Clifton Davis’ ‘Amen’ Co-star Anna Maria Horsford Offers Advice for His Role in ‘Beyond the Gates’ (Exclusive)
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Veteran actor Clifton Davis, known for captivating audiences for over five decades, is venturing into a new territory by taking on his first soap opera role. At the age of 79, Davis is set to portray the patriarch Vernon Dupree of the affluent and dynamic Dupree family in CBS’ latest offering, ‘Beyond the Gates’. This groundbreaking series boasts a predominantly Black cast and marks the first-ever hour-long soap opera led by such a cast. To prepare for this significant role, Davis sought advice from his former ‘Amen’ co-star, Anna Maria Horsford.
During their time working together on the sitcom ‘Amen’, where they played Rev. Reuben Gregory and Thelma Frye, respectively, Davis and Horsford developed a special bond. Horsford, who portrayed Vivienne Avant on ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ from 2015 to 2018, encouraged Davis to embrace his new role wholeheartedly. Recalling Horsford’s words of wisdom, Davis shared, “She said, ‘Go for it!’ and emphasised the importance of embracing the opportunity with open arms, drawing from his wealth of experience in television.”
Expressing his excitement and gratitude for being part of a groundbreaking project like ‘Beyond the Gates’, Davis highlighted the significance of Black representation in the show. Reflecting on his journey in television, he remarked, “Having been a part of historical Blacks on television 40 years ago, this feels amazing. There’s African-American input on every level, and it feels like stepping into a new dimension in 2025 with ‘Beyond the Gates’.”
In ‘Beyond the Gates’, Davis’s character, Vernon Dupree, shares the screen with EGOT recipient Anita Dupree (played by Tamara Tunie) and their two daughters. As a former senator with a protective nature towards his family, Vernon is described by Davis as a grounded and loving character who values family above all else. His on-screen chemistry with Tunie’s character adds a layer of depth to their portrayal of a married couple who share a strong bond.
Drawing comparisons between his past roles and Vernon Dupree, Davis noted the unique opportunity to portray a character who can exhibit a more relaxed and humorous side. Unlike his previous serious roles, Vernon allows Davis to explore a different facet of his acting abilities. The character’s role as the anchor of the Dupree family resonates with Davis, who draws inspiration from his own family experiences and memories of his late father.
Acknowledging the challenges of the demanding filming schedule for a daily soap opera, Davis shared insights into his preparation process, including diligently memorising scripts and immersing himself into the character’s world. Despite the long hours and intensity of the production, Davis’s passion and commitment to his craft shine through as he navigates the complexities of his character and the storyline of ‘Beyond the Gates’.
As ‘Beyond the Gates’ continues to make waves with its unique storytelling and diverse casting, Clifton Davis’s role as Vernon Dupree stands out as a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. With an illustrious career behind him, Davis embarks on this new chapter with enthusiasm and a commitment to portraying his character with authenticity and depth. Fans can catch ‘Beyond the Gates’ on weekdays at 2 p.m. ET on CBS, witnessing Davis’s captivating performance in this groundbreaking series.