The CW's acclaimed drama series All American kicks off it's third season tackling some tough social issues. Series star Karimah Westbrook talked to Hollywood Speaks about what to expect.
Five Things You Need to Know:
- The CW's All American is inspired by the life of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger with Daniel Ezra in the lead role. The story revolves around a rising high school football player from South Los Angeles who is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High. The wins, losses, and struggles of two families from vastly different worlds — Crenshaw and Beverly Hills — begin to collide. "I think that that's one of the great things about the show, is that we pretty much all are one and have similar heart desires and needs, and police brutality and injustices of all kinds affect us just the same," Westbrook said.
- Westbrook plays Grace James, the star football player's mom, who secretly knows the head football coach, played by Taye Diggs. "You think of Beverly Hills, you may think of money and riches and wealth, but I love the way this show reveals no matter where you're from, no matter your race or social economic status, we are more alike than we are different," Westbrook said.
- Westbrook made her television debut in 2000, appearing in an episode of CBS medical drama City of Angels, and later was cast in the teen dance drama film, Save the Last Dance. Later, she starred in the biographical drama film Baadasssss! opposite Mario Van Peebles. Westbrook also guest-starred in several television shows, including Girlfriends, Mad Men, and Shameless. She has appeared in many independent films, including American Violet, The Rum Diary, Suburbicon, and After We Collided.
- Westbrook is also an accomplished writer, having produced and starred in the award-winning BET short film, Best Kept Secret. Her latest short film, New Growth, a dramedy about the friendships and insecurities of three best friends whose friendships are challenged when they co-create a magical hair formula, will be featured at upcoming film festivals.
- Westbrook said her writing had been a saving grace, especially during the pandemic lockdown, saying that "with television and film being such huge mediums to reach people, I could appreciate that more and be mindful of that with my writing."