According to Essence, actress Erika Alexander reflected on her career and her latest television role while appearing at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, which marked its final year in Park City, Utah.

Alexander participated in a panel at The Impact Lounge, where she discussed her professional journey and her role in NBC’s new comedy series The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins. The series stars Tracy Morgan as a disgraced former football player seeking personal and professional redemption with the help of a documentary crew.

In the show, Alexander plays Monica Reese-Dinkins, Reggie’s ex-wife, business manager, and agent. She described the character as a central figure who stabilizes the former athlete’s life and career, emphasizing Monica’s role as a skilled sports agent operating in male-dominated environments.

Alexander said she was drawn to the project by the creative team behind it, including Tina Fey, Robert Carlock, and Sam Means, as well as the opportunity to work alongside Morgan. She also noted the strength of the ensemble cast, which includes Bobby Moynihan and Daniel Radcliffe.

The series premiered last month following an NFL playoff broadcast and attracted millions of viewers.

Alexander attributed the show’s early success to its blend of humor and emotional depth, as well as Morgan’s unpredictable comedic energy.

While Alexander’s career spans decades and includes roles in The Cosby Show, Get Out, Insecure, and American Fiction, she remains widely recognized for portraying attorney Maxine Shaw on the sitcom Living Single. The character’s cultural impact, often referred to as the “Maxine Shaw Effect,” has been cited by many Black women as influencing their pursuit of careers in law and leadership.

Alexander said she views that legacy with humility and sees it as a responsibility to help create opportunities for future generations. She added that her current project choices are guided by purpose and the desire to portray strong, multidimensional women on screen.

Source: Essence