At 79, Clifton Davis breaks barriers in CBS’ Beyond the Gates—the first Black-led hour-long soap opera.
Why Is Clifton Davis Joining His First Soap Opera at 79?
After dazzling audiences for over 50 years in sitcoms (Amen, That’s My Mama) and dramas (Madam Secretary), Clifton Davis is breaking new ground.
At 79, he’s stepping into Beyond the Gates—CBS’ trailblazing hour-long soap opera with an entirely Black cast.
“This feels amazing,” Davis tells PEOPLE, comparing it to his groundbreaking 1972 show with Melba Moore. “It’s historical… African-American input on every level.”
What Advice Did Anna Maria Horsford Give Davis?
Davis didn’t dive into soap drama alone. His Amen costar Anna Maria Horsford (The Bold and the Beautiful) cheered him on: “Go for it!” She urged him to embrace the role “with a full heart and open arms.”
Davis, no stranger to TV rigor, took the advice to heart, channeling his past TV triumphs into this fresh challenge.
Who Is Vernon Dupree—Davis’ “Messy” New Character?
Vernon Dupree isn’t just another role—he’s a dignified patriarch married to EGOT winner Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) and father to two powerhouse daughters.
Think Barack Obama meets Succession: a former senator who’s calm, protective, and secretly messy.
“He’ll defend [his family] vociferously,” Davis says, hinting at explosive storylines.
Despite his polish, Vernon’s flaws will unravel in Fairmont Crest’s gated chaos.
How Does Vernon Differ from Davis’ Past Roles?
Unlike tense Madam Secretary spy chief Ephraim Ware, Vernon gets to breathe. “He can relax, laugh, and play,” Davis explains.
This character radiates warmth and authority without life-or-death stakes.
But don’t mistake ease for weakness: Vernon’s the family’s anchor, inspired by Davis’ late minister father.
“We haven’t seen these [Black] stories much on TV,” Davis adds, highlighting the show’s cultural weight.
What’s the Biggest Challenge of Filming a Soap?
Memorize three scripts. Fast. “It’s a way of life,” Davis admits, holding up his hefty scripts.
With 12-hour days, five days a week, he relies on his “nerd” habits and “good memory” (thanks, Amen!).
Despite the grind, he’s thrilled: “No challenge we’ve met can’t be completed.”
Quick Facts: Clifton Davis and Beyond the Gates
- 🎭 Davis’ first soap role at 79 after 50+ years in TV/film.
- 🎭 Beyond the Gates is TV’s first Black-led hour-long soap.
- 🎭 Vernon Dupree: Affluent ex-senator with Obama-esque gravitas.
- 🎭 Inspired by Davis’ minister father and historic Black narratives.
- 🎭 Rigorous filming: 12-hour days, 3 scripts memorized at once.