Since its debut in 2006, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne has brought laughter and meaningful reflection to countless households. Centered around the relatable and heartwarming dynamics of a Southern Black family, the show has connected with viewers and its cast in profound ways. Recently, stars Lance Gross and Keshia Knight Pulliam sat down with Onsite to reflect on the series’ evolution, the growth of their characters, and the remarkable success of the show.
Originally airing on TBS, House of Payne ran for eight seasons before being revived by BET in 2020, now in its 13th season. With a mix of returning and new cast members, the show has continued to thrive, bringing fresh storylines while staying true to its comedic roots. Despite the shift in networks, Pulliam revealed that the transition was seamless, as much of the original team from Tyler Perry Studios remained intact.
“You know the funny thing is, we’ve always worked in Tyler Perry Studios. The studio has changed,”
Keshia disclosed.
“We literally were in the very first on Krog Street downtown Atlanta when we started. Then we moved to the Green Briars Studio that was a former, I want to say, Delta facility, and now we are at the Tyler Perry Studios that was at the former Fort McPherson,”
she continued.
“So even though the network has changed quite frankly a lot of the faces behind the scenes have been consistent from the very, very beginning… Down to the camera operators… the producers. The core group of us has been here since day one.”
Gross and Pulliam are no strangers to the big screen. Keshia Knight Pulliam, beloved for her childhood role as Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show, pointed out the parallels between the two shows, both offering a window into the everyday realities of Black family life. But she and Gross agreed that their roles as Miranda and Calvin on House of Payne are unlike any others they have portrayed.
Calvin, Gross’ character, is a man who has faced numerous challenges, especially in his tumultuous relationship with Miranda, who first appeared in Season 2. Over the years, both characters have evolved, navigating the complexities of life, love, and family. Now, as newly divorced co-parents, Calvin and Miranda must figure out how to work together for the sake of their child. Gross spoke on what that looks like moving forward into the season, with all its difficulties and rewards.
“You see a lot of growth in Calvin”
Lance explained.
“His decisions are well thought out oppose to him making knuckle head decisions. Now he has more to lose. He has kids who look up to him,”
he added.
“Its been beautiful to watch Calvin evolve into what he is now because now he’s a man. He’s taking care of his family, he’s providing, he’s doing what he has to do and through this season you’re going to see that sometimes he struggles with making the right decisions only because he wants the best for everyone involved. It’s not just about him, it’s about Miranda, it’s about his fiancé, it’s about his mom and dad, it’s about his sons.”
As viewers, we have watched the Payne family endure many trials, imparting valuable life lessons along the way. But the show’s impact extends beyond the screen. When asked what lessons they have carried with them after years of filming, Pulliam reflected on the deep sense of family and resilience that House of Payne has instilled in both cast and audience.
“It’s really family over everything,”
says Keshia.
“It’s about that unconditional love. It’s about know one stays the same. So it’s how do you continue to support and empower everyone through their growth and evolvement because it’s inevitable and how you continue to love and embrace even if their choices aren’t your choices. So it’s giving people the room to be who they are, loving them through it, and just allowing them to just be.”
#Clique, tune into Tyler Perry’s House of Payne airing on BET, Tuesdays at 9 PM ET/PT.
