The UB Interview: Ruben Santiago-Hudson Talks ‘East New York’

In the new CBS series “East New York” that premiered Sunday, October 2nd, Amanda Warren stars as Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood, a newly promoted boss of the 74th Precinct in East New York – a working-class neighborhood on the edge of Brooklyn in the midst of social upheaval and the early seeds of gentrification.

With family ties to the area, she’s determined to deploy creative methods to protect her beloved community with the help of her officers and detectives.

Her team includes her mentor, shrewd veteran two-star Chief John Suarez, and Marvin Sandeford, played by veteran actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson, a highly respected training officer and expert on the neighborhood; Tommy Killian, a detective with some old-school approaches to policing; Capt. Stan Yenko, Haywood’s gregarious and efficient right hand; Crystal Morales, an intuitive detective who can’t be intimidated; Andre Bentley, a trainee from an upper middle-class background; and ambitious patrol officer Brandy Quinlan, the sole volunteer to live in a local housing project as part of her plan to bridge the gap between police and community.

Regina Haywood has a vision: she and the squad of the 74th Precinct will not only serve their community – they’ll also become part of it!

On tonight‘s episode entitled “By the Book,” When a dancer is found on the New York City subway tracks, Killian and Morales’ investigation into her mysterious death challenges their tried-and-true detective work. Also, the grand opening of Goody’s is put in jeopardy and Quinlan and Bentley’s relationship hits a speedbump.

“East New York” airs Tonight at 8-9 PM, ET/PT on the CBS.

In a career that spans more than four decades, Ruben Santiago-Hudson has made an indelible mark as an actor, writer, director and producer. He received a Tony Award for his performance in August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars,” and in 2021, he starred in, wrote and directed the critically acclaimed play “Lackawanna Blues” on Broadway. Previously, he directed Phylicia Rashad on Broadway in Dominique Morisseau’s “Skeleton Crew” and helmed August Wilson’s “Jitney,” which garnered the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Ruben made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in the classic “Jelly’s Last Jam.”

In 2020, Ruben adapted August Wilson’s play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” for the screen. Produced by Denzel Washington and directed by George C. Wolfe, the film starred Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.

On East New York, Ruben plays veteran beat cop and training officer Marvin Sandeford, who knows East New York like the back of his hand. He knows what’s going down where—and the rare times he doesn’t, he knows who to lean on to find out. Old-school in his approach to policing and somewhat skeptical of his new boss’s plans for change. He is loyal to the law and the badge, but willing to buck the brass to defend fellow officers, particularly younger ones facing injustice within the department.

Aries from UB spoke to the OG Ruben Santiago-Hudson, about the new series “East New York” and what makes it different from other cop shows? Ruben shares with UB, why this role has been his most enjoyable and why performing on stage is rewarding.

Plus the veteran actor and tells us about his ideal role and shares some news on some of his exciting upcoming projects.