Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel, Trace Adkins starring in Fox’s ‘Monarch’ country dynasty series
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon is taking on her first lead role in a TV series on Fox’s mid-season drama “Monarch,” which is going to be shot in metro Atlanta.
According to Variety, Sarandon plays Dottie Cantrell Roman, considered a doyenne of country music. But there are lies and deceit underlying the facade of glory. Her heir to the crown Nicolette “Nicky” Roman, played by Anna Friel, will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy, while ensuring her own quest for stardom.
Adkins, a popular country singer who also won “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2013, will play “Texas Truthteller” and reigning king of country music Albie Roman, Dottie’s husband. Among Adkins’ biggest country hits over the years include “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Hillbilly Bone.”
“Monarch” is scheduled to debut midseason on Fox Jan. 30 after the NFC Championship game.
Sarandon’s film career features an Oscar-winning turn in “Dead Man Walking” as well as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Thelma & Louise” and “Atlantic City.” She’s had TV roles in “Feud: Bette and Joan,” “Ray Donovan,” and the HBO film “You Don’t Know Jack.”
Friel was recently the lead in the Kelsey Grammer period drama “Charming the Hearts of Men” directed and written by Atlanta restaurateur Susan DeRose.
About the Author
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
