay Make Man (New York Theatre Workshop), The Winter’s Tale (Theatre for a New Audience), He Brought Her Heart Back in a Box (Signature Theatre), and The House That Will Not Stand. His regional and international work includes productions at the Goodman Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre, Stratford Festival, and the Old Vic. Ellington also serves as a Lecturer in Sound Design at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University.

David Gallo (Scenic Designer) has designed over 30 Broadway productions, garnering four Tony Award nominations and one win (The Drowsy Chaperone). He creates innovative scenic and media design for theater, television, concerts, experiences, and events. As production designer for “Sesame Street,” he was nominated for three Emmy Awards, winning twice. His work as creative director for Phish’s New Year’s extravaganzas (Madison Square Garden), production designer of Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill (Netflix) and set designer for Blue Man Group (multiple cities) has been seen by millions; the Illusionarium he created for Norwegian Cruise Line was a pioneer in immersive entertainment. The Smithsonian Institution Archive, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame own samples of his work.

Stacey Derosier (Lighting Designer). Clarkston (West End), The Last Five Years (Broadway), Danger and Opportunity, Well I’ll Let You Go (Regular People), Grangeville (Signature Theatre), Teeth (Playwrights Horizons/NWS), The Counter (Roundabout Theatre), The Welkin (Atlantic Theater), Animal Kingdom (The Connelly Upstairs), All the Devils Are Here (DR2), Lights Out Nat King Cole, The Half-God of Rainfall (NYTW), Uncle Vanya (O’Henry), Drama Desk Design Award 2025, AudelcoAward 2022/2023, Obie Design Award 2023, Obie Special Citation 2022, 2018 Lilly Award Daryl Roth Prize.

Mia Neal (Hair and Wig Designer) is an award-winning wig designer hailing from Gary, Indiana. With an impressive list of accolades under her belt, including an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and a BAFTA Film Award for her work on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Neal is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the world of stage and screen. Her talents have been recognized not only by the Academy, but also with an Emmy for “Annie Live!,” an Emmy nomination for “Pose,” and Drama Desk Awards for Shuffle Along… and Ain’t No Mo’. Her work can also be seen on the brightest stages of Broadway, with productions such as Hell’s Kitchen, Proof, The Last Five Years, Othello, The Notebook, Gypsy, Shucked, KPOP, 1776, West Side Story, The Iceman Cometh, and A Raisin in the Sun.

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In addition to her work in theater, Neal has also left her mark on the big screen with films and television projects like The Smashing Machine, White Noise, Hustle, The Humans, Uncut Gems, Ghostbusters, “Younger,” “The Carrie Diaries,” and The Amazing Spider-Man.

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With a keen eye for detail and a passion for her craft, Mia Neal continues to push boundaries and set new standards for excellence in wig design.