Morris Chestnut Excited to Play a 'Fun Character' in His First Leading TV Role on Fox's 'Rosewood'

In just two short months, Morris Chestnut will make his leading primetime debut in FOX’s new medical drama “Rosewood.” The actor — who made us first fall in love as Ricky in “Boyz in the Hood,” then Lance in “The Best Man” — stopped by the 2015 ESSENCE Festival and opened up about his new role as Dr. Beaumont Rosewood, one he said he just couldn’t pass up! 

“This is my first leading role in a TV show, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to play the character,” he said. “In some of my last most recent movies, I’ve been emotional and crying and it’s been tough. I wanted to have a fun character.”

“I think the last time people saw me happy was in “Two Can Play That Game,” he added. “I’m always so emotional.” 

He went on to say the role came to him organically. “I was actually on another TV show within the same production company, and they reached out to me and said they were interested in me playing the part. When I read it, I knew it was something I had to do. Just the opportunity to play the lead character, a doctor who helps solve cases. I just couldn’t pass it up.” 

Chestnut described his character as “a guy who enjoys life. He’s had a couple of near death experiences so he just enjoys every second of his life as if it’s his last.”

“Rosewood” landed FOX’s pre-”Empire” slot at 8pm on Wednesday nights.