RonReaco Lee continues to prove himself as one of Hollywood’s most multifaceted actors, transitioning seamlessly between comedy and drama. Recently, Lee has been shining even brighter with his dynamic performances in Tyler Perry’s Duplicity and the return of Netflix’s second season of Survival of The Thickest. In Duplicity, Lee portrays an experienced police officer who finds himself entangled in a deadly shooting investigation. In Survival of The Thickest, Lee plays a high-end fashion designer who upholds an unrealistic beauty standard by tailoring his designs to runway model proportions.
Through a one-on-one interview, Lee explains how Tyler Perry’s directorial style has pushed his acting skills to new levels and why the latest Netflix series has a special place in his heart. "Mr. Perry’s definitely got some twists and turns in there for the audience but it’s a really unique film where he’s kind of looking at things that are going on around him socially," Lee remarked. He added, "He’s found this unique way to blend that into this unique story of what you see on the surface is not always what you get." This is Lee’s third film with Perry, and he believes that one of the standout elements of Duplicity is its diverse cast. "One thing he does is he builds tension exceptionally well and I think he’s only gotten better," Lee noted.
Lee reflected on the experience of filming Survival of The Thickest, sharing, "When you go to the Survival of The Thickest set, there’s a sign that reads ‘no asshole policy’. When I say they don’t want anybody there to mess up the vibe, I mean it. That show is a whole vibe." He praised Michelle Buteau, the series creator, for her empowering atmosphere, stating, "Michelle has done a phenomenal job of empowering women, black women, and all types of people on her set. It was just a joy to see such inclusion, especially in this day and age because Hollywood didn’t always look like this."
As for his character in Survival of The Thickest, Lee described Charles Renee as "one of the most self-centered, egotistical characters I’ve ever played but it was an absolute joy." He humorously suggested that if Charles were to give Mavis any advice, she shouldn't take it. "He would look Mavis dead in her eye and tell her to always put herself first and f everybody around her, that’s just how his character is," Lee quipped.
Lee’s career spans over 40 years, and he has had the privilege of being part of projects that have garnered significant recognition. He expressed his gratitude for being part of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, which won the NAACP Image Award. "That project just kind of fell into my lap. I’m so thankful that I didn’t fumble the ball and that I was able to pick it up and do what needed to be done," he said. Lee emphasized the camaraderie among the cast, noting, "There wasn’t an ounce of drama on that show. Everybody just enjoyed being in each other’s presence."
Reflecting on his career, Lee identified his role in Survivor’s Remorse as a defining moment. "I think that’s something to still be thankful for. Survivor’s Remorse did a few things, but one of the biggest things it did was show me that I can handle a certain level of work that I didn’t know I could have done," he explained.
As for aging gracefully in the industry, Lee humorously credited his genetics and moderation in lifestyle choices. "I’m not a big drinker. I do watch what I eat because my wife is very healthy," he shared. He also mentioned his newfound appreciation for different foods, saying, "I’m drinking mushroom tea with homemade cashew milk and just a teaspoon of raw sugar. As a man, you just get to that place where you’re like, alright I’ll try it. I’ll taste that. And I’m surprised by how many things I’m open to and end up enjoying."
In addition to Lee’s impressive career, veteran actor Richard Lawson is currently sharing his knowledge of acting with college students in the Midlands. Lawson spent a few days at SC State University holding a masterclass on acting. According to SC State, the Dream to Screen, Industry Insider's Master Class with Lawson provided an in-depth exploration of acting, directing, storytelling, and the business of entertainment. Lawson, who has been acting since the 60s, currently stars in Tyler Perry's hit Netflix series Beauty in Black as Norman. He also opened the Richard Lawson Studios to help aspiring actors navigate the industry.
Lawson is hosting a book signing on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles in Harbison from 3 pm to 5 pm, where fans can meet him and learn more about his experiences in the industry.
In an exciting development for aspiring filmmakers, Tyler Perry is launching the Dream Collective program on April 17, 2025, aimed at finding and fostering the next generation of filmmakers, particularly from marginalized communities. According to Deadline, the program will consist of five application rounds, starting with 1,000 entries being accepted from April 17 to May 1, 2025. In May, 100 preliminary finalists will be chosen and notified. These finalists will participate in four-week virtual sessions, gaining insights from industry experts.
Perry expressed his vision for the initiative, stating, "For a long time, it’s been on my heart to create a program where I could take what I’ve learned in this business and share it with others. This is a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming directors to learn about the craft and business of filmmaking from professionals at the top of their game." He emphasized that the program is about access, reflecting on his own journey in Hollywood. "Breaking into the industry can be tough–believe me. When I started making movies twenty years ago, even though my stage plays were selling out, nobody in Hollywood knew my name or gave me a shot," Perry recalled.
As part of the program, ten winners will be selected and announced in July 2025, who will then undergo a 10-day hands-on training program at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. These grand prize winners will also receive $30,000 to create their short films in the greater Atlanta area.
Tyler Perry’s influence in Hollywood continues to grow, as he is recognized not only as a successful filmmaker but also as the richest actor in the world, with a fortune of $1.4 billion. Perry has over 1,200 television episodes, 22 feature films, and at least 24 plays to his name. He owns a 130-hectare studio and has a lucrative deal with Paramount Global that earns him $150 million annually, solidifying his status as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
