Keshia Knight Pulliam and Lance Gross, to delve into their experiences on the show, their characters’ growth, and what it means to be part of such a significant series.
Keshia Knight Pulliam, best known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show,’ has seamlessly transitioned into her role as Candace Payne. She shared her excitement about returning to the family-oriented genre, stating, “Being part of a show that emphasizes the importance of family and community is something that resonates deeply with me. Candace is such a layered character, and I love exploring her journey throughout the series.”
Lance Gross, who portrays the charming and dedicated Calvin Payne, echoed Keshia’s sentiments. “Calvin is a character who has undergone significant development since the show began,” he noted. “He started as a young man trying to find his place in the world, and now he’s becoming a father. It’s rewarding to portray someone who evolves in a way that feels relatable and authentic to our viewers.”
During our conversation, both actors reflected on the challenges and joys of filming. Keshia emphasized the camaraderie among the cast, stating, “The chemistry we have is palpable. We’re not just colleagues; we’re a family. That makes it easier to tackle the emotional and comedic scenes together.” Lance added, “Tyler Perry creates an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. It allows us to experiment with our performances and truly bring our characters to life.”
As we dove deeper into their experiences on set, Keshia and Lance shared some behind-the-scenes anecdotes that brought smiles to their faces. Keshia recalled a particularly funny blooper where she accidentally flubbed a line, leading to uncontrollable laughter among the cast. “Those moments remind us that while we take our work seriously, we also know how to have fun. It’s those lighthearted times that create lasting memories.”
Lance chimed in with his own humorous tale, describing a scene where he had to juggle multiple props. “Let’s just say that coordination isn’t my strong suit! The entire crew erupted in laughter as I fumbled through the scene. It was a classic moment of improvisation that made it into the final cut.”
Both stars also touched on the show’s impact on audiences. Keshia remarked, “We receive messages from fans all the time about how our stories resonate with their lives. It’s humbling to know we’re making a difference, even in a small way.” Lance agreed, emphasizing the importance of representation in media. “It’s crucial for our audience to see themselves reflected on screen, and I’m proud to be part of a show that does just that.”
Looking ahead, both Keshia and Lance expressed their hopes for their characters’ futures in the series. Keshia dreams of Candace exploring new ventures, perhaps even stepping into a leadership role within the Payne family. Meanwhile, Lance hopes to see Calvin embrace fatherhood fully, navigating the challenges and joys that come with it.
As our interview wrapped up, it was clear that both Keshia Knight Pulliam and Lance Gross are not only talented actors but also passionate advocates for the messages their show conveys. Their dedication to their craft and commitment to their characters continues to shine through in every episode, making ‘House of Payne’ a cherished fixture in the landscape of family television.
