Tutti from ‘The Facts of Life’ ( Kim Fields ) and Theo Huxtable ( Malcolm Jamal Warner ), Dr Huxtable’s ( Bill Cosby ) son from The Cosby Show play a few scenes in ‘The Cleaner’ Season One Final Episode ‘Lie With Me’.

Tutti and Theo play a couple with a baby. In the episode, Theo is in rehab and Tutti shows up often to check on him with their child. Tutti plays the concerned wife who continually asks William if he thinks her husband is ok. Theo and William Banks ( Benjamin Bratt ) have a few discussions about God and religion during the episode. Theo is shown painting a mural in the rehab center.  His painting turns out to be a life saver with a twist. Through out the show Theo appears to either be delusional from the drugs he is recovering from or really in touch with God, as he gives William some pretty insightful comments.

Theo Huxtable The Cosby Show

Kim Fields

Esteban Powell as Swenton in The Cleaner

The diverse culture of Houston, Texas has grown deep into the psyche of Esteban Powell, currently playing Swenton in A&E’s Hit TV Series ‘The Cleaner‘.  Having lived in the bustling city since birth in 1976 until his early 20s, Este was a wary observant of how people of different cultures and lifestyle carried on day to day. His early interest in performing and visual arts manifests his interest on the color and depth of humanity. By the time he graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in 1994, Este had the mindset of an adult who would fare well in the arts.

Esteban Powell in Powder

With his combined TV and movie portrayals since 1993, Este has tackled different roles with an attack of a pro. Regardless if it’s a few minutes role or as a supporting act, the acting prowess was noticeable in all the television stints and films he cast in. The charmingly rugged looks Este possess was always relieved as he takes on the character assigned in the role; But the same charmingly rugged appearance would come magnetizing in each talk show appearance, in his simple errand to the local grocery, at the movie opening galas and promotional activities, or his charm on twitter (@estebanics).

Remember Powder in 1995? Este played Mitch, one of the really, really mean boys, and carried the role well. This fact goes the same for his characters in movies such as Late Bloomers (1996) where he played Jamie, Random Acts  and Hitman’s Run (both in 1999),and the unforgettable Phil Collen in the 2001 movie for TV called Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story. Small and big filming doesn’t come as an issue to Este, he just jumps at roles where he tests himself to delve into the character’s being. With over 15 movies since 1993 until his recently completed Wreckless Epic, Este has solidly gained recognition as a versatile artist.

Esteban Powell

Perhaps his most zoom to fame would be attributed to his soulful portrayal of Arnie Swenton, a recovering meth addict with inner demons to defeat and a harsh society to deal with. In A&E’s Hit TV Series, The Cleaner (since 2008), Este has been getting accolades for acting like it’s the real thing – the real thing being a struggling former meth addict. In an interview, Este related how he has never touched meth, coke or any form of illegal substance and drugs, but has observed people around him being hooked. This reality for him has greatly contributed to playing Arnie Swenton, combined with Este’s innate compassion and deep understanding of individuals and cultures and sub-cultures. Plus, as Arnie Swenton, Este admits he carries his own personal experiences from life to make himself an effective role player in The Cleaner.

Aside from a seemingly promising acting career, Esteban Powell has pursued his other interests – the visual arts. In the film The Lowrider (2007) Este had considerable experiences as a visual effects supervisor. He also ventured into producing Random Acts of Violence in 1999 where he has numerous inputs as well in the film’s success.
After that rekindled romance with visual arts, Este was inspired to do more behind the scenes in filmmaking, optimistic about his potentials at visual arts, and in producing TV projects.  Two years ago, The SoundFilm Company was established through Este’s hard work, creative mind and a fiery dedication.

Esteban on The Cleaner

At present, what really keeps Esteban Powell busy is not taping The Cleaner’s next episode or his young production company. It’s not even just learning approaches and sharing his skills at developing contents for short form media. For Este, he’s just so totally busy doing so many things at being an artist, where he hones his skills and expresses himself creatively, and where he just imparts a thing or two about his learning and adventures.

From a young dreamy Houston lad, Esteban Powell has claimed success in his ventures, and also holds the humble claim that he has a long way to go and has to keep the fire in his heart to pursue more and beyond what he currently holds.

The Cleaner Season 2 was very anticipated after thrilling Season 1 starting Benjamin Bratt. Below are pictures from the set of A&E’s ‘The Cleaner’. If you have any set pictures of The Cleaner please send them over! Most of the pictures displayed are from the lovely Wendi Lynn Allison. Wendi is an allstar make up artists for two of my favorite TV Series, The Cleaner & Heroes!

1) Set Shot from The Cleaner Season 2 Episode 2 ‘Last American Casualty’:
Joe Don Baker studies his lines on the Set of The Cleaner:

Joe Don Baker The Cleaner Episode

2) The Cleaner crew hangs out on Set in Season 2. Benjamin Bratt aka William Banks, Esteban Powell aka Arnie Swenton, and Akani Cuesta aka Grace Parks just hangin out!

The Cleaner Season 2 On Set William Sweton Parks