Beyond the Gates: Meet the New Families of Daytime Drama with This Cast & Character Guide

Image of The Cast and Executive Producers of Beyond the Gates at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 30, 2024. Photo courtesy of Quantrell Colbert/CBS Television

With soap opera history being what it is, I often wonder what it would have been like to watch an iconic daytime series like All My Children or General Hospital from the beginning, knowing it only takes one episode to draw you into their complex worlds.

Today, CBS Television is offering TV audiences the rare chance to dive into a new soap opera, Beyond the Gates, from day one. It's a unique opportunity for newcomers to experience the thrill that generations of drama fans have enjoyed since the golden age of radio soap operas.

Set in a luxurious gated community near Washington, D.C., Beyond the Gates follows the Dupree family- a powerful Black family with wealth, influence, and deep-seated secrets. While the Duprees project the image of "Black Royalty" to the outside world, their lives behind the estate's gates reveal complex family dynamics and hidden struggles.

Image (L to R): Series creator and Executive Producer Michele Val Jean and Executive Producer Sheila Ducksworth from the CBS Original Daytime Soap Opera Beyond The Gates - Photo Courtesy of Sonja Flemming/CBS Television

The series was created by Michele Val Jean, who has written over 2,000 episodes of daytime dramas and has won multiple Daytime Emmy and WGA Awards for her work on The Bold and the Beautiful and General Hospital.

Val Jean will serve as the executive producer alongside Sheila Ducksworth, with filming set to kick off in November. CBS has the series slated for an early 2025 premiere. Until then, dive into this character guide to get to know the families whose stories will soon unfold in our living rooms.

The Dupree Family

Image (L to R): Series creator and Executive Producer Michele Val Jean and Executive Producer Sheila Ducksworth from the CBS Original Daytime Soap Opera Beyond The Gates - Photo Courtesy of Sonja Flemming/CBS Television

Anita Dupree

Tamara Tunie plays Anita Dupree, the fierce and glamorous matriarch of the Dupree family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband.

But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago. Tunie originated the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner with a now landmark 23 seasons on the legendary series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Vernon Dupree

Clifton Davis stars as Vernon Dupree, married to Anita and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. A former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble, and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement.

Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown, and nine Broadway shows, including his most recent roles in Godfather of Harlem and as Dr. Dillamond in Wicked.

Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson

Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, the accomplished daughter of Vernon and Anita Dupree and sister to Dani. Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, who exudes warmth, empathy, and compassion.

Her success extends beyond her professional life to her marriage with her surgeon husband, making her life appear perfect... from the outside. Duplaix is known for her NAACP Award-nominated role as Rachel Gannon on One Life to Live.

Dani Dupree

Karla Mosley portrays Dani, also the daughter of Vernon and Anita Dupree. Once a high-flying model, Dani is now a devoted momager, having sacrificed her career for love.

Known as the wild child of the Dupree family, Dani is free-spirited, headstrong, and uninhibited. She dropped out of school to pursue her modeling ambitions and has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Mosley starred as Maya Avant Forrester on The Bold and the Beautiful, for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.

Vanessa McBride (Family Friend)

Lauren Buglioli plays Vanessa, a high-end real estate agent and Dani Dupree’s neighbor. A mother of twins in an unfulfilling marriage, she remains close friends with Nicole Dupree Richardson. Buglioli has starred in Bad Monkey, Florida Man, and A Jazzman’s Blues.

The Richardsons

The Richardsons-(L to R)-Maurice Johnson, Brandon Claybon, and Mike Manning star in the new CBS Soap Opera Beyond The Gates - Photo Courtesy of Sonja Flemming/CBS Television

Ted Richardson

Maurice Johnson stars as Ted, a sought-after plastic surgeon with an ultra-exclusive practice that women flock to, eager to entrust their faces and bodies to what they call his "blessed hands." Ted is a devoted husband to Nicole Dupree and a proud father to Martin and Katherine 'Kat.'

Confident and composed, he sleeps soundly, certain that his carefully guarded past will never disrupt the perfection of his world. In addition to Chicago Fire, Johnson has also appeared in Good Girls and To Catch a Killer.

Martin Richardson

Brandon Claybon stars as Martin, the ambitious son of Ted and Nicole, who is following in his grandfather’s footsteps with a career in politics. Martin is a dedicated congressman with his sights set on becoming the first openly gay Black President.

He shares his home in D.C. with his husband, Bradley 'Smitty' Smith, and their two teenagers, Tyrell and Samantha. Claybon's past credits include Grey's Anatomy, Zatima, and General Hospital.

Bradley 'Smitty' Smith

Mike Manning plays Smitty, Martin’s husband and a former political reporter turned stay-at-home dad to their teens, Tyrell and Samantha.

Smitty is considering returning to writing but hesitates, knowing Martin prefers their current setup. Manning has also starred in This is Us, The Bay, and Days of Our Lives.

The Richardsons-(L to R)-Colby Muhammad, Sean Freeman, Alex Alegria star in the new CBS Soap Opera Beyond The Gates - Photo Courtesy of Sonja Flemming/CBS Television

Katherine 'Kat' Richardson

Colby Muhammad portrays Kat, the "miracle baby" and youngest Richardson. Living in her parents' guest house, she's grown spoiled and entitled. Muhammad recently starred in the first national tour of the Broadway hit play Jaja's African Hair Braiding.

Andre Hamilton

Sean Freeman plays Andre, Ted's nephew, who lost his parents in a tragic accident and relies on the Richardsons' guidance. A playboy and photographer, Andre’s intentions sometimes seem mysterious. Freeman's credits include Finding Happy, Tales, and Boxed In.

Tomas 'Tom' Navarro (Friend)

Alex Alegria stars as Tom, a confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton's law firm, who has a budding interest in Kat Richardson. Alegria’s credits include CSI and Gossip Girl.

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The Hamiltons

The Hamiltons-(L to R)-Timon Durrett, Arielle Prepetit, Jibre Hordges star in the new CBS Soap Opera Beyond The Gates - Photo Courtesy of Sonja Flemming/CBS Television

Bill Hamilton

Timon Durrett plays Bill, the charismatic yet calculating ex-husband of Dani Dupree and father to Naomi and Chelsea. Bill is an opportunistic criminal defense attorney known for his strong connections, media-savvy persona, and relentless pursuit of what he wants—qualities his ex-wife Dani describes as narcissistic and self-serving.

A publicity hound with a well-crafted public image, Bill will go to any lengths to achieve his goals. Durrett’s previous roles include appearances in Cheaper by the Dozen, Queen Sugar, and Stuck with You.

Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne

Arielle Prepetit stars as Naomi, the eldest daughter of Dani and Bill, and a dedicated civil attorney who lives humbly outside 'the gates' in Washington, D.C. Known for her sharp intellect and compassion, Naomi shares a unique bond with her grandmother, Anita Dupree, as the only family member to inherit Anita's gift for singing.

This special connection with her grandmother enriches her character and adds a layer of depth to her role. Prepetit's past credits include BMF, Found, and The System.

Jacob Hawthorne

Jibre Hordges stars as Jacob, Naomi’s supportive husband and a dedicated robbery-homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. Coming from a proud family of law enforcement, Jacob is deeply committed to serving his community and seeking justice for victims.

He takes pride in both his family and his wife's achievements, embodying a sense of loyalty and purpose. Hordges’ credits include roles in Grown-ish, 9-1-1, and The Resident.

The Hamiltons-(L to R)-Jen Jacob, Ben Gavin, RhonniRose Mantilla, and Marquita Goings star in the new CBS Soap Opera Beyond The Gates

Ashley Morgan

Jen Jacob portrays Ashley, Naomi’s lifelong best friend and an upbeat, resourceful nurse at Washington D.C.'s Garland Memorial Hospital. Growing up as a latchkey kid, Ashley learned early on to be independent and isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves.

With a positive, cheerful demeanor, she brings the perfect temperament to her demanding profession, balancing brisk efficiency with compassion. Jacob's past credits include roles in The Union and Law & Order: Organized Crime.

Derek Baldwin

Ben Gavin plays Derek, Ashley's fearless boyfriend and a devoted firefighter in D.C. Known for his bravery, Derek approaches firefighting with intense dedication, treating each call as a personal mission.

He is also Jacob Hawthorne's best friend and is incredibly handy, with a knack for fixing almost anything. Gavin's credits include Super 8, The Dark Tower, and My Christmas Love.

Chelsea Hamilton

RhonniRose Mantilla stars as Chelsea, the youngest Hamilton daughter, who's built a name as a high-fashion model and social media influencer since age 18.

Though successful, she feels conflicted, as her mother, Dani, hopes she'll recreate the glamorous life she once desired. With ample funds, Chelsea is ready to follow her own ambitions, launching a designer purse line and enjoying the luxuries her career affords. Mantilla recently starred in "Harmony the Musical" on Broadway. 

Hayley Lawson

Marquita Goings stars as Hayley, Bill Hamilton's new fiancée, a charming and confident paralegal at his firm. While Dani’s circle considers her a husband-stealer, Hayley is unfazed and happy to stand by Bill’s side. Goings' credits include Woke and Zatima.

The Thomases

The Thomases-(L to R)-Trisha Mann and Ambyr Michelle star in the new CBS Soap Opera Beyond The Gates

Dana "Leslie" Thomas

Trisha Mann-Grant plays Dana 'Leslie' Thomas, Eva's mother, a seasoned waitress and bartender with a quirky charm and an intensity that others find endearing.

However, behind her captivating exterior lies a more unsettling side that only her daughter, Eva, has witnessed. Soon, the darker aspects of Leslie’s personality will be revealed to everyone. Mann-Grant's credits include Family Business and A Royal Christmas Surprise.

Eva Thomas

Ambyr Michelle stars as Eva, Dana 'Leslie' Thomas' daughter and the new assistant to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. Radiating intensity and purpose, Eva is quietly driven by a deep-seated mission to rectify a wrong done to her mother, waiting patiently for the perfect moment to act. Michelle's credits include The Runarounds, Running Point, and Snowfall.

(L-R): Daphnee Duplaix, Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, and Karla Mosley during Beyond The Gates table read on October 30, 2024- Image Courtesy Quantrell Colbert/CBS Television

Now that Beyond The Gates has started filming, it won't be long before viewers are transported to this exclusive Maryland suburb right outside Washington, D.C. Fans of soap operas know that beneath the elegant gated community, with its winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions, there's bound to be a world of juicy secrets and tangled scandals waiting to explode.

And it's not just the locals peeking over the fence- we drama-loving fans will be watching just as closely, eager to see what’s really going on behind those pristine walls.

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