The new Western series "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" is based on a real-life historical figure.
Bass Reeves was the first Black US Marshal west of the Mississippi River. In the Paramount+ show, he's portrayed by David Oyelowo. Dennis Quaid, Lauren E. Banks, and Demi Singleton also star, and the show is executive-produced by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the "Yellowstone" universe.
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in.Here's the cast of "Lawmen: Bass Reeves" and a description of who they're playing.
Reeves is a real-life historical figure — he was one of the first Black deputy US marshals west of the Mississippi River. According to his biography, he was born into slavery but later escaped. Reeves was responsible for apprehending numerous outlaws, and became a police officer after retiring from the US Marshals Service. The legendary Western hero may have even inspired the Lone Ranger.
In addition to his storied life and accomplishments, the show promises to focus on the toll that Reeves' profession took on his family members.
Oyelowo recently starred on the Apple TV+ series "Silo," and has also appeared in numerous films, including "Selma," "The Midnight Sky," and "See How They Run."
Reeves' choice of profession has ramifications that are felt by his family members, including his wife Jennie, who's described as "strong and fiercely loyal."
This is one of Banks' first major TV roles. She previously starred on Showtime's "City on a Hill," and also appeared on "Gaslit," "Roar," and "Maniac."
Lynn is a deputy US Marshal, and presumably crosses paths with Reeves as they work to round up outlaws.
Quaid has had a prolific career in Hollywood, starring in major films including "The Big Easy," "Wyatt Earp," "The Parent Trap," and "Yours, Mine & Ours."
The real-life Reeves' biography mentions that he may have served under his owner's son, George, during the Civil War, fighting for the Confederacy while he was still enslaved. It seems as though Whigham's slave owner character is based on the real-life George Reeves.
Whigham previously starred on HBO'S "Boardwalk Empire," and appeared on both seasons of HBO's "Perry Mason." He also played FBI Agent Michael Stasiak in several "Fast and Furious" movies.
Pierce, in the show's universe, is the leader of the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles. The Mounted Rifles were a real-life Confederate army regiment during the Civil War.
Pepper has appeared in Western films like "True Grit" and "The Lone Ranger." He also played Robert Kennedy in a 2011 History Channel miniseries about the Kennedy family.
Sally is the daughter of Bass and Jennie.
Singleton got her big break playing Serena Williams in the 2021 film "King Richard," about the athlete's rise to superstardom. She also appeared on the Epix series "Godfather of Harlem."
Chavis' character Arthur has a huge crush on Bass Reeves' daughter Sally.
Chavis previously starred on NBC's "This Is Us," and has also appeared on "White Famous" and "God Friended Me."
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