The enduring appeal of Tyler Perry's House of Payne, a cornerstone of the modern multigenerational family sitcom, continues to resonate with fans, especially since its highly successful revival on BET. As of today, December 9, 2025, the original cast members who brought Curtis, Ella, C.J., and the rest of the Payne clan to life are busier than ever, moving beyond the beloved Atlanta home and into new, sometimes surprising, film, television, and directorial roles.

From starring in major 2025 Netflix comedies to directing thrillers and balancing parenthood, the actors who defined a generation of family television have undergone significant career and personal transformations. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates and exciting new projects for the core cast, proving that for the Payne family, the show is far from over.

The Core Payne Family: A Complete Biography Snapshot

The foundation of House of Payne’s success lies with its principal cast. Before diving into their current 2025 endeavors, here is a quick look at the main actors who anchored the series, along with their key roles and birth details.

• LaVan Davis (Curtis Payne):
  • Born: September 21, 1966 (Age 59)
  • Role: Curtis Payne, the hilarious, often grumpy patriarch.
  • Other Key Roles: Stage actor in numerous Tyler Perry productions.
• Cassi Davis Patton (Ella Payne):
  • Born: July 31, 1964 (Age 61)
  • Role: Ella Payne, the wise, loving matriarch.
  • Other Key Roles: Aunt Bam in the Madea films, *The Paynes*.
• Allen Payne (Clarence "C.J." Payne Jr.):
  • Born: July 7, 1968 (Age 57)
  • Role: C.J. Payne, Curtis and Ella's nephew and the family's moral center.
  • Other Key Roles: Jason Alexander in *Jason's Lyric*, Gee Money in *New Jack City*.
• Lance Gross (Calvin Payne):
  • Born: July 8, 1981 (Age 44)
  • Role: Calvin Payne, Curtis and Ella's son.
  • Other Key Roles: *Star*, *The Last O.G.*, *Sleepy Hollow*.
• Keshia Knight Pulliam (Miranda Lucas-Payne):
  • Born: April 9, 1979 (Age 46)
  • Role: Miranda, Calvin's ex-wife.
  • Other Key Roles: Rudy Huxtable in *The Cosby Show*, Director/Producer.
• Larramie "Doc" Shaw (Malik Payne):
  • Born: April 24, 1992 (Age 33)
  • Role: Malik Payne, C.J.'s son.
  • Other Key Roles: Marcus Little in *The Suite Life on Deck*, King Boomer in *Pair of Kings*.
• China Anne McClain (Jazmine Payne):
  • Born: August 25, 1998 (Age 27)
  • Role: Jazmine Payne, C.J.'s daughter.
  • Other Key Roles: Jennifer in *Black Lightning*, Uma in *Descendants* film series.

2025's Biggest Moves: New Shows, Directing Debuts, and Stage Returns

The biggest news for the cast in 2025 centers on major new projects that showcase their versatility beyond the sitcom format. Many of the actors are leveraging their long-standing relationship with Tyler Perry while also branching out into new genres.

Cassi Davis Patton: From Matriarch to Sitcom Star on Netflix

Cassi Davis Patton, whose portrayal of Ella Payne is one of the most beloved characters in the Tyler Perry universe, is set for a major new role outside of the BET revival. In 2025, she is slated to star in a new Tyler Perry Netflix comedy series titled Tyler Perry's She The People.

This new project, which is part of Tyler Perry’s expanding slate with the streaming giant, will see Davis Patton reunited with other familiar faces like David Mann and Tamela Mann (Mr. Brown and Cora Brown from *Meet the Browns* and *Assisted Living*). Her role in *She The People* continues her reign as a powerhouse in the comedy space, bringing her signature warmth and impeccable comedic timing to a new, global audience on Netflix.

Keshia Knight Pulliam: Directing and Thrilling Audiences

Keshia Knight Pulliam, who plays Miranda Lucas-Payne, Calvin's ex-wife, has made a significant pivot in her career, moving into directing and producing. In 2025, Keshia is starring in the new Lifetime thriller movie, Wife Stalker, where she plays a woman named Joanna.

She has been vocal about making 2025 a "year of joy" and is actively involved in projects that allow her to work both in front of and behind the camera. This move demonstrates her intention to grow her influence as a director and producer, following in the footsteps of mentors like Tyler Perry. Her work with Lifetime, including numerous Christmas and thriller movies, has become an integral part of her career, expanding her topical authority far beyond her iconic sitcom roles.

Lance Gross: Global Projects and Continued Success

Lance Gross (Calvin Payne) has maintained a strong presence in film and television since the original run of *House of Payne*. In 2025, Gross is planning to film one of his upcoming projects on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

This announcement came during his visit to the 2025 Jazz and Arts Festival in Saint Lucia, highlighting his status as a sought-after actor and producer with international scope. His career, which includes roles in *Star* and *Sleepy Hollow*, has solidified him as a leading man in Hollywood. Fans are eagerly anticipating details on this new production, which will further diversify his already impressive filmography.

The Next Generation and Veteran Stars: Where They Focus Now

The younger cast members and the show's veteran actors are primarily focused on the continued success of the *House of Payne* revival and other affiliated Tyler Perry productions, while also exploring new avenues.

Allen Payne and LaVan Davis: The Enduring Payne Men

Allen Payne (C.J. Payne), known for his dramatic roles in classic films like *New Jack City* and *Jason's Lyric*, has been the subject of recent online speculation regarding his retirement. However, the actor remains active, primarily through the *House of Payne* revival. In early 2025, Payne was also linked to a stage adaptation of his iconic film *Jason's Lyric*, alongside Eva Marcille.

This suggests that while his film output may be selective, his passion for acting remains strong, particularly in projects that resonate with his past success. LaVan Davis (Curtis Payne) has kept his focus almost exclusively on the Tyler Perry universe, continuing his role as the beloved, curmudgeonly Curtis on *House of Payne* and its spin-off, *The Paynes*. His commitment to the character and the sitcom revival is a testament to the show's lasting impact.

China Anne McClain and Doc Shaw: Balancing Sitcom and Solo Careers

China Anne McClain (Jazmine Payne), a former Disney star, has successfully transitioned into adult roles while remaining part of the *House of Payne* family. In 2025, McClain has teased several upcoming projects in both music and film, and has hinted at working more behind the camera.

Her work on *Black Lightning* and the *Descendants* franchise cemented her status as a versatile performer. Larramie "Doc" Shaw (Malik Payne) is also active in the entertainment industry in 2025, with his primary focus being the *House of Payne* revival, which allows him to continue developing the character he started playing as a young teen.

Supporting Cast Spotlight: Janine and Claretha

The topical authority of the *House of Payne* universe extends to its strong supporting cast:

• Demetria McKinney (Janine Payne): The actress and singer, who played C.J.'s ex-wife, continues to be a working actress, starring in other Tyler Perry projects like *House of Payne*'s sister show, *Tyler Perry's Assisted Living*, and the drama series *Motherland: Fort Salem*. She is also working on a new album and other TV projects.
• Denise Burse (Claretha Jenkins): The veteran actress, who played the nosy neighbor Claretha, is a prolific stage actress based in New York City. In 2025, Burse is starring in various theatre productions and has recent credits in major network shows like *The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey*.

The continued success of the *House of Payne* actors, both within the Tyler Perry Studios ecosystem and in their independent ventures, demonstrates the enduring power of the original series. They have all managed to evolve their careers, proving that the Payne family legacy is one of longevity and creative expansion.