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Harlem's Bokeem Woodbine Joins David Oyelowo Cast for Apple TV+’s Government Cheese
Image (L to R): David Oyelowo and Bokeem Woodbine in Government Cheese, premiering April 16, 2025 on Apple TV: Courtesy of Apple TV+
From drama to comedy and action, Bokeem Woodbine is often called an underrated actor. And maybe that's true, but what I see is a kid who rose up from the streets of Harlem to become one of the most hard-working veteran actors in Hollywood.
There are certain actors who, when mentioned, immediately make me say, "Ooh, they're in it--I'm definitely watching." Harlem-born Bokeem Woodbine is one such star whose performances never fail to impress. This doesn't overshadow the incredible talent of his co-stars; instead, it highlights the caliber of actors he consistently works alongside.
Woodbine joins the cast of Government Cheese, an upcoming comedy series on Apple TV+ starring multi-award-winner David Oyelowo, who also serves as executive producer. The 10-episode series premieres globally on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, with its first four episodes, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday through May 28.
Set in the surreal world of 1969 San Fernando Valley, Government Cheese tells the story of the Chambers family, a quirky group with lofty, seemingly impossible dreams unfettered by reality.
The comedy unfolds when Hampton Chambers, played by Oyelowo, is released from prison and returns home to find his wife Astoria (Simone Missick) and their sons, Einstein (Evan Ellison) and Harrison (Jahi Di'Allo Winston), have formed an unconventional family unit in his absence. Hampton's return turns their world upside down.
Image of (L to R): Jahi Di’Allo Winston, David Oyelowo, Simone Missick and Evan Ellison in Government Cheese, premiering April 16, 2025 on Apple TV+
Created by Paul Hunter (Pharrell Williams: Freedom) and Aeysha Carr (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), who also serve as writers, executive producers, and co-showrunners, the series features a talented ensemble cast. Joining Woodbine, Oyelowo, and the main cast are Jeremy Bobb (The Continental), Louis Cancelmi (The Irishman), Adam Beach (Smoke Signals), and Brooklyn native John Ortiz (Bad Monkey).
Details about Woodbine's role are still under wraps, but fans of his Emmy-nominated role as Mike Milligan in Fargo know to expect a powerful performance. Beyond his intense characters, he has shown his funny side in projects like Drunk History, where he hilariously played George Washington, and in the Netflix film Old Dads, co-starring with Bill Burr and Bobby Cannavale.
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Image (L to R): Larenz Tate, Freddy Rodríguez, Keith David, and in Dead Presidents (1995) Image of Bokeem Woodbine as Cleon in Dead Presidents: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures/Disney Entertainment
What makes Woodbine's career so fascinating is the sheer variety of roles he’s taken on. His journey began with his first role in Strapped, directed by Forest Whitaker when he was just 19 years old. From there, he delivered unforgettable performances in Jason's Lyric and Dead Presidents, where he portrayed Cleon, a heartless military killer turned preacher.
Woodbine's ability to command attention has been evident from the very start, whether in dramas like M. Night Shyamalan’s Devil or countless other projects that have solidified his reputation as a versatile and compelling actor.
Over the years, Woodbine has worked alongside some of the industry's best while carving out a unique and enduring career. His performances have earned him prestigious accolades, including a 2001 NAACP Image Award nomination for City of Angels (TV Series) and a 2016 Black Reel Award for Fargo.
Image of Bokeem Woodbine in (L to R) Devil, as Mike Milligan In Fargo, and as Soren in Halo: (L to R) Kerry Hayes / Universal Pictures/FX Networks/Adrienn Szabo/Paramount+
When you look up Woodbine's IMDb you see the commitment to his craft, which is a steady stream of diverse roles dating back to the early 1990s. From appearing in back-to-back projects that demonstrated his dedication to the craft, to starring in Tupac Shakur's final music video, I Ain't Mad At Cha, Woodbine's career is a testament to his versatility and passion for storytelling.
With Bokeem Woodbine's amazing career and knack for capturing audiences' attention, plus the ensemble in this series, you can bet the trailer for Apple TV+'s Goverment Cheese will get his fans talking. Are you as excited about this new comedy series as I am? Share your thoughts in the comments and remember to mark April 16, 2025, on your calendars.
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