A character guide for OWN’s David Makes Man featuring cast members names, character descriptions, and noteworthy information.
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Descriptions are updated as new information is presented, and images changed as better ones are captured.
General Information
- The show takes place in Miami-Dade county.
Notable Locations & Events
- Galvin Magnet School: The school David, Marissa, and Serena go to, and Dr. Woods-Trap works at, which began as an all-Black school in 1939 for the local Black farmers.
- Hurston Prep School: A renowned local prep school David has an interest in that is all boys and a sleepaway school.
- 2012 (2.2): David is part of the 2012 class
- Racial Demographics (2.2): Dr. Woods-Trapp notes the school has an 80% white majority
- Homestead Village/ The Ville: Where David, Gloria, Ms. Elijah, and JG live. Also, it is where Raynan deals drugs with the assistance of Shinobi.
- Location (2.3): Is within County District 14, and east of an Urban Development Line
- South Homestead: The high school kids go to if they don’t find an alternative.
- Robin’s Nest (2.1): Robin and Gloria’s foster home
David Young (Kwame Patterson, Akili McDowell, Eilan Joseph)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
David is an 8th grader at Galvin Magnet school, with aspirations to go to Hurston Prep high school next year. However, there are some complications which may prevent him from achieving that goal. First, his mother Gloria is a single parent, a recovering addict, and works multiple shifts so she is either not at home or sleeping. Second, because of his mom’s schedule, David has to step up when it comes to getting his brother ready for school, getting him to school, and also keeping him out of trouble. Add in him trying to get to school on time, deal with being one of the few Black kids, and his magnet classes being challenging, never mind him growing up in the hood with his associate Raynon trying to recruit him and, needless to say, he has a lot going on.
Additional Information About David
- Family is from Alabama and the reason his grandfather immigrated is due to assaulting a white man.
- Nicknames: Day Bringer (Given By Raynan), Day (Given by Tare), and DJ (Used by Seren and Marissa)
- Is 14 as of season 1, episode 8
- Job (2.4): Works in Urban Planning
- Specifically (2.8): He is a law consultant working for a large real estate firm
Quote(s)
“We can be big and scared, as long as we clear about what we scared of.”
— David (2.10)
JG aka Jonathan Gregg (Cayden K. Williams & Arlen Escarpeta)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
JG is David’s younger brother who is in elementary school and seems ripe for being recruited into the gang that has taken over the complex JG and David live in. Especially since he has shown himself to be a good fighter, is willing to do the work, and Raynon is a bit jealous of David for having a little brother – someone to protect.
Additional Information About JG
- Is 9 years old and his dad died when he was 2.
- Job (2.1): Is a cop
- Career Aspirations (2.6): Went to a magnet school to become a cop at 15
- Job (2.9): Is a cop, specifically in Miami
Quote(s)
Seren (Nathaniel Logan McIntyre & Kyle Beltran)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
Seren is David’s friend and is a bi-racial young man with a white mom and assumingly a Black dad. One of his aspirations is to be a singer and, from what we’re told and seen, he is being raised in a well-off family. Unfortunately, this comes at a cost since his step-dad is physically and sexually abusing him.
Additional Information About Seren
- Enjoys singing.
- Father lives in Tampa and is from Overtown originally.
- His father’s name is Aaron
- Nickname is SK.
- Is 13 as of Season 1, Episode 8
- Languages Spoken (2.6): Can speak English and Creole
- Job (2.6): Works as a lobbyist
- Age When He Left (2.6): He was 15 and it has been 15 years since he saw David per (2.7)
Quote(s)
Sky (Isaiah Johnson)
Sky (Isaiah Johnson)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
Formerly, Sky was the head of the Ville’s gang, or at least a well-respected member of the complex. However, after his death, he now just haunts David and acts as a ghostly motivator.
Additional Information About Sky
- Real name is Lamar or Scott (Angie calls him Scott but Lamar is the name David knows)
- Sky was shot in the back of the head after being accused of being a snitch – per Desmond. However, the truth might be that, after disciplining Raynan, for trashing his car, Teo put a hit on him.
- Wanted to be a singer.
Quote(s)
Ain’t no need to be a lion to a lamb.
— Sky
Dr. Woods-Trap (Phylicia Rashad)
Dr. Woods-Trap (Phylicia Rashad)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
A teacher at Galvin Magnet school who teaches either History or English and is one of David’s leading advocates. We’re also told she taught Sky back when he was in school.
Additional Information About Dr. Woods-Trap
Quote(s)
Gloria (Alana Arenas/ Lauryn Dennis)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
Gloria is David and JG’s mother who makes it sound like she was a former addict but has been recovering and been a more consistent provider than she was in the past.
Additional Information About Gloria
- Worked at a truck-stop for a year and a month.
- Loves Stephen King novels
- One of her first friends were Elijah, hence why David’s middle name is Elijah.
- Had a terrible childhood thanks to her mother and what she enabled.
- Foster Mom (2.2): Gloria started being a foster mother while David was a sophomore at Hurston
Quote(s)
Marissa Eugene (Lindsey Blackwell & Erica Luttrell)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
We honestly don’t learn anything about Marissa beyond knowing she is one of David’s classmates at the Magnet school in the episode she is introduced.
Additional Information About Marissa
- Has a little brother she helps take care of like David does JG.
- Plans on going to Mast for high school
- Excelling At School (2.2): In her sophomore year, she is the first sophomore president of the Black student union, as well as a book club
Quote(s)
Raynan (Ade Cjike Torbert)
Raynan (Ade Cjike Torbert)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 1 “David’s Sky” [Series Premiere]
At the complex, Raynan has seem to inherit Sky’s place as leader and this has saved David’s behind many times. Especially since members of Raynan’s gang aren’t fond of David and one, in particular, is ready and willing to pop him in the mouth one time.
Additional Information About Raynan
- Is messing with a girl named Jenna.
- Is Sky’s son with a woman named Angie
- Sky always saw him as more of a little brother than his child.
Quote(s)
Saul (Darryl W. Handy)
Saul (Darryl W. Handy)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Dai Out”
An Overtown OG who Raynan references as Reverand Saul. It isn’t 100% clear what allows Saul to maintain a rather lavish lifestyle, filled with young girls, and allowing him to buy his grandson, JG, fancy sneakers, but anything is possible.
Additional Information About Saul
Quote(s)
Starry (Logan Rozos)
Starry (Logan Rozos)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Dai Out”
A Tampa native, who now lives with Ms. Elijah for reasons not explained. However, considering their association with Femi and Ms. Elijah, one could assume Starry is a member of the LGTQIA+ community.
Additional Information About Starry
- Was born 2/21/1996
- Actually, per Season 1, Episode 7, Starry is under 18.
Quote(s)
Femila (Trace Lysette)
Femila (Trace Lysette)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Dai Out”
A possible leader of the local sex workers, who also seems to look out for, alongside Ms. Elijah, local queer people.
Additional Information About Femila
- Often goes by Femi
Quote(s)
Uncle Teo (Elvis Nolasco)
Uncle Teo (Elvis Nolasco)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Dai Out”
Sky’s brother in law who is a major drug supplier. Also, he is someone who attempts to recruit Dave and is someone Raynan is trying to earn the trust of so he can take things to the next level.
Additional Information About Uncle Teo
- Growing up, Teo was the darkest member of his family and was constantly abused because of it. Making it so, when Raynan was born, he sword no one would touch him so that he wouldn’t suffer the trauma he did.
Quote(s)
Mx. Elijah (Travis Coles)
Mx. Elijah (Travis Coles)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Dai Out”
A notable figure in the Vil, though not for drug distribution or anything like that. Mx. Elijah watches out for people in the community, both the LGBTQIA+ and those they are asked to look after. Which includes Dave and JG.
Additional Information About Mx. Elijah
- Gloria hints that Mx. Elijah is part of the reason she developed a pill addiction.
- Was born 10/23/1979
Quote(s)
You can’t save everyone. Sometimes you got to give people they problems right back to them.
— Mx. Elijah
Promises get broken. Toys and mirrors and clocks get broken. Bread get broken. Not people. People get hurt. And then they get healed.
— Mx Elijah (2.7)
Shinobi (Jordan Bolger)
Shinobi (Jordan Bolger)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 2 “Dai Out”
One of Raynan’s soldiers who has an issue with Dave.
Additional Information About Shinobi
- His family is from West Palm and like David, he had a close relationship with Sky
- The way Shinobi talks, his family doesn’t seem to care for him much.
- We learn in season 1, episode 10, his sister died approximately a week before Sky.
Quote(s)
Ray Kelly (Jimel Atkins)
Ray (Jimel Atkins) and Jessica (Gillian Williams)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 3 “MJB”
Seren’s stepfather who assaults him at night, but appears to be far kinder than his mother.
Sharon (Carrie Elizabeth Brown)
Sharon (Carrie Elizabeth Brown)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 3 “MJB”
The wife of David’s dad, Darius.
Darius (Timothy Richardson)
Darius (Timothy Richardson)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 3 “MJB”
Gloria’s college professor, who is the father of David.
Jessica Kelly (Gillian Williams)
Jessica Kelly (Gillian Williams)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 3 “MJB”
Seren’s mother who is verbally, physically, and emotionally abusive.
Additional Information About Jessica
- Works as a piano teacher
Dr. Bree (Ruben Santiago-Hudson)
Dr. Bree (Ruben Santiago-Hudson)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 3 “MJB”
A psychologist assigned to speak to David who asks him about his relationships and life.
Jay (Rus Blackwell)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 4 “Gloria”
Jay is Gloria’s former boss at the truck stop. Someone who fires her for being too sassy, giving away food, to make up for the lack of customer service the place has, and because she didn’t appreciate a pass he made on her.
Ms. Hertrude (Juanita Jennings)
Ms. Hertrude (Juanita Jennings)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 4 “Gloria”
The building manager of The Vil who isn’t the fondest of children, Mx. Elijah, and may not like most of the people who live in the complex.
Additional Information About Ms. Hertrude
- Has HIV or AIDS, and wears Depends.
- Has three kids.
Earl (Keith Wheeler)
Earl (Keith Wheeler)
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 4 “Gloria”
Earl is Gloria’s former co-worker who looks out for her. Be it making some food for her to take to her kids or making sure she doesn’t kill Jay.
Tare (Teshi Thomas & Aba Arthur)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 5 “Love or Poetize These Hoes”
Tare is one of the girls of the Vil and helps make it clear there are some with an interest in David, or Day, as she calls him. But, for her specifically, what she is drawn to is how cool his mom is, the fact he saved her from harassment from the other boys, and he usually is nice awkward, but nice.
Additional Information About Tare
- Has a strong interest in dance, and is applying for New World for Dance.
- Broken Up (2.5): Hasn’t dated David in over a year
Quotes & Gifs
It’s like you always have something else to do or some further goal in your mind instead of just enjoying what’s around you.
— Tare (2.5)
Angie (Joselin Reyes)
Angie (Joselin Reyes)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “When It All Falls”
Angie is Raynan’s father and, based on how she is dressed, assumingly a nurse. Things between her and Sky didn’t work out, but it isn’t clear what the deciding factor was.
Additional Information About Angie
Principal Fallow (Liza Colón-Zayas)
Principal Fallow (Liza Colon-Zayas)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “When It All Falls”
The principal at Galvin Magnet who is well aware of David’s situation at home and wonders if the school work might be a bit much for him. However, between Dr. Bree and Woods-Trap, they push the idea David is capable if he presses himself.
Additional Information About Principal Fallow
Desmond (Nick Creegan)
Desmond (Nick Creegan)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 7 “Son of Man”
One of Teo’s soldiers, possibly the person who killed Sky, Desmond watches over the operation Raynan now runs.
Additional Information About Desmond
Willie Derrick (Solomon Valdez)
Shinobi and Willie Derrick (Solomon Valdez)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 8 “Bubble House”
Willie Derrick was one of the kids of the neighborhood, one that JG used to always play and tussle with, until he died in season 1, episode 8.
Additional Information About Willie Derrick
Congressman Reed (Raheem Babalola)
Congressman Reed (Raheem Babalola)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 8 “Bubble House”
One of Dr. Woods-Trap’s former students who is now a congressman. However, she notes massive disappointment in him since he may walk the walk, but he doesn’t talk the talk. In fact, he exploits his former state of poverty, which is detestable to her, and he seems to only care about community when it is election time.
Additional Information About Congressman Reed
Niyama (Lela Rochon-Fuqua)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1, Episode 9 “Some I Love Who Are Dead”
Gloria’s mother is a Christian, who raised her conservatively, and with a short leash, but wasn’t the best mother. She allowed Gloria to be raped by her father, Gloria’s dad, multiple times, advocated for the abortion of David, notes she wishes she had an abortion, and when Gloria was pregnant, believes Gloria should have found a way to marry Darius.
So, to put it simply, she is trash.
Additional Information About Gloria’s Mother
- In episode 10 of season 1, Mx. Elijah says her name is Niyama.
Nicole (Brittany S. Hall)
Nicole is someone who David is seeing, and probably is the closest person to him in his adult years.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 1
Quotes & Gifs
You’re in there somewhere. It’s sweet when you come out.
— Nicole (2.1)
Joe Padilla (Tony Plana)
Joe Padilla (Tony Plana)
The face of PA Associates (Padilla Alvarez Redevelopment) who is looking to become mayor of Miami and has a transformative vision for the area that David says he can help with.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 1
Quotes & Gifs
Jessie (Andy Gion)
Jessie (Andy Gion)
The son of David’s boss whose nepotism sometimes interferes with David’s work.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 1
Quotes & Gifs
Robin (Bobbi Baker)
Robin (Bobbi Barker)
Gloria’s partner at “Robin’s Nest” who works with her in fosters LGBT youth in honor of Seren.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 1
- How Long Has She Been Gloria’s Partner? (2.9): 9 years
Quotes & Gifs
Luis (Julian Anthony Martinez)
Luis (Julian Anthony Martinez) trying to reconcile with David
Luis is David’s roommate and his best friend during his 2nd year at Hurston. He is also a Cuban American person whose dad is racist, even though his grandfather is Black, at least according to his grandmother.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 2
Quotes & Gifs
Rondo (Jayden Loyd)
Rondo (Jayden Loyd) revealing how little of Hamlet he has read
A rich kid at Hurston, a legacy kid to boot, who has a drinking problem, has this weird need to occasionally say the N-word and also likes to stir up drama in his friend group.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 2
Quotes & Gifs
Elan (Janmarco Santiago)
Elan (Janmarco Santiago)
Joe’s nephew who is assigned to be David’s assistant, so that Joe can keep tabs on David.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 3
Quotes & Gifs
Shella (Zsane Jhe)
Shella (Zsane Jhe)
The building manager for The Ville who has a flirtatious relationship with JG.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 3
Quotes & Gifs
You know why most people drown? It’s because to the person standing on the shore, it looks like they’re having fun.
— Shella (2.7)
Trenise (Trinity Cidel)
Tren (Trinity Cidel)
JG’s daughter by Trish who, like David, tends to be on the quiet side around most people, but she can be outgoing, like her dad, if comfortable.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 3
- Grade (2.3): She is in the 8th grade
- Diet (2.3): She is vegan
- Age (2.5): Is 13 years old
Quotes & Gifs
Trisha (Brandi Huzzie)
Trish (Brandi Huzzie)
Trish is JG’s long-time partner with who he isn’t necessarily in the best place with.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 3
- Sacrifice (2.5): She dropped out of school to have JG’s daughter
Quotes & Gifs
Dr. Bree Halloway (April Grace)
Dr. Bree (April Grace)
David’s therapist.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 3
Quotes & Gifs
You want your outside world to look different without changing anything on the inside.
— Dr. Halloway (2.8)
I’m not trying to hurt you, but I have to point out the hurt that I see.
— Dr. Halloway (2.8)
Commissioner Corey Roberts (Rodney Gardiner)
Commissioner Corey Roberts (Rodney Gardiner)
One of the county commissioners that David hones in on so that he can get Joe’s construction project off the ground.
Additional Information
- Introduced In Season 2, Episode 6
Quotes & Gifs
