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    “Bob Hearts Abishola” Marks Series Creator Lorre’s Take On Immigrant Life In U.S.

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments6932 Views
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    Chuck Lorre, executive producer of the CBS series "Bob Hearts Abishola," wears a hat with initials that he said stand for "Immigrants Make America Great" during a panel discussion on the show at the Summer 2019 Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

    By Beth Harris

    BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) --

    Chuck Lorre is bringing his take on immigrant life in America to CBS, and claims it has nothing to do with President Donald Trump's hardline stance on the crisis at the southern U.S. border.

    The creator of such hits as "The Big Bang Theory" and "Young Sheldon" told a TV critics meeting Thursday that "Bob Hearts Abishola" is about the greatness of first-generation immigrants and the hard work and focus they bring to their new lives in America.

    "I have no idea what the reaction might be. I hope it's what's in our heart," Lorre said. "We're all immigrants or grandchildren of immigrants or greatgrandchildren of immigrants. It's not a political show in that sense. It's about people."

    Lorre pulled a yellow baseball cap with the black letters IMAG out of a plastic grocery bag, explaining it stood for Immigrants Make America Great as he donned it.

    He said the show is about people he's known who have come to America.

    "I've always thought that is a great story," he said.

    On the surface, the show resembles a romantic comedy in the vein of Lorre's hit "Mike & Molly," which co-starred Billy Gardell, who plays one of the title characters in the show debuting Sept. 23.

    But Lorre said the romance is merely a way to get into the story of Bob, a middle-aged compression sock salesman from Detroit, who falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack.

    "I don't think he cares where she's from," Gardell said. "He just thinks there's a moment of safety after a moment of danger."

    Folake Olowofoyeku (fola-ke-olo-wo-foy-e-ku), a Nigeria native, plays Abishola. Producer Gina Yashere, a Brit whose parents are Nigerian, was brought in to help Lorre and fellow executive producer Al Higgins with authenticity.

    Yashere quickly asked the name of the nurse. Higgins said they were thinking Lupita, inspired by actress Lupita Nyong'o.

    Yashere pointed out Nyong'o was born in Mexico and grew up in Kenya. She gave Lorre and Higgins a list of Nigerian names and they chose Abishola, which she said means to guide.

    "Not too complicated for the American palate once you get used to it," Yashere said.

    Category:News
    Tags:Billy GardellBob Hearts AbisholaChuck Lorre



    Review: Director Ben Taylor’s “Joy”

    Thursday, November 21, 2024

    Toward the end of Netflix's "Joy," the muffled cry of a newborn baby prompts a man and woman in a hospital to embrace out of pure bliss. They aren't the parents, but they had as much to do with the birth as the mom and dad.

    This charming and winning movie charts the decade-long true story of how the world's first IVF baby was born in England in 1978 — a 5-pound, 12-ounce girl who paved the way for millions more. It's an upbeat, very English affair, mixing sober discussion of endometriosis with chocolate biscuits.

    The couple embracing that day were pioneering scientist Robert Edwards and Jean Purdy, a young nurse and embryologist. Together with surgeon Patrick Steptoe, the trio succeeded with in vitro fertilization, a method of treating infertility. Edwards would go on to win the Nobel Prize.

    "Joy" has been birthed at a time when science is under threat in America — even IVF — so it's downright inspiring to see plucky, smart scientists working hard to change the world. "What we're doing, it matters," says Steptoe, played with quiet economy by Bill Nighy.

    "Joy" is the personal stories of the three scientists — mostly through the eyes of Purdy, a polite lab-coated warrior. "If I hear a commotion, I'm not very good at staying out of it," she says. Perfectly played by Thomasin McKenzie, Purdy is both vulnerable and strong, learning through the process to be a better human. James Norton plays Edwards with charm, self-doubt and calm spirit.

    Jack Thorne's script nicely explains the massive pressure the trio faced. IVF may have become common and uncontroversial over the last decades, but back in the late '70s it was experimental and shunned. The Anglican church called it a sin, the newspapers labeled it Frankenstein-ish and other... Read More

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