Antoinette Crowe-Legacy and Ilfanesh Hadera truly bring their respective Godfather of Harlem characters to life on in both powerful and subtle ways as they afford Forest Whitaker’s Bumpy Johnson opportunities to show emotional depth. Collectively, their roleplaying is authentic and their performances are so flawless, they are a major part of the show’s renowned success.
Tell us about season three of the Godfather of Harlem?
IH: From where we left off, Bumpy is fighting tooth and nail to have control over Harlem, up until now we do not just have the Italian mafia but also Cuban Mafia and the CIA. The first two seasons were everyone trying to keep their head above water and survive. In this season, everyone is truly fighting to take what is theirs. The ladies, including Mayme, Stella, and Elise, are on missions to step into their own light and paths, which creates a lot of conflict. There is a lot going on personally, professionally, and crime wise.
In season one, when we first see Elise, she is addicted to heroin and has given up her daughter to be raised by her parents and Malcom helps her becomes religious. How has Elise developed throughout her struggles?
ACL: You get to see Elise grow up throughout the course of the series, she goes from being an addict on the street to very childish in many ways and harboring that hatred and anger towards her father and letting that be her fuel for her life. Now she sees there are things that she wants and desires. I believe when you see her come out of her addiction moving towards her wanting to be a responsible mother, assuming a good role in her family and with helping Malcom. You can see her becoming her own person and gaining the strength to fight for her community. Especially as she helps Malcom fight for the mission and a place for Black people that is not rooted from slavery and oppression. While doing so, she sees that she can become more than her past and take a role as a leader.
The evolution of Mayme is also intriguing throughout seasons one through three. She focused on rebuilding her home and towards the end in the middle of the Civil Rights movement; she is finding herself for the first time. How are we going to see her evolution through season 3?
IH: Season 3 is beautiful for her; it is the first time where she has gotten a chance to spread her wings and evolve but to do so without guilt. Her role as a mother is not jeopardized by her desire to be an active member of her community. Margret has been sent off to the south, so all she really has is the phone calls at the end of the day. She is a present mother, but she also has time and freedom to do her own wants, needs, and desires. She goes with help from Adam Clayton Powell, who is a wonderful supporter of her and why should not he be she is a smart woman, well connected and spoken. In their relationship, you can tell that they are great companions.
Filming as a series regular, how has playing your roles helped you grow as an actor?
IH: Your head would have to be buried in the sand to not grow from this, especially being surrounded by wonderful cast mates. I still have questions for Antoinette, her being our yellow graduate here. I have not been in drama school since high school. Sometimes there are things that I struggle with, and I go to Antoinette. She always has beautiful advice for me when I am in need. Her technique is very organic and is just beautifully captured in the series. I try to take the good things home; I think Mayme has slowly formed the woman that I am and vice versa. She helped me grow not only as a performer, but as a woman. In season one, I was not as confident in my work because I am surrounded by these giants. For season three, I know now that it is not a mistake that I am on this set, and I have earned the right to feel free and perform to my best. Your growth as a human being can help inform your work and craft.
ACL: This was the first job I had gotten out of school; I have learned tremendously from working. I have gained so much knowledge by watching my castmates. I come from a theater background, so being able to play with an openness and go back and forth to create these beautiful moments has been fun to watch.
Can you share any insights on what fans can expect from your acting counterparts in the series?
ACL: I cannot say enough how good and wonderful they are, not only are they talented, but their acting abilities are just breathtaking. Everyone that they have brought on this show is amazing. I do not get to work with the Cubans or Italians, but it has been amazing to see them perform.
IH: I got to work with Joe Colombo who is Michael Raymond James, who is just a captivating role. It was so nice just to be a part of it, everyone is genuinely talented and kind. Being able to go back to set and have conversations with these amazing people. It has been a one-of-a-kind experience.
What is the experience like working with Forest Whitaker aka Bumpy?
IH: I think when people ask that question, they already know the answer. Forest is an incredible co-star as you could ever wish for. He is so generous and is willing to play with his time, will never step on your toes as an actor but will always ask you how you feel about a scene, especially if you feel hesitation after feeling a scene. He is genuinely a great friend and person to lean on.
