BET Networks Taps Blair Underwood To Narrate New Original Series Exalted

NEW YORK — Actor, producer, author, and director Blair Underwood joins BET as narrator of EXALTED;  a ground-breaking, new, weekly series that explores the lives of African American ministers.  From pornography addiction, philandering, financial indiscretions, and domestic abuse, to being politically ostracized – EXALTED  presents viewers with a unique perspective into these minister’s daily struggles.  Airing Tuesday nights at 9:00p.m. ET/PT, EXALTED spotlights a unique minister each week and follows them as they prepare their sermons, lead their congregation, perform weekly ministerial duties and live their everyday lives. 

Underwood has distinguished himself as an award-winning actor who is currently showcasing his multitude of talents in film, literature, television and theatre.  In October 2006, Underwood portrayed the voice of "Jesus" in the highly anticipated audio version of the Bible, aptly titled, "The Bible Experience".    Underwood is especially close to this particular EXALTED project as he is also a member of the Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, California under the leadership of Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer’s church who is EXALTED’s next featured minister, premiering October 16, 2007 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT.  

Underwood is involved in numerous charitable organizations.  His dedicated support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association won him the 1993 Humanitarian Award, presented by the Los Angeles Chapter of MDA.  In 2003, Underwood along with Ashley Judd, served as the spokesperson for YouthAIDS and in 2004 he appeared in a public service announcement for The Fulfillment Fund.  He is also co-founder of Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA).  Founded in 1989 with Alfre Woodard, Danny Glover, Mary Steenburgen, CCH Pounder and other friends in the arts and entertainment community. ANSA supports a democratic South Africa with equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. 

EXALTED debuted on BET Networks Tuesday, October 2, 2007.  The premiere episode which profiled Prophetess Juanita Bynum was viewed by 1 million total viewers, according to Nielsen Research.  This week, EXALTED profiled the life of Reverend Eugene F. Rivers of Azusa Christian Community located in Dorchester, Massachusetts.   Rivers comes from less than glamorous beginnings.  As the eldest son of a single mother, who worked late nights as an R.N., she reluctantly left Rivers and his siblings to the wiles of the Philly streets.  Rivers’ initial involvement with gangs began at a fairly young age with his head in a toilet—literally.