Meet the Family Business New Orleans Cast

When a hit series expands its universe, the excitement is palpable, especially when it ventures into a city as vibrant and mysterious as New Orleans. Carl Weber's The Family Business has captivated audiences with its gripping tales of the Duncan family's dual lives. Now, with the highly anticipated spin-off, The Family Business: New Orleans, fans are eager to meet the new faces bringing this thrilling narrative to life. But who exactly are the actors stepping into these pivotal roles, and what can we expect from their characters in the Big Easy?

This article will introduce you to the dynamic Family Business New Orleans cast, offering a comprehensive look at the talented individuals who are set to define the next chapter of the Duncan family saga. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Midnight Blues and the compelling characters who inhabit it.

Meet the Family Business New Orleans Cast: The New Orleans Duncan Clan

The heart of The Family Business: New Orleans beats with a new branch of the Duncan family, centered around the formidable Big Shirley Duncan and her family's enterprise, Midnight Blues. This underground casino and club is more than just a business; it's a legacy.

Lela Rochon as Big Shirley Duncan

At the forefront of the New Orleans narrative is Lela Rochon as Big Shirley Duncan. Rochon, a seasoned actress known for her roles in films like Waiting to Exhale and Why Do Fools Fall in Love, takes on the matriarchal role of the family overseeing Midnight Blues. Big Shirley is described as a "no-nonsense, act-first and ask-questions-later type of woman," whose family has owned the club for almost a century. Her fierce loyalty and determination will be central to the show's conflicts as she fights to protect her family's enduring legacy in NOLA.

Brandon T. Jackson as Marquis Duncan

Joining Rochon as a lead is Brandon T. Jackson, portraying Marquis Duncan, Big Shirley's smart and handsome son. Marquis oversees the family-owned casino, Midnight Blues, and is eager to prove his worth, not just to his mother but to himself. His journey takes him from New Orleans to New York, seeking assistance from the original Duncan family, setting the stage for exciting crossovers. Jackson also serves as an associate producer for the spin-off.

Pooch Hall as Floyd

Pooch Hall, recognized for his roles in The Game and Ray Donovan, steps into the character of Floyd. Floyd is Big Shirley's well-dressed, handsome, and protective younger brother, also serving as a manager at Midnight Blues. His connections, including one to a local Voodoo Priestess, provide him with unique protection in the treacherous New Orleans underworld.

Key Players and Antagonists in The Family Business New Orleans

No crime drama is complete without a compelling supporting cast and formidable adversaries. The Family Business: New Orleans introduces a host of new characters who will either aid or challenge the Duncan family.

David Banner as Jean LeBlanc

The primary antagonist comes in the form of David Banner as Jean LeBlanc. LeBlanc hails from a long lineage of New Orleans residents whose family land and property were stolen generations ago. His plan is to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his, including taking over Midnight Blues Casino, setting him directly against the Duncan family.

Yvette Nicole Brown as Monique

Bringing her signature charm and wit, Yvette Nicole Brown plays Monique, Big Shirley's sassy, smart, and loyal right-hand woman, cousin, and best friend. Monique is always in the know, with her ear to the ground, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead for the family.

Orlando Jones as Gabriel

Orlando Jones joins the cast as Gabriel, a mysterious character looking to relive a past encounter with Big Shirley at any cost. His presence promises to unravel secrets and add layers of intrigue to Big Shirley's backstory.

Familiar Faces and Expanding the Duncan Universe

Fans of the original The Family Business will be pleased to see some familiar names making appearances, bridging the gap between the New York and New Orleans storylines.

Benjamin Stephens as Curtis Duncan

Benjamin Stephens reprises his role as Curtis Duncan, a smart and handsome bounty hunter. He is dispatched to New Orleans to assist his aunt and cousin with what is initially thought to be a minor local conflict, only to discover it's far more complex.

Nayirah Teshali as Lauren Duncan

Another returning character is Lauren Duncan, portrayed by Nayirah Teshali. Known as a deadly assassin, Lauren is also sent from the New York Duncans to help handle "family business" in NOLA, ensuring that the Duncan brand of justice is upheld.

Other Notable Cast Members

The ensemble cast further enriches the series with a diverse range of talent:

• Quincy Brown as Prince
• Stan Shaw as Larry Duncan
• Bern Nadette Stanis as Nee Nee Duncan
• Nichole Galicia as Marie LeBlanc
• Sarah Carter as Sheriff Joanne Clay
• Erica Hubbard as Ernestine
• Kayla Nicole
• Nicholas Turturro
• Jenson Atwood as Saint
• AzMarie Livingston as Kendal
• Deric Augustine as Jace

These actors collectively form the vibrant tapestry of characters that will drive the drama, intrigue, and action in The Family Business: New Orleans.

Conclusion

The Family Business New Orleans cast brings together a powerful blend of seasoned actors and rising stars, all poised to deliver a captivating new chapter in Carl Weber's crime drama universe. With a strong focus on the New Orleans side of the Duncan family, led by the formidable Lela Rochon and Brandon T. Jackson, and a compelling antagonist in David Banner's Jean LeBlanc, the spin-off promises to be as intense and engaging as its predecessor.

Are you excited to see how this new cast unfolds the Duncan family's story in the heart of New Orleans? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you haven't already, be sure to catch up on the original The Family Business series to fully appreciate the interconnected world of the Duncans.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Family Business New Orleans Cast

When does The Family Business: New Orleans premiere?

The Family Business: New Orleans premiered on January 23, 2025, exclusively on BET+.

Is The Family Business: New Orleans a standalone series or connected to the original?

It is a spin-off from the original The Family Business series, expanding on the Duncan family universe with a new branch in New Orleans. While it introduces new characters and a new setting, it maintains connections to the original series, with some characters from the New York Duncans making appearances.

Who are the main characters in The Family Business: New Orleans?

The main characters include Lela Rochon as Big Shirley Duncan, Brandon T. Jackson as Marquis Duncan, and Pooch Hall as Floyd. These characters are central to the New Orleans branch of the Duncan family and the operations of Midnight Blues.

What is Midnight Blues in The Family Business: New Orleans?

Midnight Blues is an underground casino and club located between Old Town New Orleans and the prestigious Parrish of Gator Lake. It's a flourishing staple in the New Orleans area and the focal point for the turf war that the Duncan family faces in the spin-off.