*In “Clean Slate,” streaming on Prime Video, comedy legend George Wallace and Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox bring a story that reimagines the classic family sitcom.
Inspired by Cox’s personal journey and serving as the final project from legendary producer Norman Lear, ‘Clean Slate’ dives into a fresh comedic perspective on family, identity, and acceptance.
In an exclusive interview with EUR, Wallace shared how the series came to life, “We wanted to reboot “Sanford and Son.” We went to the great Norman Lear and said, ‘Let’s do it.’ He said, ‘Iconic, but come back with a twist.’ We thought about it, and I heard so much about Laverne Cox being a great actress. I knew she was the one to make this story come to fruition.”
For Cox, the project is deeply personal. “A lot of it is inspired by stories from my life, my own childhood trauma, and trying to reconcile that. It’s about how you come home again, find love with your family, and be seen for who you really are.”
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Clean Slate follows Wallace’s character, Henry, as he reconnects with his adult child, Desiree (Cox), after years of estrangement. The twist? Henry last saw Desiree as Desmond before she transitioned.
The show uses humor to explore generational clashes, cultural shifts, and the universal desire for love and acceptance.
Wallace reflected on the show’s impact, “We’re still learning and growing. It’s so much fun, and I think we’ll never stop learning and listening because information is knowledge.”
One of the most poignant moments for Cox comes early in the series: “In the pilot, when Henry is banging on the door of the Greyhound bus, and Desiree says, ‘He’s fighting for me.’ That moment still hits me. Growing up, I didn’t have that. But when parents fight for their child, love them unconditionally, it makes a huge difference in their self-esteem and knowing they are worthy of love.”
Wallace hopes the show inspires healing: “If you’re having a problem with your child, think about it. Take a second chance. Start over. Clean Slate.”
Cox also shared how working with Wallace impacted her: “I was surprised at how much he felt like my father. I didn’t grow up with a father, but in character, I wanted his approval. When he comforted me, it felt real.”
Wallace added, “Life is about love and laughter. Let’s love and let live, and do it with humor because when you stop laughing, you stop living.”
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Follow her socials @StilettoJill or visit JillMunroe.com. Catch her live M-F on KBLA Talk 1580 from 6PM to 7PM.
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