Director and Playwright Cortez Gilliams Discusses New TV Series

Cortez Gilliams is an actor, director and writer perhaps best known for his stage play A Single Mother’s Prayer which was nominated for Play of the Year by Broadway World. Gilliams won the award for Best Feature Actor for his portrayal of a 68 year old man, Uncle Earl Lee in this production, where he transformed into character brilliantly as a man an age decades beyond his own. The Tennessee Theater Association awarded Gilliams Best Play of the Year for A Single Mother’s Prayer. Currently Gilliams resides in Hollywood, CA and is a Hollywood based acting coach through his company Cortez Gilliams Productions LLC. His work in theater is extensive; in addition to being a nominated playwright, Cortez Gilliams has produced plays that have been recognized by the New York Broadway Association. Gilliams' work as an actor includes work on The Color Purple and The Lion King. He resided in New York City for four years, stating that New York was a "very exciting experience for him." "This is a city that I always dreamed of being a part of and it’s where I realized that success has no limits. Being able to act in some of New York City’s finest Broadway plays really opened my eyes to all that is possible, when we follow our dreams and work hard to achieve them.”

Gilliams' talent extends full circle as a creative force, who with ease, has made the transition to work in television and film. He is an actor in a project produced by 3 Arts Entertainment to be released by HBO Max, titled Rap Sh!t, written by Issa Rae who is the creator of the project. Gilliams also appears as a talent in BMF, a Starz production produced by Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films (EFO Films). Gilliams wrote and published his book Living in the Next Chapter in 2020. It is an inspirational and motivational book which is in alignment with his mission that serves as the basis for all he does. “This was a book that I wrote with the intention of wanting to touch the hearts and minds of troubled and at-risk youth, in a determined effort to help them navigate the rough times in life and to motivate them to keep moving forward in life, in a positive way, no matter what.” Cortez Gilliams finished film school at New York Film Academy.

Residing in Hollywood to pursue his career in TV and Film, Gilliams has developed his heart and passion project where he is turning immense pain into immense purpose, through the production of The Making of the Kingpin. This is a forthcoming TV series written by Gilliams, Seda Andbarci and Charmain Johnson. He portrays Detective Sims. Cortez Gilliams Productions LLC has a mission of “strengthening the minds of young people and working hard to save troubled teens." Tragically, Cortez Gilliams mother and brother lost their lives in Memphis, Tennessee. “This is when I started to look at life in a very serious manner,” states Gilliams, “I know that another day is not promised, and following this heartbreak - a pain that I feel every day, I realized that before I leave this world, I want to help heal as many souls as I can through mentorship, utilizing TV and film as a conduit to help youth choose the right path in life, a path that is hopeful and one with a future.” Concluding, “I want to advocate for dignity and hope in life. I am a true believer that good can prevail even in the rough stages of life that many experience. There is a way to rise up from pain, by choosing a hopeful path.”

The Making of the Kingpin is summarized on IMDb as “a chilling story centered around a grieving, at-risk teenage boy who witnessed his father’s murder and is now seeking revenge for his father’s death.” Will he learn that revenge is not the answer; this is a question posed by the onset of this TV Mini-Series. The Making of the Kingpin includes actors Justin Jacoby, Mickey Munday, Apryl Jones, Meach Joseph, Jr., Nia Dorsey, Dominic Gamble, and Jackie Murray. Gilliams states, “We are seeking sponsors to become involved in the making of this series, and our sponsors will earn producer credits, as well as experience a true life changing production. They will help to make this show possible, as well as to help inspire and potentially save countless lives. Our sponsors are a crucial element to help make this production possible.” Those interested in sponsorship opportunities for The Making of the Kingpin should reach out directly to Cortez Gilliams via email, info@cortezgilliamsproduction.llc. Follow his work on IMDb at Cortez Gilliams - on IMDb.

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