Scandal-Plagued Democrat Senator Attempts Comeback As An Actor
Former Minnesota Democratic Senator Al Franken has made a surprising shift back into the limelight, but this time not through the corridors of power, but on the sets of Netflix’s upcoming comedy series, “The Residence.”
Under the guidance of television titan Shonda Rhimes, the series aims to blend humor with the intrigue of a murder mystery set within the White House. Franken, who left the political stage amidst a storm of sexual misconduct allegations in 2017, is set to take on the role of Aaron Filkins, a senior senator from Washington state, according to Deadline.
Giancarlo Esposito Takes On Andre Braugher’s Role In Netflix’s ‘The Residence’, Al Franken As Senator Among Other Cast Additions https://t.co/AcqqRn2pyO pic.twitter.com/103n8lduyi
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 7, 2024
With a dead body discovered and 157 suspects at a state dinner, the series hopes to offer a glimpse into the political and personal dynamics within the White House. As production gears up, audiences eagerly anticipate the series’ debut, expected no earlier than 2025.
Franken’s journey into the entertainment world began when he joined the writing team of “Saturday Night Live” during its inception in 1975, alongside his writing partner Tom Davis. At SNL, Franken quickly made his mark, contributing to the show’s comedic voice and appearing in various sketches, earning several Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing.
Beyond his stint at SNL, Franken explored writing, acting in movies, and hosting a talk show on Air America Radio, showcasing his versatility. Transitioning from entertainment to politics, Franken ran for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota, eventually being sworn in after a highly contested election.
However, his political career faced a turning point in 2017 with allegations of sexual misconduct surfacing. Amidst mounting pressure, Franken announced his resignation from the Senate in December 2017, marking the end of his political career.