Jesse L. Martin Returning To NBC For Philanthropist

Jesse L. Martin is returning to NBC with a role in The Philanthropist. Martin is in negotiations to co-star on the midseason drama series opposite James Purefoy. The Philanthropist centers on Teddy Rist (Purefoy), a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need around the world. Martin would play Philip Maidstone, Teddy’s business partner and lifelong friend. Production on the series – whose original 13-episode order has been reduced, as it is not expected to launch until spring – is slated to begin shortly.