If you’re a fan of the popular Black TV show “The Game”, you may have wondered what that cast of Black actors and actresses who brought those beloved characters to life are up to now. It’s been a while since the original show ended, and though the reboot of the series is still going strong on Paramount +, not all of our favorite actors returned.

So where are these talented black actresses and actors today? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the key black cast members and explore their current projects and endeavors.

A Brief History of “The Game”

“The Game” is a TV series that premiered on the CW network on October 1, 2006. The show follows the lives of professional football players and their significant others, focusing on the complex relationships and drama that surround their careers and personal matters.

After airing for three seasons on the CW, the show was canceled in 2009 due to low ratings. However, fans of the show launched a campaign to bring it back, which eventually led to BET picking up the series for its fourth season in 2011.

“The Game” continued to air on BET for six more seasons, with its series finale airing on August 5, 2015. During its run, the show was praised for its portrayal of black athletes and their families, as well as its frank discussions of social issues such as race, class, and gender.

A little over 6 years later, the comedy-drama was revived on Paramount+ with the first episode airing on November 11, 2021, and it is still going strong. Like the original, the revival series features several familiar faces from the original cast, including Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, and Coby Bell. However, the show also introduces some new characters and storylines that add fresh energy to the mix.

Wendy Raquel Robinson as Tasha Mack

Wendy Raquel Robinson portrayed the character Tasha Mack, a no-nonsense sports agent, and mother figure to the players on the show. Robinson had already established herself as a prominent actress in the industry, with notable roles in TV shows such as “The Steve Harvey Show” and “Martin”.

After “The Game” originally ended, Robinson continued to work in television, with guest appearances on shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “American Crime Story”. She also starred in the BET series “The New Edition Story” and its spinoff “The Bobby Brown Story”, earning critical acclaim for her performances.

Wendy reprised her role as Tasha Mack in the revival series of “The Game.” She is elated to have been invited to return to the cast and has even expressed her excitement at getting to work with some of her former co-stars again in a recent interview in Essence.

Hosea Chanchez as Malik Wright

Hosea Chanchez played the character of Malik Wright, a star football player and the son of a former NFL player. Chanchez had previously appeared in several TV shows and movies, including “For Your Love” and “The Guardian”.

After “The Game” originally ended, Chanchez continued to act, with appearances in shows such as “Black Lightning” and “All American”. However, he also opened up about his struggles with mental health and addiction, using his platform to advocate for greater awareness and support for those dealing with similar issues.

Chanchez has been involved in several philanthropic projects, including a charity basketball tournament to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association and work with the United Negro College Fund. Chanchez’s performance as Malik was one of the highlights of the original series, and fans were thrilled to find out that he was another actor who returned to the revival series.

Tia Mowry-Hardrict as Melanie Barnett

Tia Mowry-Hardrict played the character of Melanie Barnett, a medical student who gives up her career to support her boyfriend’s football career. Mowry-Hardrict had previously gained fame as one of the stars of the hit TV show “Sister, Sister”, in which she co-starred with her twin sister Tamera Mowry.

After “The Game”, Mowry-Hardrict continued to act, with roles in TV shows such as “Rosewood” and “Family Reunion”. She also authored several books, including a cookbook and a memoir about her struggles with infertility.

Mowry-Hardrict is also involved in philanthropic initiatives, including work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the industry, receiving awards for her work both in front of and behind the camera.

Pooch Hall as Derwin Davis

Pooch Hall played the character of Derwin Davis, a talented football player struggling to balance his career and his personal life. Hall had previously appeared in TV shows such as “Miracle’s Boys” and “Pepper Dennis”, as well as movies like “Stomp the Yard”.

After “The Game”, Hall continued to act, with roles in “Ray Donovan” and “S.W.A.T.”. He also pursued a career in writing and producing, creating the TV show “Laff Mobb’s Laff Tracks” and serving as an executive producer on “The Dope Years: The Story of Latasha Harlins”.

Hall has been involved in several philanthropic projects, including work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Lupus Foundation of America. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the industry, receiving awards for his work in television and film. 

Pooch Hall has made several special guest appearances in “The Game” revival series to date, and fans are hoping to continue to see more of him.

Barry Floyd as Tee Tee 

Barry Floyd played the character of Tee Tee, Malik’s childhood friend and personal assistant. Tee Tee was known for his wit and humor, as well as his loyalty to Malik.

After “The Game”, Floyd continued to act, appearing in TV shows such as “Insecure” and “The Neighborhood”. And yes, fortunately, Floyd has made his way back into the cast of the revival, in which has Tee Tee having a lot more impact on the storyline. 

Brandy Norwood as Chardonnay

Brandy Norwood, a late entry into the cast of “The Game”, played the character of Chardonnay, a young woman who marries Jason Pitts to escape her past and start a new life. Norwood was already a well-known actress and musician, having starred in the TV show “Moesha” and released multiple successful albums.

After “The Game”, Norwood continued to act, with roles in shows such as “Star” and “Queens”. She also released a new album in 2020, titled “B7”, which was met with critical acclaim.

Brandy is actively working on her music career. Her seventh studio album, “B7,” was released in 2020 to critical acclaim and showcased her vocal prowess and growth as an artist. She has also performed live shows and concerts, including a 2021 joint tour with Monica. 

In addition to her entertainment career, Norwood is also a philanthropist and activist, working with organizations such as the NAACP and the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. She has been recognized for her contributions to the industry, receiving multiple awards for her work in music and television.

Lauren London as Keira Whitaker

Lauren London played the character of Keira Whitaker, a former child star who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with Blue Westbrook. London had previously appeared in TV shows and movies, including “ATL” and “90210”.

After “The Game”, London continued to act, with roles in “The Perfect Match” and “Games People Play”. She appeared in the music video for Nipsey Hussle, her late partner, and his song “Higher” and gave a touching tribute to him at his memorial service after his tragic death in 2019. Most recently, London co-starred in the ensemble cast of “You People”, a Netflix original movie. 

Besides acting, London is also a model and fashion designer, having collaborated with MadeWorn clothing on a limited edition line. She also supports children in need through philanthropic organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. While London has faced challenges in her personal life, she continues to be a beloved and respected Black actress and public figure.

Jay Ellis as Bryce ‘Blue’ Westbrook

Jay Ellis played the character of Bryce ‘Blue’ Westbrook, a talented football player who becomes involved in a romantic relationship with Keira Whitaker. Ellis had previously appeared in TV shows such as “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Grey’s Anatomy”.

After “The Game”, Ellis continued to act, with roles in shows such as “Insecure” and “Top Gun: Maverick”. He also pursued a career in producing and creating the TV series “The First Wives Club” for BET+. His most notable role, thus far, has no doubt been as “Lawrence” for five seasons on “Insecure”. 

Ellis is also a philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with multiple awards. He remains committed to using his platform to make a positive impact.

Final Thoughts

“The Game” was a groundbreaking TV series that showcased talented Black actors and their stories. While the original show ended in 2015, the reboot in 2021 has brought back some of the original cast members and continues to highlight the success of Black actors and actresses in Hollywood. 

As we’ve seen, many of the actors have gone on to have successful careers, from Brandy Norwood’s rebirth into music to Hosea Chanchez’s work in philanthropy. As always, we will continue to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black actors and support their work here and by creating and curating amazing Black TV shows on BlackOakTV.