Cherish The Day: Cast and Character Guide

A graphic design image of Ellis and Sunday, from the intro

A character & show guide for OWN’s Cherish The Day featuring cast members, character descriptions, and other noteworthy information.


A character & show guide for OWN’s Cherish The Day featuring cast members, character descriptions, and other noteworthy information.

Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.

General Information

Network(s)

OWN

Created By

Ava DuVernay

Based On

N/A

First Aired

2/11/2020 

Executive Produced By

Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes, Tanya Hamilton, Oprah Winfrey

Showrunner(s)

Tanya Hamilton 

Groups & Organizations

  • Dekkcore (Season 1): Where Evan works
  • VFC – Nola (2.8): Ellis and Sunday’s joint venture to open a VFC in New Orleans

Notable Locations & Items

  • VFC (2.3): Vegetarian Food Collective – Sunday’s restaurant

Terminology

  • Zuberi (Season 1): The name of the company Evan wants to start

Other Noteworthy Information

  • Time Length (Season 1): Covers 5 years
    • Season 1: A year passes between episode 1 and 2, 3 months between 2 and 3, a year and a month have passed since Gently and Evan started dating in episode 4, and in episode 6, it is two years since Evan launched Zuberi and two years since Gently moved into Evan’s house. By episode 7, Evan and Genrly have been married two years and three months and at episode 8, it has been 8 years since Gently worked for Miss Luma.
  • Time Length (Season 2)
    • 1 Month (2.4): Only a month has passed
  • Anthology (General): Each season a new couple will be featured
  • Their Song (2.2): We’re told Ellis and Sunday’s song is K-Ci and Jojo’s “All My Life”
  • Last Seen (2.2): Ellis and Sunday last saw each other when they were 17

[ninja_tables id=”70505″]

Ellis Moran (Henry Simmons)

Ellis (Henry Simmons) seeing Sunday for the first time in 25 years
“Ellis (Henry Simmons) seeing Sunday for the first time in 25 years,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Ellis is the owner of E&B Quality Plumbing, a business that mostly focuses on new construction, and he is a former basketball player. Note: He didn’t play in the NBA but did go semi-pro before retiring due to injuries and a growing addiction to painkillers and alcohol. But he has gotten sober, got married, is now separated, and has two daughters, Everly and Bree.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Agent Alphonso ‘Mack’ Mackenzie in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Isaac in “Madea’s Family Reunion,” and Jeffrey in “No Good Deed.”

Quotes

“Can’t fix nothing if we don’t talk about it.”
— Ellis (2.1)

Sunday St. James (Joy Bryant)

Sunday (Joy Bryant) seeing Ellis for the first time in 25 years
“Sunday (Joy Bryant) seeing Ellis for the first time in 25 years,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Sunday owns a restaurant in Atlanta and went to school at Clark Atlanta University but is originally from New Orleans. 

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Lori Foster in “Trinkets,” Marie Wallace in “For Life,” and Jasmine Trussell in “Parenthood.”
  • Father/Daughter Time (2.5): The past time between her and MV was fishing, and Sunday caught her first fish when she was 4
  • Mother’s Name (2.8): Is Yvonne

Quotes

I need the front to treat ‘em right, the back to feed ‘em right and together we’re all gonna be all right.
— Sunday (2.3)

You give meaning to your name, not the other way around.
— Sunday to Bree (2.5)

We can’t fish into the past and expect to fix the present.
— Sunday (2.6)

I’m still hungry, I’m just not thirsty.
— Sunday (2.7)

Mandeville ‘MV’ St. James (Richard Roundtree)

MV (Richard Roundtree) reassuring his daughter
“MV (Richard Roundtree) reassuring his daughter,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

MV is Sunday’s father, often referred to by Ellis as “The Judge” who is at a point in his life where his memory isn’t what it used to be.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Grandpa in “Family Reunion,” John Shaft in “Shaft,” Charles Floyd in “Star,” and Paul Patterson, Sr in “Being Mary Jane”
  • Name Pronouncement (2.6): Man-de-Ville

Quotes

Lynette (Tinashe Kajese)

Lynette (Tinashe Kajese) making it clear that MV has his own mind and can make his own decisions
“Lynette (Tinashe Kajese) making it clear that MV has his own mind and can make his own decisions,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Lynette is Sunday’s cousin who looks after MV while Sunday is in Atlanta.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In:Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Danielle in “Christmas Deja Vu,” Flo Crawley in “The Suicide Squad,” and Young Sadie in “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

Quotes

Brother Fingers (Todd Anthony Manaigo)

Brother Fingers (Todd Anthony Manaigo) admiring Sunday
“Brother Fingers (Todd Anthony Manaigo) admiring Sunday,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Brother Fingers was the drum major at McDonogh 35 Senior High School and claims to be able to play 68 different instruments. 

Additional Information

  • Introduced In:Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Roman in “All the Queen’s Men,” Darrell in “Boomerang (TV Series),” and Conrad Johnson in “American Soul.”

Quotes

Anastasia (Terri J. Vaughn)

Anastasia (Terri J. Vaughn) there for her girls, as they prep to go to school
“Anastasia (Terri J. Vaughn) there for her girls, as they prep to go to school,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Anastasia is Ellis’ soon-to-be ex-wife and mother of his children, who had an affair with her road manager when she was on tour, singing lead.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Lovita Alizay Jenkins Robinson in “The Steve Harvey Show,” Jonelle Abrahams in “All Of Us,” and Melisse in “Greenleaf”
  • Government Name (2.6): Anastasia Michele Moran

Quotes

Bree Moran (Samantha Wilson)

Bree introducing herself to Sunday
“Bree introducing herself to Sunday,” Cherish The Day, “Rivers Have Banks,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Bree is Anastasia and Ellis’ youngest daughter.

Additional Information

Quotes

Everly Moran (Josephine Lawrence)

Everly (Josephine Lawrence) talking to her dad
“Everly (Josephine Lawrence) talking to her dad,” Cherish The Day, “Rain Has Drops,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Everly is Ellis and Anastasia’s eldest child.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
  • The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Corinne in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” Teenage Deidre in “If Not Now, When?” and Georgina in “9-1-1.”
  • Age (2.2): Everly is 15 years old

Quotes

Momo (Allison Mills Newman)

Momo (Alison Mills Newman) talking to her granddaughter, Sunday
“Momo (Alison Mills Newman) talking to her granddaughter Sunday,” Cherish The Day, “Sun Has Shine,” directed by Sheldon Candis, 2022, (OWN)

Momo is Sunday’s maternal grandmother.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 ” Sun Has Shine”  
  • Known For (2.2): Her coconut cake, as well as her various recipes that inspired Sunday to learn how to cook

Quotes & Gifs

Randy (Sophina Brown)

Randy (Sophina Brown) talking to Ellis in Aunt Vi's Pie Shop
“Randy (Sophina Brown) talking to Ellis in Aunt Vi’s Pie Shop,” Cherish The Day, “Moon Has Beams,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Randy is an artist, heading to Nashville, who meets Ellis while stopping at Aunt Vi’s Pies.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 

Quotes & Gifs

Don’t you love it when someone can take something that’s accessible to everybody and just complicate it, in the best way.
— Randy (2.3)

Toi (De’Marcus Monroe)

Toi (De'Marcus Monroe) reminding Sunday who she is
“Toi (De’Marcus Monroe) reminding Sunday who she is,” Cherish The Day, “Moon Has Beams,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Toi is one of Sunday’s close friends, who works in public relations.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 

Quotes & Gifs

Mindu (Amee Vyas)

Mindu (Amee Vyas) noting Sunday is happy to see Ellis
“Mindu (Amee Vyas) noting Sunday is happy to see Ellis,” Cherish The Day, “Moon Has Beams,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Mindu is Sunday’s sous chef at VFC.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 
  • Son (2.6): Has a son named Arun that Sunday is the godmother of
  • Partner (2.6): Has a partner named Robin

Quotes & Gifs

Pia (Tequilla Whitfield)

Pia (Tequilla Whitfield) talking to Sunday about how inspiring she is
“Pia (Tequilla Whitfield) talking to Sunday about how inspiring she is,” Cherish The Day, “Moon Has Beams,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Pia is Sunday’s friend, who is also her hair braider, and aspires to own her own salon.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 

Quotes & Gifs

Hosea (Jason Mimms)

Josiah (Jason Mimms) showing up for Sunday's big event
“Hosea (Jason Mimms) showing up for Sunday’s big event,” Cherish The Day, “That Make You Mine,” directed by Sheldon Candis, 2022, (OWN)

Nicknamed “Mr. Moorehouse” by Sunday’s friends, Hosea has been a friend with benefits to Sunday for a while. Not because he didn’t want to be with her exclusively, but because she always had so much going on and while he was willing to make time for her, to be in something serious, the feeling wasn’t mutual. 

Additional Information

Quotes

Danny (Leith M. Burke)

Danny (Leith M. Burke) meeting Sunday
“Danny (Leith M. Burke) meeting Sunday,” Cherish The Day, “Rivers Have Banks,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Danny is Anastasia’s manager, partner, and the person she cheated on Ellis with.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 5
  • The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Charlie Dax in “Bosch,” Derrick in “Eastsiders,” Byron Marshall in “The Haves and the Have Nots”

Quotes

Jesse (JonAvery Worrell)

Jessie (JonAvery Worrell) and Ellis coming face to face
“Jessie (JonAvery Worrell) and Ellis coming face to face,” Cherish The Day, “Rivers Have Banks,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Jessie is Everly’s close friend who isn’t her boyfriend currently, but she does care about him.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 5
  • The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Trystan in “Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas”

Quotes

Shane McKissick (Palmer Williams Jr)

Shane McKissick (Palmer Williams Jr) giving Sunday her props
“Shane McKissick (Palmer Williams Jr) giving Sunday her props,” Cherish The Day, “Hearts Have Heartbeats,” directed by Tchaiko Omawale, 2022, (OWN)

Shane is a major international investor, who Hosea has meet Sunday about investing in a second location for the VCF.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 7
  • The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Floyd in “House of Payne,” “Laugh to Keep From Crying,” “The Haves and the Have Nots” and “Love Thy Neighbor”

Quotes

Tanya Holland

Tanya Holland interviewing Sunday for her show
“Tanya Holland interviewing Sunday for her show,” Cherish The Day, “Hearts Have Heartbeats,” directed by Tchaiko Omawale, 2022, (OWN)

Tanya Holland is a celebrity chef who features Sunday on her show.

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 7
  • The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Herself in “Selena + Chef,” “Top Chef,” and Tanya’s Kitchen Table

Quotes

Mr. Moran (Lance E. Nichols) and Mrs. Moran (Renee Ford Clark)

Mr. Moran (Lance E. Nichols) and Mrs. Moran (Renee Ford Clark) arriving to Anastasia's wedding, and greeting Sunday
“Mr. Moran (Lance E. Nichols) and Mrs. Moran (Renee Ford Clark) arriving to Anastasia’s wedding, and greeting Sunday,” Cherish The Day, “That Makes Me Yours,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Ellis’ parents.

Additional Information

Quotes

Donna (Kim Baptiste)

Donna (Kim Baptiste) in a moment of contemplation
“Donna (Kim Baptiste) in a moment of contemplation,” Cherish The Day, “That Makes Me Yours,” directed by Angel Kristi Williams, 2022, (OWN)

Donna is the first nurse MV likes and who can roll with the highs and lows of his Alzheimers. 

Additional Information

  • Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 8
  • The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: in “”
  • Divorced (2.8): She was divorced twice

Quotes

Gently James

Gently (Xosha Roquemore) in OWN's Cherish The Day
Gently (Xosha Roquemore)
Played By Xosha Roquemore
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 1 “Genesis” [Series Premiere]

Character Introduction

A world traveler, who dispels the idea a college education is necessary to make it in life, Gently is a bold yet sensitive soul who, despite a rough upbringing, is loving, spirited, and usually the smartest in the room.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • 1.1: She is from West Adams

    • According to Miss Luma, she usually goes for big and dumb.

    • Her dad died when she was 9.

  • 1.2: Spent a year and a half working for Miss Luma.

    • She isn’t necessarily denominational, when it comes to church, but does have faith.

    • Is a taurus

    • Has traveled through most of Europe, but has also been to Dubai, Nigeria, and Kenya

      • One place she really wants to go to, maybe live permanently, is Zimbabwe, but specifically Victoria Falls.

  • 1.3: Father was known as “Lucky Buddy”

  • 1.8: Works for Everyday Citizen Media running their podcast division.

Quotes

You’re love is turning me into someone new.
— Gently “Basis”

Just ‘cause I’m good at it don’t mean it’s my calling,
— Gently

Evan

Evan (Alano Miller) on a couch.
Evan (Alano Miller)
Played By Alano Miller
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 1 “Genesis” [Series Premiere]

Character Introduction

A Stanford graduate from South Bay who currently works at Dekkcore as a data analysis. His dream, currently, is to use his experience to start a wellness app named Zuberi.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • 1.2: Is a believer, but isn’t necessarily fond of going to church.

  • 1.2: Born and raised in LA, and loves the city.

    • 1.2: Specifically born 8/8/89 – making him a Leo

  • 1.2: Is into anime

  • 1.2: Has been collecting records since middle school

  • 1.7: Is no longer the chCEO of Zuberi

Quotes

I am a company man, just not for this company.
— Evan | 1.1

Miss Luma Langston

Miss Luma (Cicely Tyson) dolled up.
Miss Luma (Cicely Tyson)
Played By Cicely Tyson
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 1 “Genesis” [Series Premiere]

Character Introduction

A legendary actress primarily known for the film “Diamond of Dixie” and whose career was unfortunately plagued with lack of opportunity. In total, she did 6 films in which she mostly played maids and sidekicks and after leaving the industry she taught drama to make a living.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • 1.1: Was well known for her singing voice that brought her international fame.

Ben

Ben (Michael Beach) meeting Evan.
Ben (Michael Beach)
Played By Michael Beach
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 1 “Genesis” [Series Premiere]

Character Introduction

A former gang member who, after Gently’s father died, became a father figure to her.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • 1.5: Is from Crenshaw

  • 1.5 Graduated school in 1982 

Sanah

Sanah (Felisha Anoa'I) walking towards Evan and Gently.
Sanah (Felisha Anoa’I)
Played By Felisha Anoa’i
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 1 “Genesis” [Series Premiere]

Character Introduction

A local thrift shop owner that Gently meets, with Evan, while looking for a refrigerator for Miss Luma.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  •  

Rika

Rika (Loren Lott) talking to Evan at the bowling alley.
Rika (Loren Lott)
Played By Loren Lott
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 2 “Synthesis”

Character Introduction

One of Gently’s friends, since 9th grade, who wants to get out of Los Angeles and plans to exit through being a flight attendant.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • 1.8: Is pregnant.

Nick

Nick (Larry Bates) side eyeing Evan.
Nick (Larry Bates)
Played By Larry Bates
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 2 “Synthesis”

Character Introduction

Evan’s friend, since college, who doesn’t support Evan and Gently’s relationship after Gently abandoned Evan in Carson.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  •  1.4: Separated from Evan’s sister

Ty

Ty (Leland B Martin) greeting Evan.
Ty (Leland B Martin)
Played By Leland B Martin
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 2 “Synthesis”

Character Introduction

One of Gently’s suitors who she doesn’t take seriously and mostly sees as someone to have something fun with, not anything serious.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  •  

Ellene

Ellene (Kellee Stewart) thanking Gently.
Ellene (Kellee Stewart)
Played By Kellee Stewart
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 3 “Oasis”

Character Introduction

Evan’s sister, Marilyn and Johnny’s daughter, who is a mother of one and struggles with her mother’s judgement.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  •  

Marilyn

Marilyn (Anne-Marie Johnson) asking what is Evan thinking?
Marilyn (Anne-Marie Johnson)
Played By Anne-Marie Johnson
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 3 “Oasis”

Character Introduction

Evan and Ellene’s mother who was a debutante and it can be assumed she is part of the AKA sorority.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • 1.5: Is allergic to lemons

    • Likes rum cake
  • 1.8: Has become a minister.

Johnny

Johnny (Dorien Wilson) talking to Gently.
Johnny (Dorien Wilson)
Played By Dorien Wilson
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 3 “Oasis”

Character Introduction

Evan and Ellene’s father who is a former track star that, in his old age, has a bit of a drinking problem.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About The Character

  • He’s been married to Marilyn for 40 years.
  • 1.5: Is from Dorsey

Jasmine

Jasmine (Camryn Jones) getting her hair done.
Jasmine (Camryn Jones)
Played By Camryn Jones
First Noted In Season 1 Episode 3 “Oasis”

Character Introduction

Ellene’s daughter who doesn’t often see eye to eye with her mother.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information

Barbara (Diane Venora)

Barbara (Diane Venora) talking to Miss Luma.
Barbara (Diane Venora)

Character Description

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 6

Miss Luma’s agent who has represented her for years. However, like many of the Black artists she has represented, she has struggled to get them to the place they deserve.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About Barbara

  • 1.6: Is Jewish

 Quotes

Jaydo (Tory Devon Smith)

Jaydo (Tory Devon Smith) having a back and forth with Evan.
Jaydo (Tory Devon Smith)

Character Description

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 6

Evan’s business partner at Zuberi who butts heads with Evan over getting a venture capitalist, Maha specifically, involved in their business.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About Jaydo

Quotes

Maha (Kim Thomson) & Breno (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez)

Maha (Kim Thomson) and Breno (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez) in Evan's house.
Maha (Kim Thomson) and Breno (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez)

Character Description

First Noted In – Season 1, Episode 6

Maha is a well-known venture capitalist, as well as data raider, who is Swiss and loves herself some bourbon. Her husband is Bruno who is Portuguese, with family in Bahia, where he is from.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About Maha and Breno

 Quotes

Philip (Joshua Brockington)

Philip (Joshua Brockington) taking note he takes care of Miss Luma now.
Philip (Joshua Brockington)

Character Introduction

First Noted In – Season 1 Episode 8 “Catharsis” [Season Finale]

Gently’s replacement when she no longer is Miss Luma’s personal assistant.

As

  • Character Introduced In Season / Episode
  • The actor is also known for their role in "."

Additional Information

  • (Season / Episode):

Quotes

Additional Information About Philip


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