I’ve always wanted to have my life portrayed on TV! It would be a thirty-minute comedy-drama revolving around my life: Growing up Gay, living in NYC, making friends, getting a job, and having my family come finally accept me as a gay man. It would deal with the hardships my mom faced as a single mom, working to provide for my sister and myself as she worked towards a nursing degree. The show would take place in New York City, somewhere in New Jersey as my mom, my sister and I prepare for a move to Manhattan. Mom has taken on a new job in the nursing field, and that means moving closer to the city, many encounters with my Dad, securing a new job, making new friends and enemies, and enjoying life.
The show would loosely follow my life as I would see it played out in NYC. It would take elements of from popular shows like: The Fresh Prince, Ugly Betty, That’s so Raven and Scandal (finding out I had a half-sister was a scandal). Life of Jacob would definitely tackle the struggle of being a “Black” Gay man who is trying to find himself, his purpose and meaning in the concrete jungle that is New York. There will also be elements of my mom struggling to make ends meet as a single mom raising two kids, and show how important family is.
I would want my show to also touch on Latin america and the many gay Latino men who have it hard when dealing with their sexuality. Life of Jacob would show the importance of Gay culture and icons who’ve paved the way. The show, as does my life, would be a diverse cast of actors and actresses who I believe would fit the profile to star in: Life of Jacob
Also, I wanted to include my first job (although my first job took place in Virginia as a Dietary Aide for a Retirement home), I wanted to twist things a bit and put myself in a recreational facility with the elderly, where many comical mishaps ensue. Growing up Gay has been a blessing and a curse, and through it all, many blessings (and comedic moments alike) have transpired to make me who I am.
Here is the official Cast that I would love to have play in a TV show about my life:
Kim Cole as Mom, Syndee Davids
Syndee is 43 year old self-proclaimed Bachelorette. Her doctorate in nursing helped her land a job in the Concrete Jungle away from Camden, New Jersey. Syndee’s hard-work and perseverance helped her land a job in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Syndee dreams of being married and would love the chance to walk down the aisle soon…
Paige Hurd as Sister, Jaeda Davids
Jada, 17, is working hard to become the next Beyonce, GaGa and Britney Spears! After the move away from Camden, all that Jaeda wants is to be know as the girl who made it out of the ghetto and became a pop star. Jaeda has a difficult time adjusting to the new school that is majority Caucasian students, but finds a cunning love-interest while in pursuit of her dreams.
Terrance Howard as Father, Robert Miller
Robert, 45, has been in and out of Jada and Jacobs life for the past twenty-one years. His promises can’t be trusted as he still lives the life of a teen: partying, drinking and random women. After a stint with death, while driving drunk, can Robert be accepted back by his kids?
Christopher J. as Jacob Davids
Jacob, 21 is trying desperately to hide the his attraction towards other men. Jacob has played every sport imaginable to sweep away the fact that he is, in fact, Gay. Jacob is lost as he travels NYC in search of himself. His secret boyfriend of a year has enrolled in the Marines, soon, Jacob will be heartbroken. Jacob hopes to follow his secret passion and become a model for a fashion magazine, as he doesn’t see many African-American models to look up to.
Logan Browning as Half-Sister, Portia Miller
Portia, 21, is Jaeda’s and Jacobs half-sister. In search of her real father, Portia snags a job as a receptionist for a Recreational facility: Ballantyne, a Senior citizens place, and meets Jacob, her half-brother. It’s not yet revealed until Jacob is invited to party at Portia’s patents Condo, that Jacob finds a picture of his dad there.
Brenda Song as Michelle Yung
Michelle, 23, is Jacobs first friend he makes in the big apple. Michelle shows Jacob around, and helps him come to terms with his sexuality. As Michelle deals with being a young married mom, who is also pursing a career in modeling. Michelle and Jacob grow to be good friends.
Debra Wilson as Mrs. Ron
Mrs. Ron, 37, is the head cook at The Ballantyne. Her sweet and kooky demeanor helps Jacob enjoy every thing about life. Mrs. Ron’s personal life isn’t so sweet, her husband passed 3 years ago and she still hasn’t coped, thus creating the eccentric twist that allows her to be crazy instead of dealing with her personal issues.
Jeff Foxworthy as Bill
Bill, 51, moved from Kentucky to Manhattan to take care of his mom. After her departure, Bill decided to open The Ballatyne, the Senior Citizen recreational home that will serve as the gateway for Jacob to discover himself. Bill has unrequited love for Mrs. Ron who doesn’t share the same interest.
Camille Winbush as Zakia
Zakia, 22, is a hardworking Lawyer in the making. Her ambition rubs her co-workers the wrong way. Zakia’s attitude can really display a harsh personality at times, and her tone of voice is that if “Holier than Thou”. What others don’t know is that Zakia is living up to her fathers expectation, as he is a famous TV judge from the long running Mr. Johnson’s Court.
Alexa Vega as Maxi Lopez
Maxi, 21, is a gorgeous Latina, who was Jacobs first girlfriend way back when. Now that Maxi knows about Jacobs true self, Maxi is there to support Jacob. After Maxi lands a job at The Ballantyne, Jacob is forced out of the closet as Maxi’s gift of gab starts to become her dominate trait. Maxi doesn’t expect for her gossip to affect her brother Jorge…
Stefano Langone as Jorge Lopez
Jorge, 22, is Jacob’s secret boyfriend. They have been together for a year, and have keep in touch through the years of Myspace and Now Facebook. Jorge is Maxi’s older brother, who, Jacob dated when they were growing up in Camden. Jorge is accidentally outed by his sister Maxi after the beans are spilled at Portia’s party. Afterwards, due to pressure from his father to be “straight”, Jorge enrolls in the Marines soon to leave Jacob alone.
If you want to know more about the actors, actress, and singers provided above, click their names to learn more about their dossier. I originally intended to have an actor portray me, but it was difficult finding one. Also, there was a toss up between Will Smith and Terrance Howard to portray my dad. I wanted my show to be as “realistic” as possible, in that I wanted a TV personality to play the role of my father. There are not many, but this list will do. I’ll let the universe do her thing and hopefully I can possibly get someone to notice my idea.
Also, I was thinking that if there was an episode on dealing with suicide, I would cast Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives) to play the fairy godmother of the Gays. Her core role would be to show any Gays attempting suicide: families life without them, the love they would have missed out on, the missed career opportunities and future love interest.
Thank you guys for reading my crazy idea. I’m a dreamer, and this is what I had in my head for the past years. I would honor the chance to have something crafted out of my work, my story, my being.
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Colors of Passion 