Premiering April 13, 2025 on MGM+, Godfather of Harlem returns for its highly anticipated fourth season, continuing the gripping saga of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson’s reign over Harlem’s criminal landscape. This critically acclaimed series masterfully blends historical drama with organized crime intrigue, set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s civil rights movement. Forest Whitaker reprises his Emmy-worthy role as Bumpy, the real-life crime boss who must navigate increasingly dangerous alliances and betrayals while Harlem itself stands on the brink of revolution.
Season 4 promises to raise the stakes with more intense power struggles, shocking betrayals, and the series’ signature blend of factual history and dramatic fiction. As Bumpy battles Vincent “The Chin” Gigante’s mafia family and new threats emerging from within his own organization, the season will also delve deeper into Harlem’s cultural and political transformation. With its stellar ensemble cast and gritty, authentic portrayal of 1960s New York, Godfather of Harlem continues to be one of television’s most compelling crime dramas.
Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Cast
1: Forest Whitaker as Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson
Born: July 15, 1961 in Longview, Texas
Notable Works: The Last King of Scotland (2006), The Butler (2013), Arrival (2016)
Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker reprises his Emmy-nominated role as Bumpy Johnson, the real-life Harlem crime boss who ruled the neighborhood’s underworld in the 1960s. Whitaker’s powerful portrayal captures Bumpy’s intelligence, ruthlessness, and surprising compassion. The actor brings decades of experience from films like The Last King of Scotland (for which he won the Best Actor Oscar) and Bird (for which he won Best Actor at Cannes).
Whitaker’s television work includes memorable roles in The Shield and Empire. His ability to convey complex emotions makes Bumpy one of television’s most compelling antiheroes. For Season 4, Whitaker has hinted at exploring Bumpy’s relationships with Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders, adding historical depth to the crime drama.
2: Vincent D’Onofrio as Vincent “Chin” Gigante
Born: June 30, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York
Notable Works: Full Metal Jacket (1987), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011), Daredevil (2015-2018)
Vincent D’Onofrio returns as the eccentric but dangerous Genovese crime family boss Vincent Gigante. Known for his complete immersion in roles, D’Onofrio famously gained 70 pounds for Full Metal Jacket and developed Gigante’s signature “crazy” act based on the real mobster’s behavior. His performance has been praised for its unsettling authenticity.
The actor’s extensive career spans acclaimed films (Men in Black, The Cell) and television hits (Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil). D’Onofrio’s portrayal of Gigante provides the perfect foil to Whitaker’s Bumpy, with their rivalry forming the core conflict of the series. Season 4 promises even more intense confrontations between these two powerhouse performers.
3: Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Johnson
Born: December 1, 1985 in New York City
Notable Works: Baywatch (2017), She’s Gotta Have It (2017-2019), Billions (2020-2023)
Ilfenesh Hadera continues her standout performance as Mayme Johnson, Bumpy’s strong-willed wife. Hadera brings warmth and strength to the role, portraying a woman who must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime while maintaining her family. The actress gained recognition for her role in Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It series before joining Godfather of Harlem.
Hadera’s film work includes Baywatch and Old Boy, while her TV credits span Billions and Master of None. Her chemistry with Whitaker provides the emotional core of the series, and Season 4 will reportedly explore Mayme’s growing involvement in her husband’s business affairs.
4: Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Elise Johnson
Born: 1993 in Los Angeles, California
Notable Works: The First Purge (2018), Them (2021), The Good Lord Bird (2020)
Antoinette Crowe-Legacy returns as Elise Johnson, Bumpy and Mayme’s daughter who is coming into her own in Harlem’s turbulent environment. The young actress made her mark in horror films before transitioning to dramatic roles, including Showtime’s The Good Lord Bird opposite Ethan Hawke.
Crowe-Legacy’s performance captures the conflict of a young woman torn between family loyalty and her own ambitions. Season 4 will reportedly feature Elise taking a more active role in her father’s affairs, allowing the actress to showcase new dimensions of her talent.
5: Erik LaRay Harvey as Del Chance
Born: August 17, 1979 in Long Branch, New Jersey
Notable Works: Luke Cage (2016-2018), Boardwalk Empire (2013), The Blacklist (2017)
Erik LaRay Harvey brings intensity to the role of Del Chance, Bumpy’s right-hand man. The actor is no stranger to crime dramas, having appeared in Boardwalk Empire and Luke Cage. His portrayal of Del balances loyalty and ambition, creating one of the series’ most complex characters.
Harvey’s extensive theater background informs his nuanced performance. Season 4 will test Del’s allegiance as new threats emerge in Harlem, promising some of Harvey’s most powerful scenes yet.
6: Lucy Fry as Stella Gigante
Born: March 13, 1992 in Brisbane, Australia
Notable Works: Bright (2017), The Preppie Connection (2015), Wolf Creek (2016-2017)
Australian actress Lucy Fry returns as Stella Gigante, daughter of Vincent Gigante. Fry brings a fascinating duality to the role, portraying Stella’s transformation from mafia princess to formidable player in her own right. Her performance adds an intriguing gender dynamic to the male-dominated crime world.
Fry’s international background includes roles in Netflix’s Bright and Australian productions like Wolf Creek. Season 4 will reportedly feature Stella taking a more active role in her father’s organization, allowing Fry to showcase new aspects of her character.
7: Michael Raymond-James as Joe Colombo
Born: December 24, 1977 in Detroit, Michigan
Notable Works: True Blood (2008-2012), Terriers (2010), Once Upon a Time (2011-2018)
Michael Raymond-James portrays rising mobster Joe Colombo, bringing his signature intensity to the role. The actor is known for playing complex characters in shows like True Blood and Terriers. His portrayal of Colombo captures the ambitious young gangster’s hunger for power.
Raymond-James’ extensive television experience informs his nuanced performance. Season 4 will reportedly feature Colombo’s growing influence, setting up dramatic confrontations with both Bumpy and Gigante.
Complete Cast List with Key Credits:
- Grace Porter as Betty Shabazz (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
- Markuann Smith as Junie Byrd (Power)
- Maurice Jones as Captain Omar (The Deuce)
- Arthur J. Nascarella as Carlo Gambino (The Sopranos)
- Bo Dietl as Thomas Lucchese (The Irishman consultant turned actor)
Why Season 4 Matters:
This season reportedly delves deeper into the intersection of organized crime and the civil rights movement, with Bumpy navigating relationships with historical figures like Malcolm X. The production continues to film on location in Harlem, maintaining its authentic 1960s atmosphere.
