‘Bob Hearts Abishola’: Folake Olowofoyeku, Christine Ebersole, Maribeth Monroe Among Six Cast In Chuck Lorre Comedy
EXCLUSIVE: Folake Olowofoyeku (Transparent) has been cast in the title role opposite Billy Gardell in CBS multi-camera comedy pilot
Bob Abishola.
Christine Ebersole (The Wolf of Wall Street),Maribeth Monroe(Workaholics),Shola Adewusi(Paddington 2), Barry Shabaka Henley(Bosch), and Matt Jones(Mom) round out the family in the project that comes from Big Bang, Young Sheldon and Mom co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre, Mom co-creator Eddie Gorodetsky and Mike & Molly alum Al Higgins, who have teamed with The Daily Show contributor Gina Yashere. Lorre’s long-time studio home, Warner Bros. TV, produces with Chuck Lorre Prods.
In
Bob Abishola,
written by the quartet, after having a heart attack, Bob (Gardell) falls in love with his Nigerian nurse and sets his sights on getting her to give him a chance.
Olowofoyeku’s Abishola is Nigerian immigrant who lives in a small apartment with her aunt (Adewusi), uncle (Henley) and teenage son. A cardiac nurse in a Detroit hospital, most people don’t get past her hard working, no nonsense attitude but that’s not going to stop her newest patient Bob (Gardell) from trying.
Ebersole plays Dottie, Bob’s (Gardell) mother. She’s a feisty widow who’s very protective of her oldest son, and their family business: MaxDot Compression Socks. She depends on Bob to run the company and maintain their place in the highly competitive world of reinforced elastic undergarments.
Monroe is Christina, Bob’s sister. She walks the fine line between high-strung and strung out, but assures her family she has her demons under control. She’s not fooling anybody.
Adewusi will portray Auntie Olu. Fiercely protective and judgmental of her niece Abishola (Olowofoyeku) who she lives with. Abishola was raised in Nigerian culture where the elders are treated with respect and reverence. Auntie Olu takes full advantage of this by, among other things, letting Abishola pay most of the rent.
Henley will play Tunde, who’s married to Auntie Olu (Adewusi). It’s very clear who wears the pants in his marriage (not him).
Jones is Douglas, who works for his brother, Bob (Gardell), and happily lives in his shadow. Douglas tries his best, which isn’t very good, but is secure in the knowledge that his big brother will never fire him.
Olowofoyeku’s recent credits include a recurring on Transparent and guest roles on The Gifted, Westworld and How To Get Away With Murder. She’s repped by BRS/Gage and Bohemia Group.
Ebersole received Tony awards for her dual starring role in Grey Gardens as Edith Beale and Little Edie Beale, and Dorothy Brock in the hit revival 42nd Street. Her TV credits include Ryan Murphy’s Pose, Search Party, Sullivan and Son, Royal Pains, Madame Secretary, American Horror Story: Coven, Law and Order SVU, and Will and Grace. She played Leah Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street. She’s repped by APA.
Monroe, an alumna of Second City Mainstage in Chicago, is best known for her starring role as Alice Murphy on Comedy Central’s Workaholics. She currently recurs on NBC’s The Good Place and previously starred on HBO’s The Brink alongside Tim Robbins. Monroe is repped by Innovative Artists and Artist’s First.
Jones is known for his role of Baxter on Mom and he recently voiced the role of Nuber on F is for Family. He’s repped by Gersh, Manager Brian Ferrantino, and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson.
Adewusi’s credits include Paddington 2 and British series Sick Of It and In the Long Run. She’s repped by Revolution Talent (UK).
Henley recently recurred on Bosch and appeared as Little Feet in A Star Is Born. He’s repped by BRS/Gage and Rugolo Entertainment.
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