Friar lands role in Peacock’s “Long Bright River”

By Eli Pacheco 

Did you hear about the friar who took a train from Philadelphia to New York to star in a TV show scene at an Episcopal Church made to look like a Catholic Church? 

That friar is Br. Michael Duffy, OFM, who appears in the Peacock murder mystery series “Long Bright River,” set on Philadelphia’s Kensington Avenue, where he serves at St. Francis Inn.  

Author Liz Moore, whom he met during her research trip to the area, asked him to audition for the TV adaptation of her book. He declined.  

“Thank you, but I am not an actor,” he said. “I can’t memorize other people’s words. I can’t even get over how singers remember all their own lyrics.”  

He was perfect for this role, however.  

The crew needed a Catholic priest for two scenes: a cameo at a vigil and a speaking part at a funeral. Liz asked Br. Michael to consider it. He replied to the casting director's email with a 30-second video reading from a book, then forgot about it. 

But a week later ... 

“I got an email from the casting director,” Br. Michael said. “It said, ‘Sony Pictures is pleased to offer you the part of Father Gerald in ‘Long Bright River.’  

“I nearly fell on the floor. What am I getting into?” 

Br. Michael Duffy, OFM, with actress Amanda Seyfried, who plays the main protagonist. Br. Michael advised the crew on various details to ensure the scene was more accurately represented as Catholic. (Photo courtesy of Br. Michael Duffy, OFM)

‘Make it look Catholic’ 

Liz and producer Nikki Toscano had a Zoom call with Br. Michael. Since the local diocese discouraged filming in their churches, the production needed to transform an Episcopal church and asked, "Can we make sure it looks Catholic?" 

Br. Michael helped the crew adjust various items for the scene, including chalices, candles, and a white cloth on the cross meant for Easter. 

In June, Br. Michael took a train to Brooklyn for his costume fitting. “It was in a big warehouse with every costume you could ever want,” he said. “I could have been a Viking, a Roman citizen, a cowboy...” 

Br. Michael discovered he was to play the speaking role in the funeral scene, instead of leading a silent vigil. Despite not rehearsing his lines, he found himself heading to Yonkers in a limo for his big-screen debut. 

At the set, an Episcopal church, he found a busy scene with cranes, wires, generators, a food truck and lighting, and exited the limo hesitantly. “I was shaking like a leaf,” he said.  

Brother Michael Duffy, OFM, with Amanda Seyfried and Ashleigh Cummings in the green room. Amanda mentioned her visit to St. Francis Inn by saying, “I was in your world.” She then added, “Now you’re in mine.” (Photo courtesy of Brother Michael Duffy, OFM) 

'Now you're in my world’ 

The real priest, playing a fictional one, had no rehearsal time. After a brief stay in the green room with co-star Amanda Seyfried and Ashley Cummings, he went on stage. 

“I was in your world,” said Amanda, who has visited St. Francis Inn. “Now you're in mine.” 

Br. Michael would have preferred to wear his brown friar habit, but producers asked that he wear a black collared shirt and white collar instead. 

He entered the church, awe replacing his nervousness. The actors sat motionless in the pews. Beside him stood a tall altar server. "Rolling, rolling," a voice announced. "Fr. Michael, ACTION!" 

The congregation came alive, opening hymnals, removing coats and whispering. Despite shaky legs, Br. Michael performed his task effortlessly, repeating the scene 23 times from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The crew applauded him afterward. 

The only interruptions: a lunch break and a 45-minute break in his trailer – yes, he had a trailer! – where they said he could rest.  

“I was too nervous to nap,” he said. 

Br. Michael Duffy, OFM, joined cast members, Franciscans, volunteers and Catholic workers at the “Long Bright River” afterparty and participated in a panel discussion about Kensington Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Br. Michael Duffy, OFM) 

The show's over

He worked hard for his 40 seconds of fame, made friends, and left a mark. An actor even wanted her son to volunteer at St. Francis Inn. Br. Michael attended show promotions, including a panel with actors and community leaders about Kensington, and appeared in some press footage. 

His co-stars have mentioned him on late-night talk shows.  

The series has garnered acclaim in the United States and is set for distribution globally. The Franciscan brother from Juniper Friary in Philadelphia will be streaming all over God’s creation. 

Now that everything is over, Br. Michael can finally rest and enjoy watching his work. Eventually. 

“I haven’t seen it yet,” said Br. Michael, who went back to serving the poor and hungry at St. Francis Inn as soon as filming ended.