The Wire Cast: Where Are They Now?
18. Frankie Faison
Commissioner Ervin Burrell is the corporate face of the Baltimore police department, a man who believes he plays the game better than anyone, until he ultimately falls out of favour. The hugely charismatic Frankie Faison ultimately elicits some sympathy for this largely unpleasant man, even as he serves as a quasi-villain.
Faison was known for his role in the Hannibal Lecter franchise pre-Wire, but has stayed mostly clear of the big screen since the HBO show wrapped, his most prominent picture being the unsuccessful Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant .
On TV, though, he has been as busy as ever. He spent four years in a recurring role on soap One Life to Live, and has appeared in guest spots on all the glossy network shows: Elementary, The Good Wife, Lie To Me, Grey’s Anatomy.
His best role, however, has been Sugar Bates on Cinemax’s criminally underrated blood and guts thriller Banshee. As the retired boxer and ex-con he perfectly encapsulates the show’s wild sense of fun and daring.