Cherish The Day: Cast and Character Guide
![A graphic design image of Ellis and Sunday, from the intro](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ellis-and-Sunday-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ellis-Henry-Simmons-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sunday-Joy-Bryant-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/MV-Richard-Roundtree-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lynette-Tinashe-Kajese-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Brother-Fingers-Todd-Anthony-Manaigo-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Anastasia-Terri-J.-Vaughn-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Bree-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-5-scaled.jpg)
Bree is Anastasia and Ellis’ youngest daughter.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Rain Has Drops”
- Interests (2.5): Likes Greek mythology and legos
Quotes
Everly Moran (Josephine Lawrence)
![Everly (Josephine Lawrence) talking to her dad](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Everly-Josephine-Lawrence-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-1-Rain-Has-Drops-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Momo-Alison-Mills-Newman-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-2-Sun-Has-Shine-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Randy-Sophina-Brown-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-3-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Toi-DeMarcus-Monroe-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-3-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Mindu-Amee-Vyas-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-3-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Pia-Tequilla-Whitfield-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-3-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Josiah-Jason-Mimms-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-4-scaled.jpg)
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
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 4
- The Actor Is Also Known For Playing: Greg in “Stuck With You”
Quotes
Danny (Leith M. Burke)
![Danny (Leith M. Burke) meeting Sunday](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Danny-Leith-M.-Burke-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-5-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Jessie-JonAvery-Worrell-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-5-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shane-McKissick-Palmer-Williams-Jr-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-7-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Tanya-Holland-and-Sunday-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-7-scaled.jpg)
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](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Mr.-Moran-Lance-E.-Nichols-and-Mrs.-Moran-Renee-Ford-Clark-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-8-Finale-scaled.jpg)
Ellis’ parents.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 8
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: in “”
Quotes
Donna (Kim Baptiste)
![Donna (Kim Baptiste) in a moment of contemplation](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Donna-Kim-Baptiste-Cherish-The-Day-Season-2-Episode-8-Finale-scaled.jpg)
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
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
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
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
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
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
-
1.1: Was well known for her singing voice that brought her international fame.
Ben
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
-
1.5: Is from Crenshaw
- 1.5 Graduated school in 1982
Sanah
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
Rika
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
- 1.8: Is pregnant.
Nick
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
- 1.4: Separated from Evan’s sister
Ty
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
Ellene
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
Marilyn
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
-
1.5: Is allergic to lemons
- Likes rum cake
- 1.8: Has become a minister.
Johnny
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About The Character
- He’s been married to Marilyn for 40 years.
- 1.5: Is from Dorsey
Jasmine
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information
Barbara (Diane Venora)
![Barbara (Diane Venora) talking to Miss Luma.](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Barbara-Diane-Venora-Cherish-The-Day-Season-1-Episode-6-“Nemesis”.jpg)
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Barbara
-
1.6: Is Jewish
Quotes
Jaydo (Tory Devon Smith)
![Jaydo (Tory Devon Smith) having a back and forth with Evan.](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Jaydo-Tory-Devon-Smith-Cherish-The-Day-Season-1-Episode-6-“Nemesis”.jpg)
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Jaydo
Quotes
Maha (Kim Thomson) & Breno (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez)
![Maha (Kim Thomson) and Breno (Philip Anthony-Rodriguez) in Evan's house.](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Maha-Kim-Thomson-and-Breno-Philip-Anthony-Rodriguez-Cherish-The-Day-Season-1-Episode-6-“Nemesis”.jpg)
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Maha and Breno
Quotes
Philip (Joshua Brockington)
![Philip (Joshua Brockington) taking note he takes care of Miss Luma now.](https://wherever-i-look.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Philip-Joshua-Brokington-Cherish-The-Day-Season-1.jpg)
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.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Philip