Lance Reddick, known primarily for his roles in The Wire and the John Wick franchises, demonstrated his versatility as an actor through a wide range of projects. Alongside his notable appearances in different genres of film and television, it is fitting to revisit his standout performances, including the dark comedy series Corporate. Reflecting on Lance Reddick's involvement in Corporate and his contributions across various media platforms such as television, film, and video games is imperative, particularly in light of his untimely passing.
What Is Corporate About?
Initially airing in 2018, Corporate is a dark comedy TV series that ran for only 3 seasons over the span of 2 years. It revolves around the experiences of Jake and Matt, two junior executives in the multinational company Hampton DeVille. The show creatively blends realism and comedy, showcasing the absurdities and unrealistic demands of corporate life. With meaningless meetings and a harsh work environment, Jake adopts a cynical perspective while Matt balances between ambition and resignation.
What sets Corporate apart is its ability to humorously shed light on the struggles faced by workers under supervisors and CEOs. It strikes a chord with viewers who can relate to Jake and Matt, as they captivate audiences with a mix of dark humor and lighthearted moments. Although the show was initially canceled, it was eventually renewed for a third season before coming to an end.
What Role Did Lance Reddick Play On Corporate?
Lance Reddick flawlessly portrayed the antagonist, Christian DeVille, in the television series Corporate. Playing the CEO of Hampton DeVille Corporation, Reddick skillfully depicted the egotistical and outrageous behavior commonly associated with such high-powered executives. As the embodiment of a typical CEO, DeVille prioritized the company's profits over the well-being of his employees. Reddick's exceptional performance dominated the screen, asserting his authority over the other workers within the corporation. One particularly memorable scene showcased DeVille entering a meeting during Casual Friday, where he mercilessly mocked an employee named Matt for his unacceptable attire and unattractive toe, ultimately reducing Matt to tears and damaging his self-confidence. These moments highlighted DeVille's uncanny ability to command attention, eliciting genuine laughter from viewers. Reddick flawlessly maintained his character's composed and severe demeanor, building upon his previous portrayal of a manager with similar characteristics in the film Toys R Me. In fact, Reddick even immersed himself in extensive research, studying the psychological behavior of real-world CEOs, such as Reginald Johnson, a notable black billionaire during the 1970s and 1980s, to enhance his nearly impeccable acting.
What Are Lance Reddick's Other Roles?
Lance Reddick's performance in Corporate stands out as one of his finest, although not as widely recognized. His acting career skyrocketed in the early 2000s with his portrayal of Cedric Daniels, the Deputy Police Commissioner in the critically acclaimed series, The Wire. Known for its authentic depiction of law enforcement and crime in Baltimore, The Wire solidified Reddick's talent. He has also made appearances in various popular TV shows such as Fringe, Lost, and Bosch. However, it was his role in American Horror Story where Reddick truly showcased his exceptional versatility as an actor, embodying an unsettling and enigmatic character.
Alongside his television ventures, Lance Reddick gained immense popularity for his roles in Angel Has Fallen and as Charon in the John Wick franchise. Tragically, by the release of John Wick 4, Reddick had passed away, resulting in a poignant homage to the late actor within the film.
Lance Reddick's career extends beyond the realm of Movies and TV Shows, as he has also lent his voice to various characters in video games. In addition, Lance Reddick is a passionate gamer himself, having appeared in popular games like Destiny, Horizon Zero Dawn, Quantum Break, and more.
Interestingly, not everyone may be aware that Lance Reddick is also a highly talented musician. He possesses the ability to play the Violin, compose music, and has even contributed to the soundtracks of several Video Games. While his musical pursuits may not be as widely recognized as his acting career, Lance Reddick is truly a multi-talented individual.