'Connecting...': Meet Parvesh Cheena, Otmara Marrero, Preacher Lawson and the rest of the cast of the NBC comedy
As lockdown rules and regulations are being loosened over time, the comedy genre is going full carpe diem satirizing the time and offering realistic social commentaries on the majority of what has been the year 2020. Joining the slate of similar stories is NBC's upcoming comedy 'Connecting...', which, as the name suggests, is about staying in touch with people and sticking to social norms virtually.
According to the official synopsis provided by NBC, the Martin Gero and Brendan Gall written and produced ensemble comedy follows "a group of friends trying to stay close (and sane) through video chats as they share the highs and lows of these extraordinary times." While a detailed character list isn't out yet, here are all the familiar faces o watch out for in 'Connecting...'.
Otmara Marrero
Known for 'Clementine' (2019) and 'Yoshua' (2017), Marrero is very, very popular for being a fitness enthusiast, particularly surrounding the practice of Hot Yoga. She has previously worked with NBC and announced her thrill and joy at bagging the 'Connecting...' role over Instagram, writing: "shoutout to @nbc for giving this kid a home, again. In the era of uncertainty it feels really nice to have something to hold on too...guess this means I’m a little funny..."
Parvesh Cheena
Almost a veteran in the genre of comedy, Cheena shot to fame with the hilarious series 'Outsourced' (2010), and later on went on to star in some of the industry's biggest franchise like 'Transformers: Rescue Bots' (2011) and also more recently in 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' (2015).
Ely Henry
The Canadian-American writer and comedian is most popularly known for his roles in 'Smallfoot' (2018) and 'Some Freaks' (2016) and the hit 2000s romcom 'Mean Girls'.
Jill Knox and Keith Powell
With titles like 'Keith Broke His Leg' (2015) and 'Train Baby' (2015) to her credits, Knox Has an MFA in acting from Brown University. In October of 2013, she married her writer-director, now husband, Powell, who also is also a co-star of hers in the upcoming NBC comedy. The two tied the knot following a 15-month long engagement and after the tragic stillbirth of their son in 2018, they were blessed with a baby girl, who was born in March 2019.
Preacher Lawson
To fans of 'America's Got Talent', Lawson is a familiar face. The comedian was a finalist on the 12th season of the show and returned to America's Got Talent: The Champions, where he finished in 5th place overall. Lawson was also seen more recently on 'A Black Lady Sketch Show', where he played the role of Brian.
Shakina Nayfack
The performer, director, writer, producer, and social activist is most popularly known for her work as Lola on the Hulu comedy Difficult People'Sseason 2 and 3. She is also known as the Founding Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Factory
'Connecting...' premieres on Thursday, October 1, at 8:30 pm only on NBC.