Exploring Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight: A Powerful WWII Drama
Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight is a compelling historical drama that shines a spotlight on the remarkable accomplishments of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only predominantly Black unit of the Women’s Army Corps to serve overseas during World War II. This battalion played a crucial role in sorting and delivering vast amounts of overlooked mail, completing their monumental task in an impressive three months while stationed in England and France.
The film has garnered critical acclaim and is poised to be among Tyler Perry’s standout non-Madea works, primarily due to its stellar cast. Featuring renowned actors such as Kerry Washington and Ebony Obsidian, The Six Triple Eight not only entertains but also educates viewers about an essential yet often neglected chapter of wartime history. With its recent availability on Netflix, the film’s impressive ensemble heightens its potential to rank among the best movies on the platform.
The Ensemble Cast of The Six Triple Eight
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Kerry Washington | Major Charity Adams |
| Ebony Obsidian | Lena Derriecott King |
| Milauna Jackson | Captain Abbie Noel Campbell |
| Kylie Jefferson | Bernice Baker |
| Shanice Shantay | Johnnie Mae Burton |
| Pepi Sonuga | Elaine White |
| Sarah Jeffery | Dolores Washington |
| Dean Norris | General Halt |
| Susan Sarandon | Eleanor Roosevelt |
| Gregg Sulkin | Abram David |
Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams
Date of Birth: January 31, 1977
Kerry Washington plays the pivotal role of Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th. Notably, she was the first Black woman to have a military fort named in her honor in 2023 and also the first Black female officer in the Women’s Army Corps.
Kerry Washington’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Save the Last Dance | Chenille |
| Django Unchained | Broomhilda von Shaft |
| Ray | Della Bea Robinson |
| Scandal | Olivia Pope |
Ebony Obsidian as Lena Derriecott King
Date of Birth: April 16, 1994
In this film, Ebony Obsidian portrays Lena Derriecott King, who was also a member of the 6888th training battalion. Before joining the unit, King dedicated her efforts to the Army as a nurse and celebrated her 100th birthday in 2024.
Ebony Obsidian’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Sistas | Karen Mott |
| Hunters | Carol Lockhart |
| Wu-Tang: An American Saga | Nia |
| If Beale Street Could Talk | Adrienne Hunt |
Milauna Jackson as Captain Abbie Noel Campbell
Date of Birth: August 8
Milauna Jackson steps into the role of Captain Abbie Noel Campbell, the second-in-command to Major Adams in the 6888th. Her career gained momentum with roles in television while continuing collaborations with Perry.
Milauna Jackson’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| A Jazzman’s Blues | Citsy |
| Animal Kingdom | Pam |
| How to Get Away With Murder | Renee Atwood |
Kylie Jefferson as Bernice Baker
Date of Birth: September 25, 1994
Kylie Jefferson plays the role of Bernice Baker, a supportive character who helps her friend Lena navigate challenges within the battalion, showcasing the camaraderie among the soldiers.
Kylie Jefferson’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Tiny Pretty Things | Neveah Stroyer |
| Kylie | Self |
| The Six Triple Eight | Bernice Baker |
Shanice Shantay as Johnnie Mae Burton
Date of Birth: July 9, 1996
Shanice Shantay takes on the role of Johnnie Mae Burton, a character representative of the challenges faced by women in the battalion who eventually finds common ground with her peers.
Shanice Shantay’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| The Wiz Live! | Dorothy Gale |
| Perfect Harmony | Leanne |
| The Last O.G. | Felicia |
Pepi Sonuga as Elaine White
Date of Birth: September 8, 1993
Pepi Sonuga portrays the character Elaine White, adding depth to the ensemble by embodying the nurturing spirit of the battalion despite the trials they faced.
Pepi Sonuga’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Queens | Lauren “Lil Muffin”Rice |
| Pam & Tommy | Melanie |
| Famous in Love | Tangey Turner |
| Ash vs Evil Dead | Lacey Emery |
Sarah Jeffery as Dolores Washington
Date of Birth: April 3, 1996
Sarah Jeffery captures the essence of Dolores Washington, a character that integrates elements of history and strength through her portrayal while serving as another reflection of the real women in the battalion.
Sarah Jeffery’s Notable Works
| Title | Role |
|---|---|
| Rogue | Evie Travis |
| Shades of Blue | Cristina Santos |
| The X-Files | Brianna Stapleton |
| Wayward Pines | Amy |
Supporting Cast of The Six Triple Eight
Dean Norris as General Halt: Norris assumes the role of General Halt, the challenging superior officer of Major Adams, renowned for his work in Breaking Bad.
Susan Sarandon as Eleanor Roosevelt: The esteemed Sarandon portrays Eleanor Roosevelt, a pivotal figure recognized for her contributions during World War II, well-known for her role in Thelma & Louise.
Gregg Sulkin as Abram David: Sulkin plays Abram David, serving as Lena’s source of strength before the war, known for his part in Runaways.
Moriah Brown as Inez: Brown, recognized for her work in Power Book II: Ghost, plays Inez, adding another layer to the story.
Jeanté Godlock as Vera: Godlock portrays Vera in The Six Triple Eight, earning recognition for her performance as Simone Biles in The Simone Biles Story: Courage to Soar.
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