Lance Gross has been in the entertainment world for over a decade. He has won the hearts of many with his acting skills. His most famous role is Calvin Payne in “House of Payne,” a hit comedy series.
Gross started as a model but soon became a well-known TV star. He has shown his talent in both funny and serious roles. This versatility has made him a favorite among audiences.
Lance Gross was born in Oakland, California, on July 8, 1981. His path to fame was filled with hard work and a keen eye for opportunities. He made his film debut in 2008 in “Meet the Browns” by Tyler Perry.
Soon after, he became famous for playing Calvin Payne in “House of Payne.” His performance earned him lots of praise. It showed his ability to play different characters well.
Background: Who is Lance Gross?
Lance Gross was born on July 8, 1981, in Oakland, California. Before becoming an actor, he was a promising track and field athlete. He decided to pursue acting, which turned out to be a great choice.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Oakland, Lance Gross loved the arts and performance. He studied track and field in college but soon realized acting was his true passion. At the Tasha Smith Acting School, he caught the eye of Tyler Perry.
Path to Acting Career
Gross started as a fashion model, working with stars like Mary J. Blige and Rihanna. This led to his role in House of Payne from 2006 to 2012. His performance as Calvin Payne brought him fame and NAACP Image Awards.
“I always knew I wanted to be an actor. It was just a matter of finding the right opportunity and making the most of it.”
After House of Payne, Lance Gross showed his range in films like Our Family Wedding and TV shows. His hard work and talent have made him a star in the entertainment world.
Rise to Fame with ‘House of Payne’
Lance Gross’s role as Calvin Payne in “House of Payne” was a big step in his career. Calvin’s story, from a college slacker to a family man, touched many viewers. The show’s cast, with people from different backgrounds, showed America’s diversity.
The cast’s chemistry made the show a hit. They showed the complex family relationships well. Janine Payne, played by Demetria McKinney, was a lesbian character that broke barriers.
Impact on His Career
“House of Payne” made a big difference in Lance Gross’s career. His role as Calvin Payne got him an NAACP Image Award. This success helped him become a well-known actor.
Reception of the Show
“House of Payne” was a huge hit when it first aired. It drew in 5.2 million and 5.8 million viewers. TBS asked for more episodes, showing how much people loved it.
With 365 episodes, it’s one of the longest-running shows with an African American cast. It’s even longer than “The Jeffersons,” “Family Matters,” and “The Cosby Show.”
“House of Payne” has had a significant cultural impact by positively portraying African American family life, challenging stereotypes, and promoting diverse representation in the entertainment industry.”
Other Notable Projects in Film and TV
Lance Gross is known for more than just House of Payne. He started in film with Meet the Browns in 2008. He then starred in Our Family Wedding (2010) with America Ferrera, showing his range.
He took on dramatic roles in The Last Fall (2012). He also starred in Tyler Perry’s Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor. On TV, he guest-starred on Grey’s Anatomy and played an FBI agent in Sleepy Hollow.
In 2021, he led in Dutch and starred in Our Kind of People on Fox. Though Our Kind of People was canceled, Gross keeps proving his talent and range.
Guest Appearances on Popular Shows
Lance Gross has also been on shows like Grey’s Anatomy and MacGyver. These roles let him play different characters and explore new genres.
Film Roles and Achievements
Gross has shined in films like Meet the Browns, Our Family Wedding, and The Last Fall. His work has earned him four NAACP Image Awards for his role in House of Payne.
Personal Life: Love and Family
Lance Gross is not just an actor; he’s a loving family man. He’s known for his role in “House of Payne” and is married to stylist Rebecca Jefferson. They got married on May 23, 2015. They have two kids: Berkeley Brynn Gross, born in 2014, and Lennon, born in 2018.
Lance Gross values his personal life a lot. He’s committed to his relationships and being a great dad. He even turned down jobs to be there for his daughter’s birth. He loves spending time with his kids, even with his busy schedule.
“I get one dope chick and that’s all I need.”
Gross and Rebecca Jefferson have a strong connection. They met and clicked right away. He proposed to her during a trip to Cabo in 2013, with fireworks in the background. Their marriage shows his commitment to lasting love.
The actor values family a lot. He’s inspired by his parents’ long-lasting marriage. Lance Gross believes in lasting love, even in today’s world. He loves being best friends with his partner and values confidence.
Lance Gross: The Entrepreneur
Beyond acting, Lance Gross has shown his entrepreneurial side. In 2020, he joined M88, a talent management and production company. M88 supports diverse talent, which fits Gross’s versatility and drive.
Launching a Production Company
Gross has been proactive in his career, producing content that connects with audiences. In 2017, he created, produced, and starred in “I Turned My Camera On.” This series featured interviews with Michael B. Jordan, Omari Hardwick, and Kelly Rowland. It showed Gross’s entrepreneurial spirit and his aim to highlight diverse voices.
Involvement in Charity Work
Lance Gross also focuses on charity work. As an entrepreneur and actor, he uses his influence to support important causes. His commitment to charity work shows his dedication to success and making a difference.
“As an actor, it’s important to me to use my platform to give back and make a difference in people’s lives.”
Gross’s career is diverse, including business and charity work. His efforts to create opportunities and highlight diverse voices have made him a respected leader. His approach to success is inspiring and impactful.
Influences and Inspirations
As Lance Gross‘ acting career has grown, he has been inspired by many. One key figure is Tyler Perry, who gave him a big role in House of Payne. Perry’s skill in telling stories and supporting diverse talents has shaped Gross’s work.
Gross also looks up to Perry for his storytelling. Gross wants to take on more roles that challenge him. He’s excited about action roles, showing his desire to grow as an actor.
“I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and grow as an artist. Whether it’s an intense action sequence or a complex dramatic role, I’m eager to push the boundaries of what I can achieve.”
Gross’s path has been influenced by Tyler Perry and his own drive. He keeps pushing himself to deliver great performances. Lance Gross’ inspirations and goals will keep driving him in the acting world.
Social Media Presence
Lance Gross is a big name in entertainment who loves social media. He uses Instagram and Twitter to share his life with fans. His fans know him best from “House of Payne.”
He talks to fans online, answering their comments and sharing project sneak peeks. Lance also does Q&A sessions. This makes fans feel close to him.
The Impact of Social Media on Gross’s Career
Social media has changed Lance Gross’s career for the better. It’s a way for him to show who he is and promote his work. It also brings him new chances, like collaborations and endorsements.
Thanks to social media, Lance Gross has built a strong brand. This helps him connect with fans and grow his career in the entertainment world.
Lance Gross: A Fashion Icon
As a former fashion model, Lance Gross has become a fashion icon. He’s known for his roles in “House of Payne” and “Sleepy Hollow.” He has moved seamlessly from modeling to the red carpet, showing off his fashion sense.
Signature Style
Gross’s personal fashion choices often reflect a blend of classic elegance and modern flair. He looks great in both sleek suits and casual outfits. His dedication to style has made him a fashion-forward celebrity. He can rock any style, from formal to streetwear, making him a true fashion icon.
Collaborations with Fashion Brands
Lance Gross has worked with many fashion brands. His style and influence have made him a popular choice. He promotes the brands he works with, showing off his fashion icon status.
Behind the Scenes: Life as an Actor
Lance Gross finds a balance between work and personal life as an actor. He’s known for his role as Calvin Payne in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne on TBS. He aims for roles that challenge him and help him grow.
He moves between Los Angeles and Chicago for work. This lifestyle demands careful time management and a healthy routine. Gross starts his day with workouts and studies scripts to stay focused.
Challenges in the Industry
Gross has faced challenges in the industry, like being seen as a “heartthrob” or “sex symbol”.
“I prefer to be seen as a regular person who is dedicated to his work and family, rather than just a pretty face,”
he says. He wants to be known for his acting, not just his looks.
Dealing with the entertainment industry’s demands is tough for Gross. He looks for roles that are diverse and meaningful. This shows his commitment to growth and creativity.
Lance Gross keeps pushing his acting career forward. He seeks roles that showcase his talent and tackle industry challenges. His dedication and quest for authenticity mark his journey in entertainment.
Awards and Recognitions
Lance Gross has made a big splash in TV and movies, earning many awards and nominations. He won a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” in 2010. This was a major highlight of his career.
He has been nominated for 28 NAACP Image Awards, showing his consistent talent. He has won 20 of these awards, proving he’s a versatile and acclaimed actor.
Winning Performances
Gross has won many awards for his acting, including 9 NAACP Image Awards for “House of Payne.” He also got 5 NAACP Image Awards for “House of Payne.” These awards highlight his talent in TV.
In movies, Gross made a big impact with “Tyler Perry’s The Family That Preys.” It was a huge hit in the U.S. He also won 2 Black Movie Awards for “Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” His co-star, Kimberly Elise, won a Black Reel Award for Best Actress.
Gross has been recognized by many groups, including the BET Comedy Awards and the African-American Film Critics Association. He even got a BET Ultimate Icon Award for his outstanding achievements.
“Lance Gross’ remarkable achievements and numerous accolades are a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft. His ability to captivate audiences and earn the respect of his peers is truly inspiring.”
Lance Gross keeps making waves in the entertainment world. His awards and recognitions show his lasting impact. With his passion and talent, he’s set for even more exciting roles in the future.
Future Projects and Aspirations
Lance Gross is making waves with his acting skills, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next. He’s known for his role as Calvin Payne in “House of Payne.” Now, he wants to try new things, like action movies and more serious roles.
Gross is excited about his role in “Crisis.” “I’ve been wanting to sink my teeth into action for years and it’s finally happening,” he said. This shows he’s ready to take on new challenges and grow as an actor.
Upcoming Roles and Collaborations
Lance Gross is keeping his future projects a secret, but he’s hinted at big changes. He wants to do “projects that are different and more rugged and mature.” This means he’s looking to move beyond the romantic comedies and sitcoms he’s known for.
Long-term Goals in the Industry
Lance Gross is aiming high in his career. He wants to play more complex roles that show off his talents. He hopes to inspire others and make a lasting mark in the industry.
“I want to continue to push myself as an actor and take on roles that challenge me and allow me to grow,” Gross expressed. “My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on the industry and inspire the next generation of performers.”
Lance Gross is starting a new chapter in his career, and fans are excited. They’ll get to see him grow and achieve his ambitious goals in the entertainment world.
Final Thoughts on Lance Gross
Lance Gross has made a lasting impact in the entertainment world. He started as a model and grew into a talented actor. His role as Calvin Payne in “House of Payne” made him a beloved TV star.
His Legacy in Entertainment
Gross has shown his range in different roles, from drama to action. His ability to move between genres has won him many fans. He has even won NAACP Image Awards for his performances.
Influence on Future Generations
Gross is a role model for young actors, especially those from diverse backgrounds. His hard work and giving back through DIAGEO inspire many. His legacy will keep encouraging and guiding the next wave of talent.
