'Miss Juneteenth': Meet Nicole Beharie and Alexis Chikaeze, the cast of Channing Godfrey Peoples' mother-daughter drama
Channing Godfrey Peoples' feature-debut 'Miss Juneteenth' is a mother-daughter story at its core. Arriving right on time to commemorate the 155th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Texas that happened on June 19, 1865, 'Miss Juneteenth' revolves around the celebratory annual pageant that marks the holiday. Turquoise, a former winner of the titular pageant, immerses herself in preparing her rebellious teen daughter Kai to reach for her former glory.
A wonderful tale of brutal reality and hopeful dreams, the film sees a mother struggling hard enough so her daughter doesn't repeat her own mistakes, giving us some powerful and moving performances by its stellar cast. But who's playing who? Where have you seen them before? Worry not, we have it sorted.
Nicole Beharie as Turquoise
Beharie, who was recently on the screen in Hulu's 'Little fires Everywhere', had made her debut with the critically acclaimed film 'American Violet' in 2008. She also played Ernie Davis' girlfriend in 'The Express' (2008) and is also known for her works in the 2010 Lifetime drama 'Sins of the Mother'. She also went on to star in 'My Last Day Without You' and Steve McQueen's 'Shame', both in 2011. In 2013, she played Rachel Robinson, wife of Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman), in the baseball film '42'. The same year, she also started playing Abbie Mills on Fox's 'Sleepy Hollow', based on the 1820 short story 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving.
Alexis Chikaeze as Kai
Chikaeze's Kai is your everyday rebellious teen trying to deviate farther from following her mother's footsteps, the harder her mother tries to protect her. Her on-screen chemistry with Beharie is commendable despite 'Miss Juneteenth' being her only credited role in her IMDb profile.
Kendrick Sampson as Ronny
Born as Kendrick Smith Sampson, the actor and producer is known for his roles in some of the most prominent shows in today's pop culture, such as 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'How to Get Away With Murder'. The 'Gracepoint' star joins 'Miss Juneteenth' as a potential romantic interest of Beharie's Turquoise, or so hints the trailer at least.
'Miss Juneteenth' releases on virtual theatres on Friday, June 19.
