- "He showed up today because he needs our help. I mean, I'd happily endorse Brother Yamacraw if he was running. Problem is, I am stuck with Brother Bel-Air."
- —Reverend Lamonte to Phillip[src]
Robert Lamonte is a recurring character on Peacock's modern-day reinterpretation, Bel-Air. He is portrayed by Ben Cain.
Reverend Lamonte is the reverend of the largest black church in LA.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Robert met Phil in college, where they both pledged Alpha Phi Alpha. They remained good friends after graduating, so much so that Robert officiated his wedding to Vivian.[1]
Supporting Yamacraw[]
Reverend Lamonte attends the annual Alpha Phi Alpha crawfish boil, where he is approached by Phillip, who they haven't heard from in years, leading Reverend Lamonte to suspect that he only came to get their votes during his run for district attorney. Phillips claims that he hopes to serve the people, but Lamonte doubts that he even knows what the people have to worry about on a regular basis. When the soup kitchen was foreclosed, they held phone banks and town halls, but Phillip was nowhere to be found. The same can be said when his first roommate, Brother Jamison, relapsed in 2015. Feeling ashamed, Phillip intends to leave, but before he can, he is encouraged by his nephew Will to show him some steps, which ultimately leaves Reverend Lamonte impressed and willing to hear out Phillip's proposal.[2]
Reverend Lamonte welcomes the Banks family to his church. It's their first appearance in years. He first greets Will and Carlton, before being approached by Ashley, who feels that the church needs to put more people who are LGBTQ+ in higher positions beyond the choir director. Phil then joins them and asks if the church can mobilize its Turn Out the Vote shuttle service, which could aid in his campaign, to which Lamonte agrees. He then takes the stage to give a sermon about having multiple masters, which he advises against and instructs those in attendance to follow God alone.[1]
Reverend Lamonte attends the gala in honor of Viv being awarded the Neeman Artistic Fellowship. There, he runs into Phil and asks what's next for him now that he's out of the DA race. He doesn't know yet, but for the time being, he intends to spend time with his family.[3]
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Gallery[]
