LOS ANGELES — Acclaimed Jamaican-born actor Marcos James, who built global recognition for his standout guest role as White Rat in the hit HBO fantasy series *Game of Thrones* and his long-running turn as William French on Lifetime’s *Keeping up with the Joneses*, is set to make a much-anticipated return to his theatrical roots this summer. On June 4, James will step into the lead role of Minister Richard Allen in the new historical play *The Fighting Quaker*, making its world premiere at Los Angeles’ iconic El Portal Theatre as part of nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding.
*The Fighting Quaker* centers on the little-known story of Timothy Matlack, a Founding Father whose critical contributions to American independence have long been overlooked by mainstream history. The drama follows Matlack, portrayed by veteran actor Christopher Hoffmann, as he takes on the high-stakes task of hand-inscribing the final official version of the Declaration of Independence, all while grappling with how this work aligns with his core Quaker faith. In the narrative, Matlack crosses paths with Minister Richard Allen, a gifted orator who becomes an unexpected mentor and catalyst for change. The pair bonds over the Declaration’s most transformative principle — that “All men are created equal” — and Allen’s perspective pushes Matlack to challenge long-held traditional norms within Quaker communities, deepening his commitment to the revolutionary cause.
For James, the role of Minister Allen marks more than just a new acting credit: it is a full-circle return to the craft that launched his career. “In so many ways, taking this lead role is a trip back to where I first started in the arts,” James shared in an interview. “Even though most of my recent work has been in film and television, I cut my teeth in theater. The weeks of rehearsal have let me dig into every small layer of Minister Allen, so I’m not just playing him — I’m becoming him. Being back on stage reminds me that the best acting happens when the performance fades away, and you truly become the character you’re meant to portray.”
The production’s creative team emphasizes that the dynamic between Minister Allen and Timothy Matlack is the emotional and narrative heart of the play, with themes that remain just as relevant today as they were in 1776. “The exchanges between these two men are some of the most vital scenes in the entire production,” the team shared. “It’s not just about the profound impact Minister Allen has on Matlack’s journey. Their conversations about equality, faith, and revolution resonate across every generation, from the founding of the nation to our current cultural moment.”
James notes that the rigorous preparation process for live theater has reshaped his approach to on-screen work, teaching him lessons that translate across every medium. “The methodology you have to build for a theater performance is invaluable when you bring it over to film and TV,” he explained. “It takes a lot of deep mental work, but it’s also about letting go, trusting your instincts, and staying open to guidance from the director and the rest of the creative team. That discipline makes every performance stronger, no matter the medium.”
The production carries unique historical weight, produced by legendary Hollywood film producer Suzanne Matlack DeLaurentiis, a direct descendant of Timothy Matlack himself. DeLaurentiis boasts a decades-long career spanning iconic titles including *Rocky V* opposite Sylvester Stallone, *10th and Wolf* with James Marsden, and *Mannequin Two: On the Move* starring Kristy Swanson. *The Fighting Quaker* is helmed by prolific veteran theater director Bryan Rasmussen, who has brought dozens of historical dramas to stages across the country.
For James, the production’s deep ties to actual American history make the opportunity even more meaningful. “It’s such an extreme honor to be part of a project with this level of historical significance,” he said. “It’s fascinating that the producer is a direct descendant of Timothy Matlack. In casual conversations throughout rehearsal, I’ve gotten to hear first-hand family stories about Matlack and his place in American history that you won’t find in any textbook.”
This is not James’ first turn on major theater stages: his previous theatrical credits include a run in *The Lion King* on London’s West End, and he starred as the hero Arjuna in Sadler’s Wells’ celebrated production of *The Mahabharata*. Beyond his upcoming theater work, James remains a busy presence in film and television. He currently guest stars in the sixth season of the hit drama *The Family Business*, which streams on Paramount+, where he plays the ruthless villain Candy — an ambitious underground crime boss who goes head-to-head with Vegas Duncan, portrayed by action star Michael Jai White, and rising character Roman Johnson (Deyshaun Tucker). The standoff between the men serves as a defining turning point in the season, forcing Johnson to prove his loyalty and strength to the Duncan family.
James recalled the fast-paced energy of filming the series, noting how thrilling it was to work opposite Jai White. “We moved really fast from getting the role to stepping on set, which kept everything sharp and exciting,” he said. “Watching Michael Jai White take control of the fight sequences was incredible. It was such a fun challenge to step into the role of his main antagonist. I’ve played my share of lead villains across different projects, so I was more than ready for this one.”
Up next, James will reunite with Hybrid Productions and producer Vivica A. Fox for a featured role in the upcoming film *Wicked Wives*, currently in production working off a working title. This reunion marks another collaboration between James and the production company: he previously served as a series regular on Hybrid’s *Keeping up with the Joneses*, which airs on LMN and streams on Amazon and Apple TV, and starred as the lead villain Kody in the Amazon original film *Cabin Pressure*.
*The Fighting Quaker* will open to audiences at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, on June 4 at 6:00 p.m., kicking off a limited run of the historical drama.