Today, we’d like to introduce you to Robert Christopher Riley. Robert Christopher was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Salim Mekhmoukh.
Robert Christopher, thank you so much for joining us today. We’d love for you to bring our readers up to speed – can you introduce yourself and share your story?
Robert C. Riley stars as Michael Culhane, the former Carrington driver now turned billionaire businessman, in The CW’s hit series “Dynasty.” Ready to make positive change in the world and promote Black excellence, Culhane is never afraid to take a stand against the bad guy, even if the bad guy happens to be a Carrington.
Riley hails from the Flatbush section of Brooklyn (NY), but has deep Caribbean roots, as he was raised by his Trinidadian mother and grandmother while having a father from Barbados.
Riley graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in1998 where he earned a Regents diploma before attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA., for his B.A. in Theatre. In 2021 Robert was honored to be asked to provide narration for the 2021 Documentary Film “Bonded In Blue” about his alma mater’s athletic program The Adam J. Cirillo Scholarship Program produced by award winning producer Rick Turnbull.
While completing his degree, in 2006, Riley was cast in several independent films as well as numerous commercials and print ads. In winter 2006, all of Riley’s challenging work began to pay off. He landed a role in August Wilson’s 6-month tour of “Fences” (Hartford/Dallas/Portland). After appearing in this production, in 2007, he was cast as Jeremy in a second August Wilson production, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at Baltimore Center Stage.
In 2008, Riley made his Broadway debut in the production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” opposite James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Terrance Howard and Anika Noni Rose, directed by Debbie Allen, receiving nightly standing ovations. He returned to Broadway opposite Judith Light in with the original cast of “Lombardi” directed by Thomas Kail. Other theatre credits include productions at Primary Stages, NYC and the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA.
After Lombardi, Riley relocated to Los Angeles, where he made an easy transition from stage to television and film. He landed roles on VH1’s “Single Ladies,” Tyler Perry’s “For Better or Worse,” and as a series regular on the VH1 mega success series “Hit The Floor.” Other television appearances include “Elementary,” “Underground,” “Greenleaf,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Royal Pains,” “Damages” and “White Collar.”
Film credits include “The Perfect Match” with Terrance J and Paula Patton, “The Bourne Legacy” with Matt Damon, “Sinister,” “The Adventures of Sweet Yellow,” “Destined” with Corey Hardrict, Jesse Metcalfe and Hill Harper, and “Bad Dad Rehab” with Malik Yoba, Wesley Jonathan, Rick Gonzalez and Robert Richard.
Riley has directed several music videos for One’s recording artist Demetria McKinney and produced a docu-series with his own production company, Hollywood Massive, showing his travels to different islands and cities covering culture, carnivals, and major festivals, with the aim of raising cultural awareness throughout the globe. He recently created a hot sauce called “Back Home Peppa Sauce” that is just as sweet as the people and as hot as the sun of the Caribbean.
And finally, having played football from youth to college and having portrayed numerous current/former athletes in his acting career, Robert is serious about health and fitness. He and his wife grow their own vegetables, including various breeds of peppers. He also has an extensive home
Alright, so we’d love to learn more about your acting career. What should we know?
Most of that is in my extensive bio on the last page. I’m most proud of the 108 episodes of Dynasty and having acted alongside legends such as. James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Judith Light, and Giancarlo Esposito. What I love most about acting is putting smiles on peoples’ faces, and providing an escape/distraction from the challenges of everyday life
So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Salim Mekhmoukh and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Salim.
Salim is one of the most honest and genuine people that I’ve met. He optimizes his time and relationships and is someone that I trust. When he first told me about his energy drink MADO (www.mado-energy.com), I was already game to try it. When I did……..WOW! It’s delicious, good for you, and, and it WORKS. I’m constantly on the go. I have only been home for a month of 2023. Luckily with a checked bag, I can bring MADO with me or have it shipped to whatever city I’m in.
Instagram: @robrileynyc
Linkedin: Robert Christopher Riley (probably not up to date, pretty useless in my lines of work)
Twitter: @robrileynyc
Youtube: You can search “Rob PeppaSauce Riley” and see some music videos.
Other: BackHomePeppaSauce.com currently under construction but live
Image Credits
Photos by Natalie VH1 Qasim Clarke Maco Magazine (Trinidad & Tobago) The CW Network
