Preview Trailer #2

Visit the Original Interview

There are actors who are fans of basketball and then there are actors who have fans in basketball. Put Michael Kenneth Williams in the latter category. His portrayal of stick-up man Omar Little in the HBO series The Wire, set in Baltimore's inner city, has earned him a legion of NBA admirers. He will soon be seen in the new NBC series The Philanthropist, playing right-hand man to the title character. Williams also has five films scheduled for released this year, including Brooklyn's Finest and The Road. Just because he's busy doesn't mean he doesn't have time to check out some hardwood action. So players, pass some tickets his way.

You have some very big fans among NBA players. Have you ever encountered any of them face to face?
I throw the love right back at them. I'm real good friends with Carmelo Anthony. He's like my little brother. I've hung out a few times with Kevin Garnett. I'm real close with these brothers.

Read the rest in the PRESS Section.

© 2009 NBC Universal, Inc.

Series Premiere Wednesday, June 24th 10/9c

"The Philanthropist" chronicles the heroic adventures of a billionaire playboy turned vigilante philanthropist. James Purefoy ("Rome") stars as Teddy Rist, a successful and impulsive tycoon who decides to channel his passion, power and money into helping those in need.

Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world's first vigilante philanthropist -- a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth and connections to help people in need. Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he's dodging bullets in third world countries to hand deliver vaccines. It's an inspiring global adventure that will take you to the ends of the earth.

Rist's actions are not just about helping others -- he is purging his soul to help exorcise the inner demons that have been festering ever since his young son died and he lost everything he truly loved. The danger and risk to his life is the only way he can feel genuinely alive and he'll do anything in order to achieve his goals.

A man who has everything but can feel nothing, Rist keeps his adrenaline pumping by putting his business head and money-making skills to good use through bargaining with the self-righteous, making deals with drug barons, and trading with the nefarious.

"The Philanthropist" boasts a heady cast of established and up-and-coming talent. Purefoy takes on the lead role of Teddy Rist, Jesse L. Martin ("Law & Order") plays Teddy's business partner and friend Philip Maidstone, and Neve Campbell ("Burn Up") plays Philip's wife Olivia.

Purefoy, Martin and Campbell are supported by a tremendous lineup of names from both sides of the Atlantic including Lindy Booth ("The 4400"), Michael Kenneth Williams ("The Wire"), Krista Allen ("The Starter Wife") and newcomer James Albrecht.

From Universal Media Studios, "The Philanthropist" is a Carnival Films production in association with The Levinson/Fontana Company and Original Media. Tom Fontana, Barry Levinson, Peter Horton, Charlie Corwin, Gareth Neame and Teri Weinberg serve as executive producers.