From the Field to the Screen, Netflix's "Family Reunion" Star Anthony Alabi Blazes His Own Path

Photo Credit: Diana Ragland

For former NFL player Anthony Alabi, pretending that he enjoyed playing sports was his first great acting role. Now the father of two has a growing resume that includes roles in Disney's Raven's Home, Showtime's Shameless, HBO's Insecure, and the hit Netflix family comedy, Family Reunion. Now streaming part 3, and fresh off its second win for outstanding children's programming, at the NAACP Image Awards, the show continues to gain popularity among Netflix viewers, often ending up in the streaming service top 10 most-watched list.

Family Reunion, which also stars Hollywood legends, Loretta Devine and Tia Mowry, tells the story of the Mckellan family of six who travel from Seattle, Washington to Columbus, Georgia, for their latest family reunion, only to decide to stay in the country to be closer to their family and live a simpler life. In the show, Alabi's real life of being a football player is parallel to his character, Moz Mckellan, who also played in the NFL. With a role that portrays a Black husband and father, Alabi knows the importance of who he represents when the audience streams the hit show.

The Quintessential Gentleman had the chance to talk about that representation, working with Hollywood royalty, fatherhood during civil unrest, a show that boasts an all-Black writers room, and more.

Check it out.

Netflix's Family Reunion parts 1 -3 is now streaming.