Just a few weeks ago, Soap Hub reported about Rome Flynn’s sudden exit from the NBC hit drama Chicago Fire after six episodes. Now comes word that the actor is bouncing back quickly. The Bold and the Beautiful alum has joined the MGM+ series Godfather of Harlem in a recurring role.

Gangster’s Paradise

Rome Flynn is set to join the fourth season of MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem. The mob drama stars Oscar winner Forest Whitaker as real-life gangster Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson.

Look for Flynn also to embody the persona of a real-life gangster. He’ll play Frank Lucas, a country boy from North Carolina who ends up in Harlem. Of course, he initially runs into trouble with Bumpy Johnson. After a rough start, he eventually becomes one of Johnson’s fiercest defenders and right-hand man.

To put it into context, apparently, Denzel Washington played the same role in the 2007 movie American Gangster. But Flynn will step into this version of Frank Lucas ten years earlier than was depicted in that film.

I’m filled with gratitude,” Flynn excitedly shared in a release about his new role. “Thrilled to be a part of the Godfather of Harlem universe and breathe new life into the legend of Frank Lucas.” The Daytime Emmy winner is also excited to work with Whitaker. “Working opposite him, being led by the brilliant creator Chris Brancato, is truly a gift. An actor’s dream.”

“When I saw Rome’s audition, I immediately knew we’d found our man,” Brancato noted in the statement. “Equal parts charming and ruthless, savvy and suave. Rome is a wonderful actor who can go toe-to-toe with Forest Whitaker and our other great performers.”

Flynn posted a Deadline article announcing the news on his Instagram account, saying, “open up my window again…grateful
szn 4 otw, 📰 #godfatherofharlem #franklucas.”

There is no word yet on when Godfather of Harlem will return to MGM+ with new episodes. But the new season sounds bloody, political, and potentially devastating. In addition to the arrival of Black gangster Frank Lucas, Bumpy continues his war for control of Harlem and deals with life after Malcolm X’s tragic death. Plus, he’ll face his daughter’s involvement with the Black Panthers.

In addition to Godfather of Harlem and Chicago Fire, Flynn’s recent credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Prime Video’s With Love, and Netflix’s Raising Dion.