When Starz canceled BMF in October, many fans were caught off guard.
Season 4 of the crime drama ended on a cliffhanger in August 2025, with Detective Bryant (Steve Harris) finally arresting Meech (Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr). But after the show’s cancellation, fans will never find out what happened to Meech or his family. (The real Big Meech spent decades in prison).
Russell Hornsby played family patriarch Charles Flenory. The actor was an original member of the cast and directed some of the episodes. Hornsby addressed the show’s demise Tuesday night, Jan. 27, on the red carpet in Los Angeles.
“The reality of it is that we all have to understand as artists in this business, when you start a project, it’s going to end and you just have to be prepared and ready for that. When it ends, it’s just time to move on,” Hornsby told Urban Hollywood 411 at the premiere of Lifetime’s Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy.
BMF was inspired by the true story of Detroit siblings Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, who in the 1980s created the Black Mafia Family drug empire.
“Lil Meech” played his father alongside Da’Vinchi as Terry Flenory. The main cast included Hornsby, Michole Briana White, Steve Harris, Laila Pruitt, and La La Anthony.
Hornsby’s character Charles struggled to provide for his family and strayed on his wife. Yet on season 4, he started to find his way — by pursuing his dream of being a musician and working for his sons as they expanded into the music industry (to secretly launder money). Hornsby said he’s proud of the work he did on BMF.
“It’s better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all,” he shared. “I had a great time, met some wonderful people. I feel like we did some wonderful work for ourselves, for the community and for the arts. It’s time to move on, and I’m excited about it.”
The actor’s previous credits include the films The Woman in the Yard, Fences, Creed II, The Hate U Give, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, and several TV shows. He’ll next star in Be Happy opposite Tisha Campbell and Mekhi Phifer.
The movie is based on Mary J. Blige’s 1994 hit song by the same name. Hornsby said he was drawn to the story and the music in the film.
“When we’re amongst ourselves, amongst the music, amongst the fellowship, amongst this brotherhood and the sisterhood, I think that’s when we were able to do our best work,” he said. “And I think that audiences will see that, that be happy encapsulates our best work.”
The actor added that he’s always enjoyed Blige’s music.
“It’s just an honor and a privilege to be able to work on a project with Mary J. Blige, who I’ve always been a fan of. She is an icon,” Hornsby said.
Blige serves as an executive producer on the film. Gabourey Sidibe makes her television directorial debut from a script by Cameron J. Ross. Mona Scott-Young produces alongside Bruce Miller, Milana Edwards Brooks, and Angela White.
Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy premieres Saturday, Feb. 7 at 8/7c on Lifetime.
Watch the interview with Hornsby below:
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