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The Chi is a seasoned American drama TV show that provides an intimate look at life on Chicago's South Side. Created by Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe, the series premiered on Showtime in 2018 and has quietly acquired an active audience with its unapologetic depiction of community, love, struggle, and survival. The series weaves together the lives of several characters, each one of whom has his or her problems—problematic social issues such as gun violence, institutionalized discrimination, and family life.
It has come a long way narratively through its runs, and its cast has grown as well to meet these challenges in their storylines. You're not alone if you've ever paused mid-episode wondering who plays who in the drama series. The Chi features a diverse and dynamic ensemble cast, with some characters central from the beginning and others introduced as the story unfolds.
Let’s explore who brings each character to life and how they fit into the heart of the series, The Chi.
Brandon Johnson, played by Jason Mitchell in The Chi
Brandon Johnson was portrayed by Jason Mitchell during the first two seasons. Brandon was a talented up-and-coming chef who was determined to excel beyond his circumstances. His story was about how he attempted to establish his own restaurant and improve his life when he was surrounded daily by tragedy and violence. Mitchell's character led the show's earlier seasons.
But after off-screen charges of impropriety, Showtime said in 2019 that Mitchell would not appear in season 3, and the character was written out of the program.
Emmett Washington, played by Jacob Latimore in The Chi
Jacob Latimore portrays Emmett Washington from season 1. Emmett starts out as a wild teenager struggling with relationships with several women and his role as a young father. Throughout the show, he undergoes tremendous personal growth. He becomes a businessman, working as a partner in a food company, and begins to take charge of his family life.
Latimore's performance testifies to Emmett's evolution from immaturity to maturity, demonstrating the complexity of the balancing act involved between fatherhood, ambition, and emotional growth.
Kevin Williams, played by Alex R. Hibbert in The Chi
Kevin Williams, played by Alex R. Hibbert, is a moody and sensitive teenage boy who often gets himself into emotionally challenging situations. Kevin is portrayed in the initial season of the series as a student in middle school who seeks not to get into trouble but gets pulled in by friends and situations.
Throughout the series, Kevin confronts trauma, identity, relationships, and schooling. Hibbert, who was also the star of Moonlight, brings depth to Kevin's under-the-radar strength and inner crisis.
Jada Washington, played by Yolonda Ross in The Chi
Yolonda Ross portrays Emmett's independent and strong mother, Jada Washington. Jada is a nurse who ends up becoming a patient after she is diagnosed with cancer. Her narrative involves vulnerability, inner strength, motherhood, and healing.
Ross's realistic performance brings emotional depth to the show, particularly her developing relationship with her son and her quest for love and security.
"Papa", Jackson played by Shamon Brown Jr. Stanley in The Chi
Shamon Brown Jr. portrays Papa, one of Kevin's best friends. Papa is most famous for his witty and intelligent nature, having a penchant for being the moral guide of their set. Being a man with firm religious convictions brought up by a pastor father, Papa finds himself caught in between loyalty and personal philosophy many times.
Over the years, his personality has undergone a coming-of-age experience, grappling with loss, love, and issues of ethics that challenge his philosophy.
The character of Michael Epps, The Chi's Jake Taylor
Michael Epps is Jake Taylor, another of Kevin and Papa's close friends. Jake is a tough and insightful teenager, raised by a troubled older brother who has criminal ties.
Throughout the show, Jake struggles with friendship, school, and authority figures, among them a fling in politics due to his association with Douda. Epps provides a performance that meshes street realism with vulnerability.
Birgundi Baker's portrayal of Kiesha Williams in The Chi
Birgundi Baker plays Kiesha Williams, Kevin's sister. Kiesha is an athlete-student whose storyline is one of kidnapping and rescue, one of the show's most dramatic arcs. Her storyline is thus expanded to include motherhood, identity, and resilience.
Her acting has been praised for emotional realism and strength in bringing out Kiesha's journey from victim to survivor to advocate.
Otis "Douda" Perry, played by Curtiss Cook, as The Chi
Curtiss Cook is Otis "Douda" Perry, a powerful crime boss and politician. Douda starts out life as a gang leader and entrepreneur before he is elected mayor of Chicago. His power shadows much of the drama of the show, manipulating through power and connections.
Behind his spotless political image, however, Douda possesses a ruthless, calculating, darker element. Cook's acting teeters on the edge of charm and menace.
"Trig" Taylor, played by Luke James Victor in The Chi
Luke James plays Victor "Trig" Taylor, Jake's older estranged brother, who returns to offer him a better life. Trig is an interesting character—history of crime, but not able to build a better future for himself.
His romance with Imani, a trans woman, brought LGBTQ relationships into the foreground on the show. James provides a performance based on redemption, loyalty, and resilience.
Roselyn Perry, played by Kandi Burruss, The Chi
Kandi Burruss plays Roselyn Perry, Douda's cunning wife. Roselyn is a political strategist who operates in the background with keen instincts. Even though she's primarily framed as a supporting character, her actions usually control major plot shifts, especially city politics and Douda's public perception.
Her character is strategic and complex, usually walking the tightrope between interest and power.
Other notable cast members in The Chi
Tai Davis as Tracy Roxboro – An activist whose efforts at violence cessation bring her into contact—and conflict—with politicians.
Genesis Denise Hale as Maisha – A young rapper and acquaintance of Kevin's crew, grappling with self-confidence and career development.
Jude Tume-Wilson as Lynae – Kevin's girlfriend of mid-season, adding new dimensions to his emotional development.
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The Chi’s ensemble cast brings together a wide range of characters that reflect the complexity of real life in Chicago’s South Side. All the actors add to the legitimacy of the show with grounded, layered performances. With its rotating cast and multi-layered storylines, The Chi remains a character-based series that explores survival, decision-making, and the relationships that define people's lives.
Regardless of whether you are a new fan of the show or have been watching for years, knowing which actor plays which character keeps you connected to all the various interconnected storylines on screen.
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