The second half of Thurston’s season will not only introduce viewers to All My Children’s veteran actor Walt Willey’s Edmund Snead, but will bring with it the Cherokee storyline and the characters of Dr. Benjamin and Inolah Walkingstick.  “I’m thrilled that we are finally bringing the Cherokee story to Thurston.  It has been in my mind since the beginning but we wanted to wait until it could be done right and with Native actors in the roles,” said Thurston’s creator and writer Kathryn O’Sullivan. Enter Enrico Nassi and Autumn Morningstar Custalow Alfaro.  Nassi is a Washington, D.C. based actor, director, and teacher and a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and a recognized member of the Cherokee Nation.  Alfaro is an artist and graphic designer who grew up on the Mattaponi Reservation and is very active in her tribe and educating others about her community.  “Kathryn and I had several conversations with both Enrico and Autumn about how the Cherokee would be portrayed.  We wanted it to be as authentic as possible, not a stereotype, and we wanted them to feel comfortable with the portrayal,” said director Paul Awad.  “Playing the character of Inolah was an easy role for me,” said Alfaro.  “It was like taking myself back in time.”

Rounding out the rest of the new additions are Richard Cutting, the creator, director, and writer of web series Milgram and the Fastwalkers who also plays Dr. Daniel Milgram in the show.  Cutting plays the Preacher, a character who has a key role in unfolding events.  Fellow Milgram castmate John C. Bailey joins Thurston as Pinkerton Detective Frank Daniels and Ariana Almajan will play the beguiling Marie Dumont.  “My first scenes with very talented local actors Ariana Almajan and John C. Bailey were a joy to do,” said Walt Willey.  “If this is any indication what it will be like to be a part of the Thurston Gang, this is gonna be some ride.”  New episodes begin airing Tuesday, October 22.