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Alex Morris Reflects On Starring In Riverbend, Talks New Restoration
Image Credit: Reelblack Renaissance
The 411 Interview: Alex Morris
Alex Morris is an actor that has been working in both television and movies, according to his IMDb page, since at least 1989. Morris has appeared in such TV shows as 13 East (1990), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993-1995), Sons of Thunder (1999), The District (2003), Malcolm in the Middle (2002-2006), and Baskets (2017-2019), and such movies as Night Game (1989), I Come in Peace (1990), The Evening Star (1996), Guess Who (2005), Diary of a Tired Black Man (2008), and Born & Raised (2012), among others. Morris’ first movie, the thought lost 1989 action-drama Riverbend starring Steve James and Margaret Avery and directed by Sam Firstenberg, was recently restored by Michael Dennis’ Reelblack and is set to be screened at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, California on October 14th, 2025, with other dates in other cities to follow. In this interview, Morris talks with this writer about making Riverbend, working with both star Steve James and director Sam Firstenberg on Riverbend, his career in show business, and more.
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Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved in Riverbend?
Alex Morris: I auditioned like everyone else. At the time it was the biggest Black Movie shot in Texas. Every Black actor around wanted to be a part of this film.
BK: How did you approach your character Lt. Butch Turner?
AM: This was my very first movie so my approach was to read and connect with Sam Vance’s script and to watch and learn as much as i could from everyone.
BK: Describe your working relationship with Riverbend director Sam Firstenberg.
AM: I was familiar with Sam’s work from the American Ninja movies and since this was my first movie, I felt like my job was to listen, know my lines, hit my marks, and be prepared to do the best work I could do.
BK: What was it like working with Steve James, who plays Major Samuel Quentin?
AM: Working with Steve James was a Godsend! Of course, I was a fan before we met, but Steve was Sam Quentin. He was a natural leader, and just a good man. We remained friends after up until his passing.
BK: What was it like working with Julius Tennon, who plays Sgt. Tony Marx?
AM: I first met Julius while working on Riverbend and he was a big help in showing a “green actor” the ropes. To this day we are the best of friends. And despite his incredible success, he has remained my friend and brother. Just an outstanding individual.
BK: What was the hardest part of making Riverbend for you as an actor? What was the easiest?
AM: The hardest part was learning on the fly and trying not to look like a rank amateur. The easiest was working with Steve James, Julius Tennon, Margret Avery, and Sam Firstenberg. The entire experience changed my life and career.
BK: Do you have a favorite scene in Riverbend?
AM: My favorite scene was the introduction of the three of us as soldiers. Steve James was in his “superhero” mode. It still brings a jolt to my heart whenever I watch it.
BK: Is it appropriate to call Riverbend an action movie or is it more appropriate to call it a drama?
AM: Good question. The simple answer is it’s an “action-drama.”
BK: Are you surprised by the interest in, and then the restoration of, Riverbend?
AM: Extremely surprised. It’s one of the things I love about this line of work. It never ceases to surprise me.
BK: How did you get involved in the critically acclaimed TV show Baskets (2016-2019)? What was it like working with Louie Anderson and Zach Galifianakis?
AM: I auditioned. Baskets was pure joy. Louie and I became great friends. Zach and I have remained in touch. Fun fact, in my 40 year or so career, I’ve only had one on screen kiss, and it was with Louie Anderson!
BK: What was it like working on the sci-fi action flick I Come in Peace (1990)?
AM: It was a lot of fun. It was my first on camera death scene. It was a glorious death! LOL
BK: You’ve worked in both television and movies in your career. Do you have a preference for television or movies, is it all about the material?
AM: I love to work. I have no real preference between the two, although my true and first love is the theater.
BK: How has show business changed since you started acting?
AM: Oh God, another great question! For me, I’m not young anymore, so what I get to play has changed and the roles are fewer. But I’m extremely blessed that I’m able to continue to make a living doing what I love to do.
BK: Any moviemaking heroes?
AM: I don’t know if I have any “heroes” per se. I enjoy a wide variety of artists.
BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
AM: Like said before, I do a lot of stage projects. I’m currently in rehearsal for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at the Noise Within Theater in Pasadena, California. I will be returning to Houston, Texas and the Tony award winning Alley Theater next year to do another August Wilson classic, Fences. I just finished shooting the reboot of Malcolm in the Middle. And I have a recurring role on Carl Webber’s The Family Business and The Family Business: New Orleans
BK: What do you hope modern audiences get out of Riverbend?
AM: How sometimes we have to stand up for ourselves, and how people with faith, drive, a little money, and a vision can create something memorable. And what an incredibly underrated actor Steve James was.
BK: Just how cool was Steve James?
AM: More than just a talented actor, but an incredible human being. Rest in Power, my dear brother.
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A very special thanks to Alex Morris for agreeing to participate in this interview and to david j. moore for setting it up.
Check out my review of Riverbend here!
Visit the official Reelblack website here!
Check out the official Riverbend Restored website here!
Follow the official Reelblack Instagram page here!
Follow the official Reelblack Renaissance Instagram page for Riverbend Restored here!
Check out the official Reelblack Facebook page here, official Twitter page here, and official YouTube page here!
See Alex Morris’ IMDb page here!
Alex Morris headshot courtesy of Avis Rentmore. All other images courtesy of Reelblack Renaissance.
