Wren T. Brown and his latest work, The Family Business. The book recounts Brown’s family’s artistic journey spanning more than 100 years, highlighting the significance of Black artists in American culture.

“Writing and producing The Family Business stands as one of my most fulfilling achievements,” Brown said. “My deep love for my ancestors and history is woven into this work, which reflects over a century of my family’s contributions to America’s cultural landscape. This book is a tribute to my family’s theatrical odyssey and to those known and unknown performers who sacrificed and paved the way for the countless artists who follow in their footsteps.”

More than just a book, The Family Business is an essential addition to the African American theatrical and literary canon. Lavishly illustrated, it serves as both a historical document and a cherished coffee-table centerpiece, sparking conversations and admiration for generations to come. Whether you’re a lover of theater, music, film, or history, The Family Business offers an important perspective on America’s cultural evolution.

From Hollywood to Broadway to global music venues, The Family Business chronicles the remarkable story of the Young and Brown families—a lineage that has shaped American culture and the arts for over a century.

Brown, a fourth-generation Angeleno, is an actor, producer, and director. His journey into the entertainment industry began at 17, following a performance of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s An Ante-Bellum Sermon and a national commercial spot. A versatile actor with a distinctive, melodious voice, Brown has appeared in films including Hollywood Shuffle, Beyond the Lights, Waiting to Exhale, Heart and Souls, Under Siege 2, and Edmond.

His television credits include Whoopi, Flipper: The New Adventures, Bless This House, Half & Half, Grey’s Anatomy, The Orville, Star Trek: Voyager, Touched by an Angel, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Simpsons, Everybody Hates Chris, Frasier, Seinfeld, and A Different World.

Brown’s voice narration work includes U.S.S. Constellation: Battling for Freedom on The History Channel, E! True Hollywood Story: Diana Ross, and the audio drama Bronzeville.

On stage, he has performed in As You Like It, On Borrowed Time, Burning Hope, and The Gospel at Colonus. His directorial credits include Fences, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Blues in the Night, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and The World Goes ‘Round.

Brown is also the founder and producing artistic director of Ebony Repertory Theatre, Los Angeles’ only African American professional theater company.

For more Stories From The 78, follow @tombarnas78 on Instagram and @storiesfromthe78 on TikTok.