Why did Flex Alexander leave Blue Bloods

Flex Alexander is an American actor, comedian, and dancer. He portrayed Detective DeMarcus King in the Pilot episode of the CBS crime drama television series Blue Bloods.

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I have often wondered about DeMarcus King. I can't see why Flex Alexander wouldn't have committed to the series if he had been asked. I think they didn't invite him to become a regular cast member after the pilot episode, which took place probably a year prior. But I do think he would have a great asset to the cast.

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Editor’s note: We offer you our first impressions of the original pilots for fall shows. Keep in mind that these are not reviews and that the networks may make significant changes to these shows before they air. We reserve the right to love them or hate them more later.

“Blue Bloods” is the story of a multi-generational family of cops in New York City. Frank Reagan is the police chief and son of a former police chief, Henry Reagan. Frank’s eldest son, Danny, is an Iraq War veteran and seasoned detective who has some Jack Bauer tendencies. Jamie is his youngest son, a law school graduate who just graduated from the police academy. The only daughter, Erin, is a prosecutor and single mom. Another brother died allegedly in the line of duty, and Frank’s wife also has passed away.
Who’s in it: Tom Selleck as Frank, Donnie Wahlberg (“Runaway”) as Danny, Bridget Moynahan (“Six Degrees) as Erin, Will Estes (“American Dreams”)as Jamie and Len Cariou (“Damages”) as Henry.

Who made it: “The Sopranos” writing team Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green.

Thumbs up: The Reagan family is a highly likable bunch. Crime fighting plus family squabbling could make for an interesting series. Tom Selleck on TV again is a huge plus, and the role requires more of him than his easy charm. Wahlberg, Moynahan and Estes are strong too.

Thumbs down: The episode could be tighter. The mystery involving the deceased brother is awkwardly introduced. Flex Alexander as Danny’s partner on the force doesn’t work.

Verdict: With the right balance of crime stories and family drama, this series has a lot of potential.

— Maria Elena Fernandez
twitter.com/writerchica

Video credit: CBS

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Flex Alexander

Born

Mark Alexander Knox


April 15, 1970 (age 52)

New York City, U.S.

Other namesFlex, Marc "Flex" Knox
OccupationActor, comedian, dancer
Years active1989–present
Spouse

Shanice

(m. )​

Children2

Mark Alexander Knox (born April 15, 1970), better known as Flex Alexander or Flex, is an American actor, comedian and dancer. He is best known for his roles as Reggie Coltrane on the short-lived television series Where I Live (1993), Neville Watson on Total Security (1997), Darnell Wilkes on the UPN sitcom Girlfriends (2000-01) during its first season; and as well as single father Flex Washington on One on One (2001-06) and his roles in the films such as Modern Vampires (1998), The Force (1999), Out Cold (2001), Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs (2002), Gas (2004), Snakes on a Plane (2006), and Trigger (2020).

Early life[edit]

Born in Harlem, Alexander is the son of Alethia Knox and Robert Whitehead. As a teen, he began dancing in New York night clubs earning the nickname "Flex" due to his acrobatic dance skills. After being discovered by DJ Spinderella, he began touring with rap trio Salt-n-Pepa and remained with the dance troupe for three years. In addition to dancing, Alexander also choreographed for Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah. In 1989, he made his stand-up comedy debut and eventually turned to acting, making his film debut in the 1992 film Juice.[1] Alexander also was a regular cast member of the sketch comedy show, Uptown Comedy Club, from 1992 to 1994.

Career[edit]

Alexander's first television role was on the short-lived 1993 ABC sitcom Where I Live, starring Doug E. Doug. Despite being critically acclaimed, the series was canceled that same year. Alexander then guest starred on episodes of Sister, Sister and The Cosby Mysteries before moving to Los Angeles in 1995 to concentrate on acting.[2] In 1996, he landed a starring role on another short-lived sitcom Homeboys in Outer Space. The series was critically panned and canceled the following year.[3][4] Later that year, Alexander co-starred in yet another short-lived series, the Steven Bochco-created Total Security. Following Total Security's run, Alexander guest starred on Brooklyn South and The Parkers, and also had roles in several films including the 1998 direct-to-video release Backroom Bodega Boyz and She's All That (1999).[5]

From 2000 to 2001, Alexander appeared as Maya Wilkes' husband Darnell during the first season of the UPN sitcom Girlfriends. He left Girlfriends to star as single father Mark "Flex" Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One, a series he created and produced.[6] For his role on the series, Alexander was nominated for three NAACP Image Awards and two BET Comedy Awards. In 2004, he portrayed Michael Jackson in the VH1 television biopic Man In The Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story,[7] which garnered him another NAACP Image Award nomination. He refused to play Jackson with prosthetics, but did mimique his voice, copied mannerisms and had a makeup job done to lighten his skin tone. He also refused to "cast judgement" over the singer's legal troubles of the time and said "we should pray for him".[8] Alexander returned to One on One for two more seasons, however, during the last season, his character was written out and reduced to a recurring role when the show's premise was rebooted.[9]

Following the end of One On One, Alexander had roles in the 2006 film Snakes on a Plane, opposite Samuel L. Jackson, and the 2007 horror film The Hills Have Eyes 2. He also had a role in Clement Virgo's Poor Boy's Game, with Danny Glover. Alexander's most recent role was in a 2007 episode of CSI: Miami.[5] Flex and his wife, Shanice, will have their own reality show Flex & Shanice premiering November 1, 2014, on OWN.

in 2022, Flex was cast as "Pookie" in the stage adaptation of New Jack City: Live on Stage, written, produced and directed by urban playwright and film producer Je'Caryous Johnson. The production is currently on tour in nine cities.

Personal life[edit]

Alexander, a born-again Christian, married R&B singer Shanice Wilson on February 19, 2000.[1] They have two children, daughter Imani Shekinah Alexander-Knox (born August 23, 2001) and son Elijah Alexander-Knox (born March 5, 2004). Alexander is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.[10][11]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Television[edit]

Award nominations[edit]

Year Award Result Category Film or series
2004 BET Comedy Awards Nom Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series One on One
2005 Nom Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series One on One
2003 NAACP Image Awards Nom Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series One on One
2004 Nom Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series One on One
2005 Nom Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story
Nom Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series One on One

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Dougherty, Steve (2003-10-06). "Flex Appeal". People. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  2. ^ "Flex Alexander: Biography". tvguide.com. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
  3. ^ McKissack, Fredrick L. Jr. (February 1997). "Homeboys in Outer Space". The Progressive. Archived from the original on 2009-03-03. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
  4. ^ Tucker, Ken (1996-09-13). "Beyond the Big 4". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
  5. ^ a b "Flex Alexander Biography". filmreference.com. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
  6. ^ "Yahoo! TV Bio". tv.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
  7. ^ Morales, Tatiana (2004-08-06). "Flex Alexander Plays King Of Pop". cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
  8. ^ "Jacko's Wacko Movie". TV Guide. Archived from the original on August 8, 2004. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  9. ^ Alexander, Flex (2006-08-16). "Snakes on a Plane". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
  10. ^ "Celebrities and Their Babies". Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. 58 (2): 42. December 2002. ISSN 0012-9011.
  11. ^ "Ebony On the Scene". Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. 60 (3): 18. January 2005. ISSN 0012-9011.

  • Flex Alexander at IMDb
  • Flex Alexander at AllMovie

Was Flex Alexander on Blue Bloods?

Flex Alexander is an American actor, comedian, and dancer. He portrayed Detective DeMarcus King in the Pilot episode of the CBS crime drama television series Blue Bloods.

Why did Danny's partner Jackie leave Blue Bloods?

Shortly after, Esposito took to Twitter claiming that she had collapsed due to her Celiac disease while on set and as a result, was put on unpaid leave by the network. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine which can cause fatigue.

Is Flex Alexander still married?

Mark Alexander Knox (born April 15, 1970), better known as Flex Alexander or Flex, is an American actor, comedian and dancer who is best known for his roles as single father Flex Washington on the UPN sitcom One on One (2001-2006). ... .

Who was Danny's partner after Jackie?

Marisa Ramirez appeared in the final seven episodes as Danny's partner, Det. Maria Baez.