OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Lionsgate announced today the cast of the new Lionsgate original drama series “Greenleaf” from award-winning writer/producer Craig Wright (“Six Feet Under,” “Lost”). The all-star ensemble features Keith David, Lynn Whitfield, Merle Dandridge, Lamman Rucker, Deborah Joy Winans, Tye White, Kim Hawthorne and Desiree Ross. Oprah Winfrey will appear in the series in a recurring role. The show, which will begin production in Atlanta in October, takes viewers into the unscrupulous world of the powerful Greenleaf family and their sprawling megachurch where scandalous secrets and lies are as numerous as the faithful.

Emmy Award-winner Keith David ("Enlisted," “Community”) portrays Bishop James Greenleaf, the charming and charismatic but brilliantly manipulative leader of Greenleaf World Ministries. Emmy® Award-winner Lynn Whitfield (“The Josephine Baker Story”) is the Bishop’s imperious wife Lady Mae Greenleaf, a steely woman who loves money and power and will do absolutely anything to protect her position as the First Lady. Merle Dandridge (“The Night Shift”) portrays their estranged daughter Grace Greenleaf, a disillusioned former preacher who returns home after fleeing her contentious family 20 years ago. Young actress Desiree Ross (“Falling Skies”) plays Grace’s teenage daughter, Sophia, who finds her new extended family and extravagant new surroundings a welcome change from her previously isolated, middle-class life in Phoenix.

Lamman Rucker (“Meet the Browns”) portrays Jacob Greenleaf, the handsome son of the Bishop who is also associate pastor at the church. Kim Hawthorne (“Rake”) plays Jacob’s ambitious and combative wife Kerissa Greenleaf. Deborah Joy Winans (“Whitney”) portrays Charity Greenleaf-Satterlee, daughter of the Bishop with a gorgeous singing voice and spunky personality that covers her deep-seeded frustration at feeling held back by her father who will not let her preach. Tye White (“American Crime Story”) plays Charity’s husband Kevin Satterlee, a good-hearted man who performs as a vocalist/musician alongside his wife at the church.

Appearing in a recurring role, Oprah Winfrey (“Selma”) portrays Mavis McCready, the sister of Lady Mae Greenleaf and a close confidante of Grace Greenleaf.

The pilot episode will be directed by Clement Virgo (“The Book of Negroes”).

"Greenleaf" will premiere on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

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