Castle, the new ABC Show Premieres on Monday – The Adventures of Richard Castle

Ok… after watching Dr Horrible´s Sing Along Blog and of course loving it… I started to watch Dr. Horrible´s current project: How I Met Your Mother… a show I never watched since I thought wouldn´t be good… Damn I was wrong… In just a week I watched all 22 episodes from season 1 of How I Met Your Mother, all 22 episodes from season 2 of How I Met Your Mother, all 2o episodes from season 3 of How I Met Your Mother, and I´m uo to Episode 15 of Season 4 of How I Met Your Mother “The Stinsons”… just in time so now I can watch Dr Horrible´s nemesis starring in Castle, the all new ABC Show for Monday Night Prime Time.

What is Castle, the new ABC Prime Time Show About?

Wildly famous mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) is bored with his own success. Then he learns that a real-world copycat killer has started staging murder scenes depicted in his novels. Castle is questioned by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic), a bright and aggressive detective who keeps her investigations under tight rein. Though they instantly clash, sparks of another sort also begin to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle steps in to help find the killer. And once that case is solved, he and Beckett build on their new relationship as they look to solve more strange homicides in New York – as much fun as one can have with death and murder.

Castle is kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother, Martha Rodgers (Susan Sullivan), and quick-witted teenage daughter Alexis (Molly Quinn). Also starring in the series are Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe (writer, “Air Force One”) serves as executive producer/writer, along with executive producers Armyan Bernstein, Barry Schindel, Rob Bowman (who also directed the pilot) and Laurie Zaks.

Characters of Castle

Richard Castle played by Nathan Fillion

Richard Castle, roguish best-selling author, is the consummate man’s man, ladies’ man, and man about town – nearly as well known for his tabloid-generating antics as for his immensely successful novels. With two ex-wives in his past and his fifteen-year-old daughter and live-in mother watching his every move, his life is never short on drama. But now, having just killed off his most famous character and with his publisher ex-wife breathing down his neck for his next book, he’s in desperate need of inspiration. When Castle is pulled in by NYPD Detective Kate Beckett to advise on an investigation, he discovers his next muse and a new calling. Turns out all those years of research for his crime novels paid off. Castle now has the opportunity to use his unique knowledge and skills to help solve murders, much to the chagrin of Detective Beckett.

Alexis Castle played by Molly Quinn

Castle’s daughter, fifteen-year-old Alexis, is an old soul who often feels more at home with adults than kids her own age. Having grown up in a household full of dinner table conversations about whether the self-cleaning oven could incinerate a body, she’s rebelled by being just a normal girl. More interested in her physics textbook than makeup, Alexis never ceases to amaze Castle with her wisdom and insight. It’s sometimes difficult to tell which one’s the parent and which one’s the child, but Castle’s her rock, always there for Alexis when she needs him.

Kate Beckett played by Stana Katic

Kate Beckett is a tough, smart homicide detective with the NYPD — a first-class investigator known for being a closer. She’s also gained a reputation as a detective who’s intrigued by the “freaky ones,” the sort of cases that doesn’t fit neatly into a box. It’s a reflection of her ongoing quest for justice. Having joined the force after the murder of a loved one was never solved, she has a rare ability to empathize with the victims and it’s this that fuels her unceasing drive to capture the people responsible. Forced to work with Castle, she’s at first frustrated by his presence but over time begins to appreciate him. Even though he drives her crazy, she knows they make a great team.

Martha Rodgers played by Susan Sullivan

Castle’s mother, Martha Rodgers, is a former Broadway actress who never made it quite as big as she thinks she did. However, that never stops her from constantly seeking the spotlight with her larger-than-life personality. After being swindled out of her savings by her latest ex-husband, she’s forced to move in with Castle and her granddaughter Alexis. She feels it’s her job to keep Castle grounded — she’s always there to point out when his books drop off the best-seller list or to search out a bad review, no matter how obscure. But it’s all done out of love — Martha’s unique way of showing she cares.

Kevin Ryan played by Seamus Dever

Detective Ryan works alongside Esposito as part of Beckett’s team. He’s charming, quick on his feet, and is a wealth of obscure knowledge. He’s always contributing a random fact or some strange piece of insight. He and Esposito regularly tease Beckett, but they’re incredibly protective of her and ultimately treat her like one of the guys.

Javier Esposito played by Jon Huertas

Detective Esposito works in the homicide division with Ryan as part of Beckett’s team. He’s always ready with a sardonic comment to keep Beckett on her toes and enjoys the way Castle riles her up. Although Esposito is constantly arguing about obscure facts with Ryan, the two are incredibly tight and always have each other’s backs.

Roy Montgomery played by Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Detective Beckett’s gruff but paternal boss, Captain Montgomery appreciates Beckett’s determination and diligence but maintains a close watch to make sure the investigation goes smoothly. He’s there to keep Beckett and Castle in line and remind them to wrap things up as quickly as possible. He’s amused by how much Castle annoys Beckett, but also appreciates how effective the two are when they work together.

Lanie Parish played by Tamala Jones

Lanie is a Medical Examiner, but maintains a warm, friendly outlook, despite her chosen profession. As a friend of Beckett’s, she’s one of the few people that Beckett can let her guard down with. She’s also one of the only people who notices the personal connection between Beckett and Castle, and urges her to act on it.

Cast of Castle – ABC Show

Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle

Nathan Fillion was recently a series regular on Desperate Housewives, playing Dr. Adam Mayfair, the new neighbor on Wisteria Lane and much younger husband of Katherine Mayfair (Dana Delany). On the big screen he was most recently seen in “Waitress,” a romantic comedy with Keri Russell.

Fillion’s other film credits include the Universal film “Slither,” co-starring Elizabeth Banks; “White Noise 2”; “Serenity,” which reunited him with director Joss Whedon; “Saving Private Ryan”; the independent film “Water’s Edge”; “Blast from the Past”; “Dracula 2000” and “Doubting Reilly.” On television, Fillion earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the daytime drama “One Life to Live.” Other TV credits include the ABC movie-of-the-week “Ordeal in the Arctic,” as well as roles in the series Drive, Two Guys and a Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Pasadena and Miss Match.

A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Fillion wanted to be a high school teacher and studied at the University of Alberta. He later starred in productions at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and performed with comedy groups in town before moving on to pursue an acting career in New York and Los Angeles.

Stana Katic as Kate Beckett

With an impressive body of work that encompasses film, television and theatre, Stana Katic has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after talents. She stars in a comedic turn in the upcoming Will Eisner and Frank Miller film, “The Spirit,” alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Gabriel Macht. She can also be seen in the newest James Bond film, “Bond 22: Quantum of Solace,” in award winning director Robert Benton’s “Feast of Love,” with Morgan Freeman and Greg Kinnear, and in the Indie film “Stilletto,” with Tom Berringer and Tom Sizemore. “Stilletto” was purchased at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival and is slated for release in 2009.

Segueing effortlessly between the big and small screens, Katic portrays the sensual French Jazz chanteuse and vampire, Simone Renoir, in “The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice,” which garnered top cable ratings and introduced audiences to her spunky sense of humor and liquid vocals. Additional TV credits include Heroes, 24, CTV’s epic miniseries “Would Be Kings,” plus memorable recurring roles on The Closer, ER and The Shield. Katic also starred in the world premiere of Des McAnuff’s Private Fittings, written by former SNL writer Mark O’Donnell.

Dean Devlin, producer of “Independence Day,” said of Katic: “Get used to hearing her name because she is going to become a VERY big star.”

Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Roy Montgomery

Tony and Obie winning actor, writer and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson made his debut as a screenwriter with “Lackawanna Blues,” for which he received the Humanitas Prize, a Christopher Award, National Board of Review Honors, an NAACP Award and Emmy, Golden Globe and a WGA nominations. “Lackawanna Blues” was originally commissioned as a solo piece, but Santiago-Hudson penned the play to pay homage to the woman who raised him in a boarding house in upstate New York, and performed it portraying almost three dozen characters.

On film Santiago-Hudson starred opposite Halle Berry in “Their Eyes Were Watching God”; Denzel Washington and Russell Crow in “American Gangster”; Demi Moore and Kevin Costner in “Mr. Brooks”; Samuel L. Jackson in “Shaft”; Al Pacino in “Devil’s Advocate”; and John Travolta in “Domestic Disturbance.” On television he portrayed famed chemist Dr. Percy Julian in “Forgotten Genius”; starred opposite Gregory Hines in “The Red Sneakers”; in “American Tragedy” with Christopher Plummer; “Solomon and Sheba” with Jimmy Smits and Halle Berry — the first time a biblical movie starred actors of color; and opposite Christopher Reeves in “Rear Window.” Other TV credits include Law & Order, The West Wing, Canterbury’s Law, Whoopi, NYPD Blue, Dear John and Michael Hayes.

Santiago-Hudson made his directorial debut with August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” at the McCarter Theater in Princeton. He went on to direct “Gem” at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. This season, he directed a tribute to August Wilson at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. His New York directing credits include Wilson’s “Seven Guitars” and Leslie Lee’s “The First Breeze of Summer” for The Signature Theater Company, where Santiago-Hudson currently holds the position of Associate Artist. In the Spring of 2009 he’ll direct Naomi Wallace’s “Things of Dry Hours” at New York Theater Workshop. He made his Broadway debut in “Jelly’s Last Jam,” opposite Gregory Hines. His work in “Seven Guitars” won him a Tony Award. His most recent Broadway performance was as Caesar in “Gem,” opposite Phylicia Rashad. His regional theater and off-Broadway credits spanning 30 years and innumerable roles.

Santiago-Hudson received a Master of Fine Arts from Wayne State University and an honorary Master’s from A.C.T. in San Francisco, a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Binghamton and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Buffalo State College in 2006. Other Awards and honors include Outer Critics Circle, Dramalogue, Clarence Derwent, Glen G. Bartle Award from SUNY Binghamton, Distiguished Alumni Award from Wayne State University, two Audelco Awards, Black Filmmaker’s Award, a N.A.M.I.C. Award and an HBO Comedy Arts Festival Theater Award.

Santiago-Hudson is the father of four wonderful children and says “Of all of my accomplishments, the title I cherish most is that of Father and Husband.”

Jon Huertas as Javier Esposito

Jon Huertas is no stranger to the small screen. In the critically acclaimed miniseries Generation Kill, his stand-out performance as Sgt. Tony “Poke” Espera illustrates a streetwise philosophical view of what the U.S. Marines’ 1st Recon Battalion endured during the first five weeks of the invasion on Iraq. He’s also appeared in numerous TV series, among them Prison Break, Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles, NCIS, CSI and Without a Trace.

Huertas co-produced and starred in the film “The Insatiable” with Sean Patrick Flanery and Michael Biehn. He also co-starred in “Right at Your Door,” which won Best Cinematography at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. Other features Huertas has starred in include “The Objective,” “Believers,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Bug” and “Executive Decision.” He first gained international public attention starring as Antonio on Moesha, before joining the cast Sabrina, The Teenage Witch as Brad Alcero, which won him a nomination for a 2000 ALMA Award.

Huertas has built an impressive resume during his career which exemplifies his wide array of talents and remarkable artistic range. A native New Yorker trained in Musical Theatre at TCU, he also writes and performs his own music. And as a surprise to most, he served in the U.S. military for eight years, becoming a veteran of three major conflicts that include the 1st Gulf War, before becoming a professional actor.

Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers

Two-time Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Susan Sullivan is well known to television audiences for her starring roles in the long running hits Dharma & Greg and Falcon Crest. She has also made numerous guest appearances, including Two and a Half Men, The Nine and Judging Amy.

Born in New York, Sullivan attended Hofstra University on a drama scholarship. On Broadway she starred in “Jimmy Shine,” opposite Dustin Hoffman, and in “The Beauty Part.” Off Broadway she played the leads in “The Fourth Wall” and “Buffalo Gal.” She toured with the L.A. Threatre Works production of “The Pentagon Papers.” Her extensive list of regional theater credits includes “Fifth of July” at the Mark Taper Forum and the National Touring Company’s production of “Uncle Vanya,” as well as “The Three Sisters.” She also appeared in “Twelfth Night,” “Macbeth” and “The Winter’s Tale” for PBS. She is a member of both the Matrix and Antaeus Theatre companies in Los Angeles.

In addition to her series roles, Sullivan has starred in numerous features and made-for-television movies, including “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Midway,” “A Perfect Stranger” and “Rich Man, Poor Man.”

A founding member of the Celebrity Action Council at the Los Angeles Mission, Sullivan has served on the Board of the Felice Foundation and been a spokesperson for the National Hospice Foundation and Save the Children.

Sullivan is bi-coastal and shares her life with noted psychologist and author Dr. Connell Cowan and a couple of finicky feline friends.

Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle

After performing in her community’s “Nutcracker Ballet” at the age of six, she had the desire to know more about acting. So, through the remainder of grade school she took intensive weekly lessons from from retired director/producer Martin Beck.

At the end of sixth grade, Molly Quinn attended summer film camp in Dallas, Texas. When she was auditioning at the Young Actors Studio (www.youngactors.org), the director, Linda Seto, asked if Molly could come back in a week to perform for Cindy Osbrink and Mary Grady. They all felt strongly that there was work for Molly to do in L.A., and after six more months of intensive training in comedy, sitcom, green screen, teleprompter and film work, she joined the Osbrink Agency in Los Angeles and subsequently Ellen Meyer Management.

Molly is now living her dream and her parents are still trying to catch up. Over this last year, she has been truly blessed to work with Jake Kasdan on “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” Robert Zemeckis on “A Christmas Carol” and Richard Loncraine on “My One and Only.”

Tamala Jones as Lanie Parish

Tamala Jones has created a varied career based on her prodigious talent, working steadily in comedic and dramatic projects for both film and television. At 20 she made her feature film debut in “How to Make an American Quilt” as the great-grandmother of Maya Angelou’s character. That same year she racked up television roles in The Wayans Bros., The Parent ‘Hood’ and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as a recurring role as Joanie on ER. From there she joined the regular cast of the ABC drama Dangerous Minds, which gave her a chance to show her dramatic chops as a teenage mother facing parenthood and an abusive spouse.

In 1997 Jones landed a supporting role in the popular comedy “Booty Call” and a recurring turn on “Veronica’s Closet.” She was next featured in the teen comedy “Can’t Hardly Wait.” That same year she was cast in a more grown-up role as a divorcee on “For Your Love,” showcasing a winning combination of irreverent moxie and surprising sweetnes.

Jones was featured in both the romantic drama “The Wood” and the action comedy “Blue Streak,” then was seen in the musical drama “Turn it Up” and the comedies “The Ladies Man” and “Next Friday.” On television she amassed credits that included a turn as Lucille of rock song fame in the biopic “Little Richard.” In 2001 she renewed her focus on the big screen in supporting roles in the African-American ensemble features “The Brothers” and “Kingdom Come,” which gave her the opportunity to create characters while working alongside more experienced performers. Later that year Jones was one of the women being schooled in the management of men by Vivica A. Fox’s savvy but stumped character in the comedy “Two Can Play That Game,” and in “On the Line” she had a turn as an ambitious and controlling advertising executive who clashes with the idealistic hero, portrayed by NSYNC’s Lance Bass. In 2003 she worked opposite Chris Rock in “Head of State” and had a co-starring role as the wife of Traci Morgan in the self titled “Traci Morgan Show.”

Since then, Jones has co-produced an independent movie “Nora’s Hair Salon” and starred in several more films, two of which were “Daddy Day Camp,” with Cuba Gooding Jr., and “Janky Promoters,” opposite Mike Epps.

Seamus Dever as Kevin Ryan

Seamus Dever was born in Flint, MI, and moved to Bullhead City, AZ when he was six years old. His mother is a history professor and his father a drama and English teacher.

Dever graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Theatre after only three years and was accepted into the graduate program at prestigious Carnegie-Mellon University and The Moscow Art Theatre. He is the youngest person to have completed this program.

Well known to Los Angeles Theatre audiences, Dever played Alex in the LA Premiere of “A Clockwork Orange.” This won him rave reviews and nominations for an Ovation Award, Garland Award and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award. A highlight of his LA Theatre career was “iWitness” at the The Mark Taper Forum.

On television Dever is best known as Dr. Getti on Army Wives and Dr. Ian Devlin on ABC’s General Hospital. Other notable guest star appearances include all three of the CSI series, Mad Men, Cold Case, Charmed, Close to Home, Without a Trace, Ghost Whisperer, JAG and Navy NCIS. His feature film work includes “Hollywoodland” and the indie comedy “Ready or Not.”

A proud member of the Los Angeles Classical Theatre Company and Antaeus and a lifetime member of the renowned Actor’s Studio, Dever and his wife, Juliana, live in Hollywood.

So… Are you going to watch Castle Premiere monday March 9th?

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