Cast

	A native New Yorker, David Downing (Grandpa Truth) has performed On and Off-Broadway, in cities across the United States, Europe and the Far East. He's also a producer, director, acting coach, archivist, teacher, voice actor and children's storyteller. A founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) in New York City, David created roles in Song of the Lusitanian Bogey, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (Bobby), and The Great Macdaddy, to name a few. NEC was a guest of the World Theatre Festival in London and Rome. Resident theatres where he has guested include The Hartford Stage Co., New York Shakespeare Festival, Seattle Rep, Alaska Rep, Sacramento Theatre Co., Lorraine Hansberry Theatre (San Francisco), Pasadena Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum (Los Angeles), Center Stage (Baltimore), Arizona Theatre Co. (Tucson/Phoenix) and the new Jomandi Theatre (Atlanta), and the Asolo Theatre Company, in Sarasota, Florida. TV credits include: Jag, Roc, Sports Night, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, Little House on the Prairie, 227, Designing Women, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, The Bernie Mac Show, and several TV movies, including the miniseries, Backstairs at the White House, and, Zeigfeld, the Man and His Women. Film credits: Putney Swope, Gordon's War, Up the Sandbox, and Loose Shoes. In 2005, Mr. Downing was a recipient of the NAACP TRAILBLAZER AWARD and recently directed the stage play Just Like Your Daddy. He is also the recipient of an Emmy for SPORTS NIGHT.
	For over fifteen years BILLY MAYO (Ben Richardson) has appeared on stage, television and film with several voiceover assignments. He’s been seen in strong, aggressive roles such as the driving, seething, idealistic protagonists in August Wilson’s Fences and The Piano Lesson. He’s played Shakespeare’s Othello twice! Billy’s played intense, canny detectives several times, helicopter pilots, ATF and Secret Service agents, a military man, and his favorite, a recurring guest role as a gravel-voiced, firebrand football coach on The Jersey. A fine leading man and character actor and a reliable presence, Billy is a three-time DRAMA-LOGUE award recipient for performances in Fences, A Soldier’s Play, and Of Mice and Men. He’s performed in over 25 stage plays, including several Shakespearean dramas and comedies. His television appearances include 24, ER, The West Wing, JAG, The Practice and The Guardian. He has also appeared on the big screen in Air Force One, The Perfect Storm, Clockstoppers and in several independent films. Stretching his talent potential even further, Billy is currently penning a horror screenplay, a poignant drama and a stage play depicting the disingenuous exploits of four conmen. www.billymayo.com
	SHARON NICOLE MUNFUS (Tanya Richardson) is an Orlando, FL native who has had a passion for acting and music for as far as she can remember. She is very pleased to have the opportunity to be a part of the Grandpa's Truth cast and work with Byron Nora and Alretha Thomas. Her credits include Susan in Loose Ends and voice-over work in the production of Freeman and Florida Hospital Healthcare. She is an avid fan of the arts attributing to her love of the piano. When she is not performing, she works as a nurse anesthetist for a plastic surgery group.
	Born and raised in Los Angeles, JAH SHAMS (Mac Richardson) knew he wanted to perform at a very young age. He got his taste of acting in the 4th grade as Daddy Warbucks in the play Annie and at the age of thirteen he appeared in the movie KickBoxer 2. He played football at Mesa State and received a degree in Marketing. Still having the hunger to perform he entered various talent shows in college. After college, Jah enrolled in acting classes and attended TVI Actors Studio and several workshops. During the spring of 2003 Jah toured with Phantom Projects, an educational Group, performing at the LaMirada Theater for the Performing Arts. Within a three-month period, Jah completed 5 films, and revised the role of Simon Stimson in the 1938 play Our Town. Jah’s television appearances include Boston Public and The Parkers. Jah sees acting as an escape from reality, but uses a character to perceive reality. With that said, “may the past meet the future.”
	RENEE BRITE (Darlene Richardson) was born and raised in Long Beach, California where she developed a passion for acting, performing in plays and touring with the speech and debate team wherein she won various awards. She took a detour after graduating from high school and joined the United States Navy. After her military career ended, she moved back to California and began to pursue acting. She has completed many films and projects, and studied at Olympic Improv, coached with Howard Fine, and attended many other acting schools and venues. Additionally, she has held a number of stand-in jobs on the big and small screen in between gigs. She enjoys cooking, reading biographies, and plans to do a lot of traveling in the future.
	JOSEPH ANDREW (Frankie Richardson) is 13 years old and was 5 years old when he told his Mom he wanted to become an actor. Since age 7 he has been performing on stage and it was at that time he discovered his passion for acting. Joseph also enjoys all types of sports but you will usually find him on the basketball court, in addition to listening to music and dancing. He is currently an 8th grader at Marina del Rey Performing Arts Middle School, where he also gets the opportunity to perform. Additionally, Joseph was on the honor roll from kindergarten through the 5th grade but has maintained his high acheiver status since 6th grade. Thank you Alretha and Byron Nora for this opportunity.
	DIAMOND SUMMERS’s (Carla Richardson) interest in acting began in January 2004, under the direction of Amazing Grace Conservatory in Los Angeles via the direction of Wendy Raquel Robinson. She has since performed in a variety of plays, including Oliver & Olivia with a Twist, Respect Yo’Self and Everything Changes at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. In addition, Diamond has performed in several school and community dance performances and plays. Diamond attends View Park Preparatory School in Los Angeles. She is a member of the chess club and the swim club. She also enjoys reading.
	MONIQUE BACON (Annabel Truth) is a married mother of four and works at View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter Middle/High School. Monique enjoys the Performing Arts and has participated in many productions of the Liturgical FIne Arts Department. Her latest role was Bettina in the FNC Liturgical Fine Arts play Baby Blue Christmas. She is a member of First New Christian and currently volunteers monthly at Flourishing Meadows Retirement Center hosting BINGO for the residents. Her favorite hobby is reading. Her desire is to continue in the field of acting. Monique holds a B.A. in Human Services from California State University Dominguez Hills. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the best, Byron and Alretha! To God Be The Glory!
	EDDIE FLEMING (Rev. Charles) is a veteran of the stage. A Los Angeles native, this professional chef enjoys photography and is a member of Faithful Central Bible Church. His credits include, Amen Corner, What the Wine Seller Buys, Out of the Mouth of Babes, Livin’ Fat, What’s Good for the Goose, Divine, Raisin in the Sun, All the Way Live, The Last Miles. He is also a featured character in a video with Ronnie Laws and Grace Slick of Jefferson Starship.
	KEVIN NORWOOD (Joe Curry), a native Angelino, studied Communication Arts at Loyola Marymount where he acted, wrote and directed several student productions. He currently studies acting at the 2nd Story Theater Group in West Los Angeles. An accomplished songwriter, his songs have been featured on tv shows such as General Hospital and Hollywood Closeup.
	LAYCE LYNNE ASHBY (Pam Curry) is a military brat born in France. She has peformed in numerous plays over the years, her most recent being Twelfth Night at the Bellflower Theater Company. Layce has been in a variety of roles which includes the Nurse in Romeo & Juliet and Cherie in Bus Stop. Layce was also featured in the Showtime original miniseries Madame Winston's Secrets. With a true passion for music, Layce was fortunate to be a part of the gospel album His Love, soloing "What Shall I Do". Layce's favorite pastimes are singing and spending time with her son.
	FRANK SALINAS's (Peter Curry) passion for acting began when he was in the 11th grade. Now a senior at Fairfax High School, Frank continues to expand his knowledge of acting. He has performed in two plays for his school with Joyce Harris, Cellarinda, a modern day musical on Cinderella, and Crisis at the North Pole, a Christmas comedy. He also performed in a play outside school, Keep Movin’ On, a Drama/Musical about racism in the South, written and directed by Mark Swinton. Frank also does improv with the organization, Ultimate Improv. His teacher there is David Magidoff.
	KEVIN GONZALEZ (Paul Curry) is an “A” average freshman at Compton High School. As an active member of the Compton High Theatre Arts Department Kevin is currently in the production of the historic play “Day of Absence.” Kevin enjoys working both on stage as well as back stage. His love for film production keeps his attention on his academics. Kevin enjoys sports and is a member of the Compton High School Football and Basketball teams. His career goals are to be an actor and stuntman.
	Understudies: Darron Johnson and Palanda Brownlow