EXCLUSIVE: Erik Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) has joined the cast of Godfather of Harlem for Season 4, currently in production in New York.
Created by Chris Brancato and the late Paul Eckstein, Godfather of Harlem tells a story inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forrest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from 11 years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles.
In Season 4, Bumpy continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the emergence of a potential rival in newly arrived Black gangster Frank Lucas. After Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic death, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers.
In a recurring role, Palladino will portray “Pino Greco,” a fearsome hitman and high-ranking underboss of the Genovese crime family. Greco is a prolific and ruthless killer who throughout the season descends into a deadly power struggle with Chin Gigante’s daughter Stella for control of the Family’s fortunes.
Ilfenesh Hadera, Lucy Fry, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy and Erik LaRay Harvey are among the cast returning for Season 4. The first three seasons are available to stream on MGM+.
Produced by ABC Signature, the series is executive produced by Brancato, Paul Eckstein, Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, Markuann Smith and Ray Quinlan. Michael Panes and Stephen Schiff are writing executive producers on Godfather of Harlem, and Swizz Beatz serves as executive music producer.
Palladino can next be seen in the upcoming independent film Skincare starring Elizabeth Banks. He is represented by Greene Talent and The Coronel Group.