You know that feeling when you see an actor on screen and you instantly think, "Oh, that’s the guy from that one show!"? For most people, Tequan Richmond is exactly that. He is the "cool brother" from Everybody Hates Chris. Honestly, it’s a bit of a blessing and a curse. While playing Drew Rock made him a household name before he was even twenty, it also boxed him into a specific image that he’s spent the last decade trying to dismantle.
Tequan isn't just a sitcom kid. He’s a producer. He’s a Daytime Emmy nominee. He’s even played a real-life sniper. If you only know him for being better at basketball than Chris Rock, you're missing out on some of the most intense, underrated performances in modern TV and film.
The Evolution of Tequan Richmond Movies and Shows
Most actors start with a small guest spot and hope for the best. Tequan? He started with Ray. Imagine being twelve years old and playing Ray Charles Jr. opposite Jamie Foxx in an Oscar-winning biopic. That was his introduction to the world. It’s a small role, sure, but it set the tone. He wasn't just doing commercials for toys; he was in the room with heavyweights.
Then came the life-changer. Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009).
Here’s a fun bit of trivia: the role of Drew didn't even exist in the original plan. Chris Rock actually told Tequan that he was "never that cool" as a kid, so they basically created the character based on Chris's real brother, Tony Rock. Tequan played Drew with this effortless, suave energy that made him the perfect foil to Tyler James Williams’ awkwardness. But when the show ended in 2009, he had a choice: keep doing "cool teen" roles or pivot.
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The General Hospital Era (2012–2018)
Soap operas are a grind. You’re filming a massive amount of dialogue every single day, and if you can’t keep up, you’re out. Tequan joined the cast of General Hospital as TJ Ashford in 2012, and he stayed for six years.
He didn't just coast, either. He racked up three Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series. Think about that for a second. Coming from a sitcom background and transitioning into the high-stakes, high-drama world of Port Charles isn't easy, but he made it look like a breeze. He eventually left the show in 2018 (handing the torch to Tajh Bellow), but those years proved he had the stamina for serious, long-form storytelling.
The Role That Changed Everything: Blue Caprice
If you want to talk about Tequan Richmond movies and shows that actually define his talent, you have to talk about Blue Caprice (2013). This isn't a "fun" movie. It’s a chilling, slow-burn psychological thriller about the Beltway snipers.
Tequan plays Lee Boyd Malvo.
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He went from the charming Drew Rock to a brainwashed, cold-blooded shooter. To prepare, he lived alone in the Lower East Side of New York, walking the streets at 4:00 AM to soak in the isolation and "nocturnal" energy of the character. Critics at Sundance were floored. It was a massive departure that earned him Black Reel Award nominations and proved he could carry a dark, lead role.
Why Boomerang Was a Culture Moment
After a few years of smaller indie projects and a stint on the Hulu series All Night, Tequan landed the lead in BET’s Boomerang (2019–2020). Executive produced by Lena Waithe and Halle Berry, this wasn't a remake of the 1992 film—it was a sequel following the next generation.
Tequan played Bryson Broyer, the son of Jacqueline Broyer (Robin Givens' character). The show was stylish, dealt with modern Black dating culture, and allowed him to play a vulnerable, ambitious professional. It was grown-up. It was sleek. And honestly, it’s one of the best looks at Black millennial life that we’ve had in recent years.
A Quick Snapshot of the Filmography
I’m not going to give you a boring table. Instead, let's look at the variety of what he’s actually done:
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- The Early Years: Guest spots on ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and The Shield. This was his training ground.
- The Horror Phase: He starred in Thriller (2018) as Andre Dixon and The Unsettling (2018). He’s clearly got a thing for the genre.
- The Indie Producer: In Nowhere, Michigan (2017), he didn't just act—he was a first-time producer. He’s trying to get behind the camera as much as he is in front of it.
- The Holiday Pivot: Most recently, you might have caught him in Brewster’s Millions: Christmas (2024), playing Big Ty.
What's Next for Tequan in 2026?
As of 2026, Tequan is in a bit of a "rebranding" phase. After signing with Eris Talent Agency, he’s been vocal about wanting roles that push boundaries. He’s 33 now. He’s not the kid from Brooklyn anymore.
There are rumors and "in-development" talks about him returning to the House Party franchise (he was in House Party: Tonight's the Night back in 2013), but his real focus seems to be on gritty dramas. He’s also been using his platform to talk about mental health advocacy, which is a far cry from the "too cool for school" image he started with.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re looking to dive back into his work, don't just rewatch Everybody Hates Chris. Here is how you should actually approach his filmography:
- Watch Blue Caprice first. It will completely change how you view his acting range. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s his best work.
- Binge Boomerang. If you like shows like Insecure or Atlanta, this is right up your alley. It’s only two seasons, so it’s an easy weekend watch.
- Check out his indie work. Nowhere, Michigan shows a side of him that isn't polished by big network budgets.
Tequan Richmond is one of those actors who has been around forever but still feels like he’s just getting started. He’s survived the "child star" curse by being incredibly picky about his roles—sometimes even turning down big paychecks if the script didn't feel right. That’s rare in Hollywood. Whether he’s playing a soap opera heartthrob or a complex killer, he’s always more than what you expect.