Interview with Chad L. Coleman: He speaks on new projects on TV One & The CW

Chad L. Coleman is known for his many roles, such as Dennis “Cutty” Wise on the HBO series The Wire, Tyreese on the AMC series The Walking Dead, Mingo on Roots, Z on the FX sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Fred Johnson on The Expanse and Klyden on The Orville.

I had the opportunity to speak with him about two of his upcoming projects: Pastor Andre Dillard in A Christmas Prayer which premiered this past Sunday on TV One & Supervillain Bruno Mannheim in the third season of CW’s Superman & Lois which is set to premiere March 14, 2023. 

A Christmas Prayer

Cox: Why did you choose this role?

Coleman: My brother is my inspiration behind why I chose this film. He is an amazing minister in Richmond, Virginia. We grew up there and in the church. My brother has always been a beacon of light and a role model for me. His church East End Fellowship is multicultural and very positive. It’s very nurturing towards the community and about togetherness. 

Coleman (contin): We are in such polarizing times, and my brother is standing in the gap, trying to bring things together. 

Cox: Your character, Pastor Andre Dillard, is a former alcoholic.

Coleman: I’m honored to take on a role with a character that has suffered from it. It’s such a real deal within our community and in the world. I have known people who have suffered from it. It’s important for a character to inspire hope for viewers. And we want to show it to him in such a real and relatable way. 

Coleman (contin): And yes, the pastor too has some problems (laughs). He has some problems, and it’s alright y’all. 

Coleman (contin): That’s what makes him even more relatable because we all have genuine problems. 

Cox: What drew you to this movie?

Coleman: This is a very real movie. It’s different from the other ones, which are always so heartfelt. I think Skye Denise did an amazing job keeping it grounded. This movie reflects the times we are living in and of our community. In this movie, you see the community rally around the pastor when things go south, which you don’t see often in similar movies. 

Coleman (contin): I think people will nudge each other during the premiere because they can relate to the character or they know someone like them. From a cultural standpoint, I think people are going to be very pleased. And universally, I think everyone will relate to it. 

Chad Coleman is truly proud of this film, from the star-studded cast to the incredible storyline. It’s something he thinks will be a Christmas classic for people. 

New Role as Bruno Mannheim in CW’s Superman & Lois

Cox: I know playing a supervillain in the DC Universe is exciting. Your character Bruno Mannheim is a supervillain mobster. 

Coleman: This is absolutely one of the most amazing roles that I have been given the opportunity to play. I want to thank Greg Berlanti, The CW, Todd, and the amazing showrunners. This role has so many social and political levels to it. Bruno is very real and deep, as you will see.

Coleman (contin): Bruno’s backstory is so deep and rich. You will see what he has dealt with and why he is the way he is. He is very three-dimensional. He is the type of character you listen to and you don’t immediately go, oh he is a villain! What you see with Bruno is him being a leader and an inspiration to people. He has actually helped change people’s lives. 

Coleman (contin): There is this gray area with him, but the gray area is the gray area. I’m over the moon excited for people to see this one. 

Cox: There is a duality with a character like Bruno Mannheim where you don’t know if you want to hate or root for him.

Coleman: And see, that’s entertainment. There is a certain ambiguity with him, which I find even more interesting. You can’t quite peg it all for him. This is what will keep the audience on their toes throughout the entire series. 

Cox: You hear actors say they have to empathize with their character. Was that the same for you and Bruno?

Coleman: To be honest, I have to say the writing is just so sound, clear, and crisp. We can point to many people in our society who are like him. You think about most leaders. They are usually conflicted. They usually have more than one side than they are presenting. There are very few, and I think Barack is probably one who has done an incredible job of who you see is who he says he is. 

Playing Complex Characters

Cox: You always play complex characters from The Walking Dead to All American. Such a wide range of characters. How have you been fortunate to get these types of characters?

Coleman: It’s because I come from the stage (theater). Sometimes people get pigeonholed into character types because they ‘pimp their persona.’ In a play, it’s about character, and the play is the thing. We have to do our homework and character study in the theater. That has really served me in my career. 

Coleman (contin): We learn it’s about the approach and being able to take on whatever comes your way. 

Cox: Before we end, could you elaborate on the concept of ‘pimping your persona?’

Coleman: In this industry, you have this volume of people who are uniquely who they are. But then you get someone who has this persona that is so compelling that people can’t get enough of it. The problem then becomes the type of work they receive. It doesn’t challenge them and all they have to do is play that persona over and over.

Photo Credit: Benjo Anwas