Meet The Cast: Then & Now Of "House Of Payne" Stars

Liza Dickinson 28 May 2025

Ever wondered what made "House of Payne" such a relatable and enduring sitcom? The magic wasn't just in Tyler Perry's writing, but in the stellar performances of its cast, who breathed life into the Payne family and their neighbors.

The "House of Payne" cast is more than just a collection of actors; they are the heart and soul of a show that resonated with audiences for eight seasons, from 2006 to 2012. The sitcom, set in Atlanta, Georgia, chronicled the everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs of the working-class African American Payne family. Their stories, told with humor and heart, captured the essence of family, faith, and community.

LaVan Davis embodied Curtis Payne, the often-gruff but ultimately loving patriarch. Cassi Davis, as Ella Payne, served as the family's moral compass and a voice of reason. Lance Gross played Calvin Payne, the ambitious eldest son navigating adulthood. Demetria McKinney brought depth to Janine Payne, the daughter facing her own set of challenges. Larramie "Doc" Shaw, as Malik Payne, provided the youthful perspective. Denise Burse, as Shirley, was the quintessential neighbor, always present and ready to lend a helping hand. Keshia Knight Pulliam, as Miranda, added another layer to the family dynamic as Calvin's girlfriend, and Allen Payne rounded out the core cast as CJ, Curtis's brother.

The ensemble nature of the "House of Payne" cast was key to the show's success. Each actor brought a unique energy and perspective, creating a dynamic that felt both authentic and entertaining. Their performances were often lauded by critics, earning the show numerous NAACP Image Award nominations and a win for LaVan Davis in 2008 for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series. Beyond critical acclaim, "House of Payne" was a ratings juggernaut, consistently ranking among the top sitcoms on television during its run.

The show House of Payne served as a launchpad for the careers of several cast members, who have gone on to achieve success in film and television.

Actor Name	Character Name	Date of Birth	Place of Birth	Known For	Other Notable Roles	Awards & Nominations	Website/Reference
LaVan Davis	Curtis Payne	September 21, 1966	Atlanta, Georgia, USA	Curtis Payne in "House of Payne"	"Meet the Browns", Tyler Perry's films	NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (2008)	IMDb Profile
Cassi Davis	Ella Payne	July 31, 1963	Holly Springs, Mississippi, USA	Ella Payne in "House of Payne"	"Boo! A Madea Halloween", "A Madea Family Funeral"	BET Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series	IMDb Profile
Lance Gross	Calvin Payne	July 8, 1981	Oakland, California, USA	Calvin Payne in "House of Payne"	"Stomp the Yard", "The Perfect Guy"	NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Nominated)	IMDb Profile
Demetria McKinney	Janine Payne	August 27, 1979	Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA	Janine Payne in "House of Payne"	"The Quad", "Saints & Sinners"	N/A	IMDb Profile
Larramie "Doc" Shaw	Malik Payne	April 24, 1992	Atlanta, Georgia, USA	Malik Payne in "House of Payne"	"Think Like a Man", "Barbershop: The Next Cut"	Young Artist Award (Nominated)	IMDb Profile
Denise Burse	Claretha Jenkins	January 13, 1952	Atlanta, Georgia, USA	Shirley in "House of Payne"	"The Haves and the Have Nots", "Greenleaf"	N/A	IMDb Profile
Keshia Knight Pulliam	Miranda Lucas-Payne	April 9, 1979	Newark, New Jersey, USA	Miranda in "House of Payne"	"The Cosby Show", "Madea Goes to Jail"	NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (Nominated)	IMDb Profile
Allen Payne	C.J. Payne	July 7, 1968	Harlem, New York, USA	C.J. in "House of Payne"	"New Jack City", "Jason's Lyric"	N/A	IMDb Profile

The success of "House of Payne" not only solidified Tyler Perry's place in television history but also provided a platform for its cast to shine. Many of them have gone on to pursue diverse and successful careers in film and television. LaVan Davis continued his collaboration with Tyler Perry, appearing in films like "Why Did I Get Married?" and "Temptation." Lance Gross expanded his filmography with roles in "Stomp the Yard" and "The Perfect Guy." Demetria McKinney took on leading roles in television series such as "The Quad" and "Saints & Sinners," showcasing her versatility as an actress. Larramie "Doc" Shaw transitioned to film, appearing in comedies like "Think Like a Man" and "Barbershop: The Next Cut." Denise Burse continued her work in television with roles in "The Haves and the Have Nots" and "Greenleaf." Keshia Knight Pulliam, already a familiar face from "The Cosby Show," returned to "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" in its revival, continuing her portrayal of Miranda.

The cultural impact of "House of Payne" extends beyond its ratings success. The show's depiction of a stable, loving African American family challenged prevailing stereotypes and offered a positive image of Black family life. The Paynes, despite their flaws and challenges, were a source of inspiration for many viewers, demonstrating the importance of family bonds, faith, and community support.

The comedic prowess of the "House of Payne" cast was undeniable. Their impeccable timing, coupled with the witty writing, created memorable moments that resonated with audiences. The actors had a knack for delivering Perry's signature humor with both authenticity and heart, making the characters relatable and endearing.

Beyond the laughs, the show also tackled real-life issues, from financial struggles to marital challenges, providing a platform for meaningful conversations and offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of family life.

The cast's ability to connect with audiences stemmed from their portrayal of everyday situations with humor and honesty. The Paynes faced challenges that many families could relate to, from job losses to relationship problems, but they always found a way to persevere with faith and family as their anchors. This relatability was a key ingredient in the show's success, drawing in viewers from all walks of life.

The "House of Payne" actors not only brought comedic brilliance to the show but also played a crucial role in its cultural significance. Their portrayal of a strong and supportive African American family challenged stereotypical representations and offered a refreshing image of Black family life on television.

Before "House of Payne," positive portrayals of African American families were scarce, often overshadowed by negative stereotypes in the media. The Paynes emerged as a beacon of hope, showcasing a hard-working, God-fearing family who loved and supported each other through thick and thin.

The cast's authentic and believable performances shattered barriers and shifted perceptions about African American families. Their positive depiction of Black family dynamics marked a turning point in television history, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive programming.

The "House of Payne" cast deserves recognition for their efforts in dismantling stereotypes and creating a lasting impact on viewers. Their performances served as a powerful reminder that African American families are just as diverse and loving as any other.

Hilarious Performances: The cast's comedic timing and chemistry made the show a hit with audiences.
Cultural Impact: The show's portrayal of a loving and supportive African American family challenged stereotypes and made a positive impact on viewers.
Career Launchpad: The show helped launch the careers of several cast members, who have gone on to star in other successful film and television projects.
Diversity and Representation: The cast included actors of different ages, races, and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the African American community.
Critical Acclaim: The cast received critical acclaim for their performances, with several cast members winning awards and nominations.
Memorable Characters: The cast created a memorable cast of characters that audiences loved and related to, such as the patriarch Curtis Payne and his wife Ella.

The cast of "House of Payne" is a talented group of actors who brought the characters of Tyler Perry's hit sitcom to life. The show was a critical and commercial success, and the cast has gone on to have successful careers in film and television.

The cast of "House of Payne" had impeccable comedic timing and chemistry, which was a major factor in the show's success. The actors were able to deliver Tyler Perry's witty dialogue with ease, and they played off of each other's energy to create hilarious moments. The show's writers also deserve credit for creating clever and funny storylines that gave the cast plenty of opportunities to shine.

The cast's comedic performances were not only entertaining, but they also helped to make the show relatable to audiences. The Paynes were a working-class family who faced everyday challenges, but they always found a way to laugh through them. This made the show appealing to viewers of all backgrounds, who could see themselves in the Payne family.

The cast's hilarious performances were a key ingredient in the success of "House of Payne." The show's writers created funny and relatable storylines, and the cast brought those storylines to life with their impeccable comedic timing and chemistry.

The cast of "House of Payne" played a vital role in the show's cultural impact. Their portrayal of a loving and supportive African American family challenged stereotypes and made a positive impact on viewers. Prior to the show's debut, there were few positive representations of African American families on television. The Paynes were a refreshing change from the negative stereotypes that were often portrayed in the media. They were a hard-working, God-fearing family who loved and supported each other.

The cast's performances were authentic and believable, and they helped to break down barriers and change perceptions about African American families. The show's positive portrayal of Black family life was a groundbreaking moment in television history, and it helped to pave the way for other shows that featured diverse and inclusive casts.

The cast of "House of Payne" should be commended for their work in challenging stereotypes and making a positive impact on viewers. Their performances were a powerful reminder that African American families are just as diverse and loving as any other families.

LaVan Davis, who played the patriarch of the Payne family, Curtis Payne, has starred in several Tyler Perry films, including "Why Did I Get Married?" and "Temptation."
Lance Gross, who played Curtis and Ella's eldest son, Calvin Payne, has appeared in films such as "Stomp the Yard" and "The Perfect Guy."
Demetria McKinney, who played Curtis and Ella's daughter, Janine Payne, has starred in the television series "The Quad" and "Saints & Sinners."
Larramie "Doc" Shaw, who played Curtis and Ella's youngest son, Malik Payne, has appeared in the films "Think Like a Man" and "Barbershop: The Next Cut."

The success of the cast of "House of Payne" is a testament to their talent and hard work. The show gave them a platform to showcase their skills, and they have all gone on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry.

The cast of "House of Payne" was notable for its diversity and representation. The show featured actors of different ages, races, and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the African American community. This was a significant step forward for representation on television, as it challenged the narrow and often stereotypical portrayals of African Americans that were common at the time.

The casting of "House of Payne" was not only groundbreaking, but it also helped to make the show more relatable to audiences. The show's diverse cast allowed viewers to see themselves reflected on screen, which made the show more engaging and meaningful.

The diversity and representation on "House of Payne" was a major factor in its success. The show's casting choices helped to challenge stereotypes, make the show more relatable to audiences, and create a more inclusive and representative portrayal of the African American community.

The cast of "House of Payne" received critical acclaim for their performances, with several cast members winning awards and nominations. This critical acclaim is a testament to the cast's talent and hard work, and it has helped to raise the profile of the show and its cast.

The cast's critical acclaim has also had a positive impact on the show's ratings and popularity. Audiences are more likely to watch a show that has been praised by critics, and the cast's awards and nominations have helped to generate buzz for the show.

The critical acclaim for the cast of "House of Payne" is a well-deserved recognition of their talent and hard work. The cast's performances have helped to make the show a success, and they have also helped to raise the profile of African American actors and actresses in the entertainment industry.

The cast of "House of Payne" created a memorable cast of characters that audiences loved and related to. This was a key factor in the show's success, as it made the characters and their stories more engaging and relatable to viewers. The characters were well-developed and had complex personalities, which allowed audiences to connect with them on a personal level.

One of the most memorable characters was Curtis Payne, the patriarch of the family. Curtis was a strong and loving father who was always there for his family. He was also a hard worker and a devout Christian. Audiences loved Curtis because he was a relatable character who represented the values of hard work, family, and faith.

Another memorable character was Ella Payne, Curtis's wife. Ella was a strong and supportive wife and mother. She was also a devout Christian and a pillar of the community. Audiences loved Ella because she was a positive role model who represented the values of love, family, and community.

The cast of "House of Payne" did an excellent job of creating memorable characters that audiences loved and related to. These characters were a key factor in the show's success, as they made the show more engaging and relatable to viewers.

This section answers frequently asked questions about the cast of the popular sitcom "House of Payne."

Question 1: Who are the main cast members of "House of Payne"?

The main cast members of "House of Payne" include LaVan Davis as Curtis Payne, Cassi Davis as Ella Payne, Lance Gross as Calvin Payne, Demetria McKinney as Janine Payne, Larramie "Doc" Shaw as Malik Payne, Denise Burse as Shirley, Keshia Knight Pulliam as Miranda, and Allen Payne as CJ.

Question 2: What awards and nominations have the cast members of "House of Payne" received?

The cast members of "House of Payne" have received several awards and nominations, including NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, and Black Reel Awards. LaVan Davis won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series in 2008. Cassi Davis has been nominated for several NAACP Image Awards and has won the BET Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series.

The cast's comedic timing, chemistry, and ability to portray relatable characters were key factors in the show's success. The show's diverse cast and positive portrayal of African American family life also made it groundbreaking and impactful.

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Meet The Cast: Then & Now Of "House Of Payne" Stars

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