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Average Joe (BET+) Facts Sheet
SERIES PREMIERE DATE: June 26, 2023 (new episodes weekly)
SERIES DESCRIPTION:
Inspired by the life of creator Robb Cullen, Average Joe is a darkly comedic, intense one-hour drama set in "The Hill" district of Pittsburgh. Blue-collar plumber, Joe Washington, discovers his recently deceased father lived a secret second life and stole millions of dollars from dangerous people just before he died. Now those people think Joe knows where the money is. A bloody and violent confrontation triggers a chain of events that force Joe and his close-knit circle of family and friends out of their very average and mundane lives into a life-or-death race against time to find the truth and the millions.
Cast:
Deon Cole, Tammy Townsend, Malcolm Barrett, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Michael Trucco, Ashley Olivia Fisher, Pasha Lychnikoff
Executive Producers: McG, Robb Cullen, Eric Dean Seaton, Corey Marsh, Mary Viola, Deb Evans
Creator: Robb Cullen
Directors:
Eric Dean Seaton, Christoph Schrewe, Marshall Tyler, David Katzenberg, Joy T. Lane
Writers
Robb Cullen, Scott Boden Hodges, Tyrone Finch, Arthur Harris, Bryce Ahart, Hawa Macalou, Paul McLalin, D.J. Ryan Stephanie McFarlane, Jerron Horton, Kevin O'Hare
Produced by: Wonderland Sound and Vision and DAE Light Media
Episodes: 10 x 60min
SERIES ROLLOUT:
June 26 - AVERAGE JOE LAUNCH (Episodes 101 and 102)
June 29 - Episode 103
July 6 - Episode 104
July 13 - Episode 105
July 20 - Episode 106
July 27 - Episode 107
August 3 - Episode 108
August 10 - FINALE (Episodes 109 and 110)
SERIES REGULARS:
Deon Cole (bio) - "Joe Washington"
A hard-working blue collar Steelers fan. The day after the funeral for his father, Teddy, Joe discovers that his father lived a double life after being attacked by Russian mobsters who are looking for millions of dollars. Instead of panicking, Joe defends himself, but not without being injured along the way. This quick decision-making leads Joe, his friends, and unfortunately, their families into a dangerous race to find the money that Teddy stole.
Tammy Townsend (bio) - "Angela Washington"
Joe's loving wife who suffers from a painful illness. Despite her illness, she works shifts as a waitress to help to provide for her family. She recognizes how hard Joe works for her and their daughter, Jennifer, and sees him as a true blue-collar guy until he comes home with dead bodies in his truck.
Malcolm Barrett (bio) - "Leon Montgomery"
A somewhat hapless hardware store owner. One of Joe's best friends. He is married to Cathy, who never gives him a moment of peace. Leon comes to Joe's rescue when he visits Teddy's office and finds that Joe was attacked by two Russian mobsters, including Jennifer's boyfriend, Dimitri. He offers to help Joe dispose of the bodies, but fumbles when he takes home one of the Russian men's cellphones, leading the friend group into a world of trouble that no one is prepared for.
Cynthia Kaye McWilliams (bio) - "Cathy Montgomery"
Leon's ball-busting wife. She appears to have a strong dislike for her husband and is planning on divorcing him. Cathy is known for being obsessed with crime shows. Her obsession proves helpful when she saves Leon's life after a Russian mobster tracks one of the deceased mobster's phones to their home and attempts to kill Leon.
Michael Trucco (bio) - "Benjamin "Touch" Tuchawuski"
Joe's long-time best friend. He's a police officer with a vice for painkillers and heroin to help him get through his days. When he finds out that Joe and Leon are in trouble with the Russian mob, he decides to get his hands dirty instead of following protocol. He doesn't lend a helping hand without requesting a piece of the multimillion-dollar Russian mob money and Teddy's coveted Steelers ticket.
Ashley Olivia Fisher (bio) - "Jennifer Washington"
Angela and Leon's eighteen-year-old daughter. She has a bright future ahead of her. Recently, she was accepted into Carnegie Mellon and is dating an appealingly innocent Russian boy, Dimitri.
Pasha Lychnikoff (bio) - "Nicolai Dzhugashvili"
A ruthless Russian mob boss and Dimitri's father. He will stop at no end to find his son and the money that Teddy stole from him before his unlikely demise.
Cast Bios:
DEON COLE
Deon Cole is a comedian, writer, and actor, who can currently be seen in Jeymes Samuel's THE HARDER THEY FALL for Netflix opposite Idris Elba, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, and Lakeith Stanfield. Deon recently wrapped a role in Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill's YOU PEOPLE for Netflix, acting opposite Jonah Hill, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Eddie Murphy. Deon is currently playing 'Alfonso' in Amblin/Warner Bros.' THE COLOR PURPLE directed by Blitz Bazawule opposite Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, Aunjanue Ellis, Halle Bailey, and H.E.R. Next up, Deon will star in BET+'s drama series AVERAGE JOE from McG.
Deon can also be seen as Charlie on ABC's BLACK-ISH and Freeform's GROWNISH. For his work on BLACK-ISH, Deon won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series three times in a row at the 2020,2021 & 2022 NAACP Image Awards. Deon can be heard as the voice of Dave, for Dreamworks Animation's Netflix series, KIPO AND THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS. Previously, he starred as Detective Daniel "DJ" Tanner on the TBS comedy ANGIE TRIBECA opposite Rashida Jones, and co-starred in the Ice Cube led BARBERSHOP film series.
In standup, Deon recently shot his latest one-hour special for Netflix, CHARLEEN'S BOY. His last special, COLE HEARTED, also for Netflix, was released in 2019 after the success of his appearance in Netflix's THE STANDUPS. His previous one-hour special, DEON COLE'S: COLE BLOODED SEMINAR was shot for Comedy Central. His stand-up documentary, WORKIN' IT OUT, debuted exclusively on Netflix is a Joke's Youtube channel, and has garnered 6 million views on social media, and 1.6 million views on Youtube alone.
Deon Cole is represented by WME and Kirsten Ames Management.
TAMMY TOWNSEND
Tammy Townsend is a veteran performer with versatility and range whose acting and musical talents are showcased in a variety of notable projects. She most recently wrapped a series regular role on the seventh and final season of OWN's acclaimed drama series, "Queen Sugar," from filmmaker Ava DuVernay and executive producer Oprah Winfrey. Townsend's character 'Billie,' the daughter of beloved Bordelon family friend 'Prosper Denton' (Henry G. Sanders), was introduced in the sixth season.
Townsend previously starred as tough but loveable mom and veteran spy 'Kira Cooper' in the Disney live-action spy series, "K.C. Undercover." The comedy revolved around high school student 'K.C. Cooper' (Zendaya) who trains to be an undercover super spy, following in the footsteps of her parents (mom played by Townsend and dad played by Kadeem Hardison).
Tammy's notable television series credits include a starring role on the comedy series "Sherri," opposite Sherri Shepherd and memorable roles on such shows "Rock Me, Baby," "Lincoln Heights," and "Family Matters." Her numerous guest starring appearances include "Friends," "CSI," "The Practice" and "NCIS: LA." She has also starred in television movies, including "The Mistle-Tones," and "A Jenkins Family Christmas."
Tammy made her feature film debut in Robert Townsend's cult classic, "The Five Heartbeats." Additional feature credits include "The Preacher's Kid," "Simone" starring Al Pacino and Evan Rachel Wood, "Playing Mona Lisa," and "The Pest" with John Leguizamo.
As a singer, Townsend has worked with many of the music industry's most celebrated singers/musicians, including Branford Marsalis, R&B singer/songwriter Tank, Gerald Albright, Norman Connors, Tamia and guitarist Kevin Eubanks ("The Tonight Show"). She performed the hit single 'One Kiss' from the "Preacher's Kid" soundtrack and has toured with singer/songwriter Eric Benet.
Townsend is repped by Kass Management and Pakula King & Associates.
MALCOLM BARRETT
Barrett recently wrapped shooting a role in the upcoming series THE CHANGELING for Apple TV+ opposite LaKeith Stanfield and Adina Porter. He was previously seen in the National Geographic series GENIUS: ARETHA opposite Tony Award winner and Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo, in which he played Ted White, Aretha Franklin's first husband and business partner. He also appeared in the Blumhouse/Hulu film POOKA 2 and played the male lead in the Sony TV/CBS multi-cam Pilot OUR HOUSE for producer Nick Stoller, directed by Jimmy Burrows. He recently wrote, produced and starred in an LA-based play called BRAIN PROBLEMS which not only received rave reviews, but was nominated for best original play at the Ovation Awards. He filmed recurring arcs on Amazon's THE BOYS and Netflix's SANTA CLARITA DIET, and made a memorable appearance on Comedy Central's KEY & PEELE. He was previously a series regular on the AMC series PREACHER alongside Dominic Cooper and Ruth Negga, as well as on the NBC cult hit drama series TIMELESS, written by Shawn Ryan and Eric Kripke. On the feature side, he can be seen in the indie WAR ON EVERYONE, directed by John Michael McDonagh, opposite Michael Pena and Alexander Skarsgard; DEAR WHITE PEOPLE opposite Jeff Daniels and Dennis Haysbert; and the Lionsgate/Tyler Perry comedy PEEPLES. Other feature credits include Best Picture winner THE HURT LOCKER; THE COMEBACK TRAIL, opposite Robert DeNiro and Tommy Lee Jones; and LARRY CROWNE, co-starring and directed by Tom Hanks Widely known in television for his work on SOUTHLAND opposite Regina King, BETTER OFF TED, IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, and THE SOPRANOS, among others, he is also multi-award recipient of the Nuyorican Slam Poetry competition out of NYC and an NYU graduate.
Malcolm Barrett is repped by Entertainment 360 and The Gersh Agency
CYNTHIA KAYE MCWILLIAMS
McWilliams can be seen in the Apple TV miniseries THE LAST DAYS OF PTOLEMY GREY, where she plays opposite Samuel L. Jackson's character. Before that she starred opposite Michael Chiklis on the Paramount Network series COYOTE and in a recurring role on the Amazon series BOSCH.
She was born in Berlin, Germany, grew up primarily in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from the prestigious Theater School of DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois with further training at Steppenwolf Theatre. Just out of college, Cynthia booked a supporting role in Warner Brothers' THE LAKE HOUSE, followed by a recurring role on FOX's PRISON BREAK. She then landed lead roles in two pilots-- Family Practice and a Damon Wayans CBS project.
After working in independent films, Cynthia returned to television on another FOX series, CHICAGO CODE. Shortly after, she would land a series regular on NAACP award winning comedy, THE REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD opposite the hilarious Kevin Hart. During 5 seasons of filming, she also had recurring roles on SURVIVOR'S REMORSE on STARZ, ABC's NASHVILLE and BOSCH on Amazon. She also booked the lead in the NBC drama pilot LOVE IS A FOUR LETTER WORD.
McWilliams is repped by APA and Vault Entertainment.
MICHAEL TRUCCO
Born and raised in San Mateo, California, he graduated from Santa Clara University with a BA in Theatre Arts and was quickly headed to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of a career in Film and Television. He didn't have to wait long. A recurring role on "BEVERLY HILLS 90210" brought Michael the recognition he sought and he followed that with a starring role on the CBS Series "PENSACOLA: WINGS OF GOLD" opposite James Brolin for two seasons.
But he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of 'Samuel T. Anders' on the critically acclaimed Sci-Fi series "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" and for 'Justin Patrick' on the USA Network series "FAIRLY LEGAL". He also appeared opposite Jessica Biel and Nicholas Cage in the film "NEXT" and headlined the "BATTLESTAR GALACTICA" prequel movie "The Plan".
Recent film and television credits include Mike Flanagan's horror series "MIDNIGHT MASS" which is currently streaming on Netflix, Blumhouse feature "HUSH" for Netflix, "THE BYE BYE MAN" with Carrie-Anne Moss for STX, and the feature "HUNTER KILLER" with Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman. Michael also appeared in "THROUGH THE GLASS DARKLY" directed by Lauren Fash, and will star in "THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER" directed by Mike Flanagan for Netflix.
Trucco is repped by AFA Prime Talent Media and Innovative Artists.
ASHLEY OLIVIA FISHER
Ashley Olivia Fisher is a NY actor born and raised in Queens. Ever since she was a child, acting was in her blood, creating scenarios with dolls and writing scripts with her sister and cousin to perform at family gatherings. She began acting lessons at age 11 and landed her first job at age 12 for Cap 21, portraying a young Madam CJ Walker. She later auditioned for a coveted spot and graduated from the prestigious LaGuardia High School in NYC. Ashley appeared in the New York production of ``I'M AN EMOTIONAL CREATURE," co-directed by Eve Ensler and Rosario Dawson. In 2012, she attended the "Creatives Minds in Cannes" at the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, and trained at the Actors Studio and with Anthony Abeson at The Producers Club in NYC. Ashley has worked multiple commercial, print and modeling jobs as well. Most recently, she won the Best Actress Award at the 202O LA Film Awards for the award winning pilot THE SYSTEM. Ashley, with her vibrant, bubbly and uplifting personality, embraces her Jamaican culture and has volunteered in Nairobi, Kenya. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys being an Aunt to her 2 nieces and nephew. She is repped by Moxie Artists Management and Meyer & Downs.
PASHA LYCHNIKOFF
Lychnikoff's impressive career spans over three decades, including many fantastic roles on award-winning shows. His impressive range in both drama and comedy has produced phenomenal characters in everything from David Milch's DEADWOOD to Chuck Lorre's THE BIG BANG THEORY. His recent credits include BULLET TRAIN opposite Brad Pitt, Season 4 of STRANGER THINGS, SHAMELESS, RAY DONOVAN and SIBERIA opposite Keanu Reeves.
Pasha is repped by Stewart Talent and Industry Entertainment.
ABOUT BET+:
BET+, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, is the preeminent streaming service for the Black audience. A joint venture between BET and Tyler Perry Studios, BET+ allows users to stream the best of Black culture from the best Black creators across movies, TV shows, stand-up comedy, award shows and specials, all in one place, commercial-free. BET+ also hosts a variety of exclusive content, with new original series and movies launching each month, including Emmy-nominated "The Ms. Pat Show," "Tyler Perry's Zatima" and "All the Queen's Men", "The Impact Atlanta", "College Hill: Celebrity Edition," "Martin: The Reunion," "First Wives Club" and "Carl Weber's The Family Business" and "The Black Hamptons," to name a few. Visit BET.Plus or follow @BETPlus to learn more.
ABOUT WONDERLAND SOUND AND VISION:
Wonderland Sound & Vision was founded in 2001 by Joseph McGinty Nichol, known as "McG." For the former music producer and video director turned filmmaker, Wonderland Sound & Vision offers an outlet in which to translate his distinct style of vibrant and colorful storytelling to film and television. That vision, along with a commitment to identifying exciting new talent and developing compelling stories from around the world, has provided the foundation of our ethos for the last decade. Wonderland Sound & Vision has a vast and diverse slate of projects, all of which we believe have the potential to entertain and inspire the world. From breaking new ground in content to exploring new business models and formats, we will continue to stay on the cutting edge of the constantly evolving entertainment industry. Wonderland Sound & Vision produced hit films including HOLIDATE, LOVE HARD, TALL GIRL, and THE BABYSITTER for Netflix, I FEEL PRETTY for STX, the iconic CHARLIE'S ANGELS and CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE, and over 800 hours of television, including THE O.C., SUPERNATURAL, and the recent TURNER & HOOCH series for Disney+. Most recently the company wrapped production on UGLIES starring Joey King and Laverne Cox, started production on MYSTERY GIRL with Tiffany Haddish, and is currently developing comedy series BAD HABIT with Annie Mumolo and Emily Goldwyn, THE TRADITION for Netflix, and MUSICA with Randy Mancuso for Amazon. TALL GIRL 2 will also be released on Netflix on February 11.
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