(October 19, 2021) - "He (Nipsey Hussel) was originally slated for this role...thought I'd do it justice," said actor ("Vampire Diaries")/producer (The Prospects) Robert Ri'chard about his new role in the Lifetime, based-on-a-true-story, movie California Love (known now as The Fight That Never Ends) airing October 24, 2021 8/7c about the struggles one goes through for love. "The character is great for me it took me back to my roots. I grew up in South Central L.A. through the 90's. I had to walk through the Bloods neighborhood going to school."

Robert plays John Wesley Hunter a local gang member who frequently visits the community center in South Central run by Coach Leon Watkins, played by Allen Payne ("House of Payne"), after experiencing the dangers of hustling and almost loosing his life in a shoot-out. One day Joanne Beck, played by Christa B. Allen (13 going on 30), shows up at the community center offering her help as assistant coach. Leon and Christa defy social norms by forming this partnership that receives nationwide attention. Their love for the job and each other causes a tragedy, and leaves behind a legacy.

"I look like J. Hunter," Robert said to me about the man he plays. "...and Christa looks like the girl the story is about. She (Joanne Beck) has a picture and we look like them from the 90's."