Giancarlo Esposito, known for his roles in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, is stepping into the shoes of White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter in The Residence, a role initially portrayed by Andre Braugher.
Braugher, celebrated for his popular appearances in series such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Homicide: Life on the Street, tragically passed away in December 2023 at the age of 61.
Esposito and Braugher previously shared the screen on Homicide: Life on the Street over two decades ago. Esposito joined the NBC drama as a series regular for its final season following Braugher’s departure. The two actors also collaborated on a follow-up TV movie in 2000.
“I couldn’t be prouder and more honoured to be stepping into Shonda’s The Residence for someone that I loved and respected and cherished in Andre Braugher,” Esposito said in a recent press statement. “To be afforded the opportunity to create in his honour with this incredible team extends the depth and breadth of his legacy through all of us who loved him so dearly.”
Esposito’s new role as White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter will not impact his leading role on AMC’s new series Parish, assuming the drama is renewed for a second season.
The Residence, helmed by executive producer/showrunner Paul William Davies and executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers, wrapped up four episodes out of its eight-episode order before halting production in May due to the writers’ strike.
Originally scheduled to resume shooting on January 2nd, production was delayed following Braugher’s passing on December 12th. Filming was postponed to allow the cast and crew time to mourn; meanwhile, Netflix made plans to move forward with Esposito taking over Braugher’s role. Reshoots for previously filmed episodes will be conducted to integrate Esposito seamlessly into the series.
