"Tolton is superb, really a phenomenon....a work of unique significance for our times."

- Michael D. O'Brien, author and artist

Production Stills

Tolton Cast

Jim Coleman - Father Augustus Tolton

Jim Coleman has appeared in more than 50 national commercials and is best known for his starring role as Roger Parker in the hit Nickelodeon series My Brother and Me. His filmography also includes Ant-Man, The Quad, Ace Ventura, and American Gangster. Since 2017, he has performed the role of Father Tolton in live performances all over the U.S.

“Augustus Tolton is the most meaningful role I’ve had in my whole career,” Jim says. “As a black man, and as an American, this very important part of our history is something that I want the world to hear about.”

Elissa Sanders - Mama Tolton

When director Leonardo Defilippis was auditioning talent from across the U.S. for the role of Father Tolton’s mother, he was struck by the simplicity, humility and honesty of Elissa Sanders’ performance. Then he asked her to sing; he was blown away. The decision was made on the spot, and her performance as Mama Tolton became the emotional core of the Tolton drama.

Remarkably, Elissa is not just a talented actress and singer, but a licensed psychotherapist, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Leonardo Defilippis - Director/Executive Producer

Leonardo Defilippis is the founder and president of Saint Luke Productions. He is a critically acclaimed Catholic actor, producer, and director of live theatrical productions, films, television, and audio programs including the 2004 feature film Thérèse. His work has inspired vocations to the religious life, and he has won numerous awards over the decades. He plays several different characters in Tolton: a slave owner, a Confederate soldier, a cardinal, and the devil.