BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
“There’s a new Sheriff in town!”
Carl Payne II ACTOR, WRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER HOLDING IT DOWN IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IS NO “CIRCUS”-- BUT THEN AGAIN, THIS ACTOR IS NO “CLOWN IN THE BOX” HE’S MAKING MOVES TO PROVE HE’S STILL “IN THE GAME” 20 YEARS LATER By Shernita Wiggins
rendsetter to Trendsetters Magazine caught up with actor, Carl Payne II, while he was on location in Chicago with the Universal Circus. Most known for his roles as “Cole” on Martin and “Cockroach” on The Cosby Show, he was there as Ring Master to document inside information about the longevity of this circus for its 20th year anniversary. He was connected with this amazing family entertainment unit through one of the producers affiliated with the circus, who suggested that the best way to acquire information was to actually become a part of the action. Carl, being the producer that he is, and an actor who understands that the only way to really develop a good role is to study those who actually live that role on a day to day basis, took the challenge. When I expressed how unique it was to be involved with the circus and asked if it was out of his “element,” he said, “Being a Ring Master is like any other hosting job. You have a script you have to follow, and if you are really good, you can go off the script to interact with the audience. Although it is similar to what I have done, it is definitely a different world. I mean, it’s not like hosting a comedy show and I am not doing tricks or anything, (he laughs), but I can do it.” Carl Payne’s latest venture in the film industry is his starring role in TLC’s biopic CrazySexyCool movie which aired on October 22, 2013 on VH1. He plays the creative genius, L.A. Reid in his earlier years. When I asked him how this opportunity came about, he
shared, “I got a call from Chilli when I was in Atlanta, that she was doing this movie and she said, ‘You got to come in and do a reading for this role. You will be perfect because you have a cute round face.’ I told her, Chilli, I’ve been in the gym since you saw me last and there is nothing “round” about me anymore (he laughs). But I wanted to do this to show people what I can do beyond comedy and to brand myself as a universal artist who was professionally trained. Since I wasn’t able to go to the reading, I still went out of my way to show that I was a good fit for the role, so I contacted a friend who was a make-up artist. She transformed me into the present day L.A. Reid with the bald wig and glasses, not knowing they wanted me to play a younger L.A. Reid.” This creative and seasoned actor now joins the ranks of Will Smith, Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy for transitioning between comedic roles and dramatic characters. Carl was passionate about what motivated him for this role. It was the need to validate himself, although some people want to place actors in a box of roles that they portray the most. He says, “Actors have to show industry people that you can go beyond the extent of what they can see you do. I want people to see me in this role and realize that I am capable of developing any role that I choose.” This was not going to happen to him, he is not an inthe-box kind of talent. As a matter of fact, he has been a source of encouragement to upcoming actors like his co-star, Lil Mama, who plays Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopez in the movie. Carl shared an inspiring story about one instance on the set when Lil
Mama was having some trouble with rapping one of the verses because she was a little nervous. He said, “I pulled her to the side and told her, ‘Forget about being an actor, be YOU. Own this moment and do what you do…just do it as Lisa.’ Then she nailed it! We have to provide chances to encourage those that need it and Lil Mama had come to me long before this project, but I knew she could do it and I have ‘mad love’ and applaud everyone who was in this movie. They all did their thing.” The interview was awe-inspiring and we ended with some wisdom Carl gained from the 20 years he has spent in the entertainment industry. His message for how he has sustained so long in the business was a combination of never being complacent with where he was, and being blessed. “You can’t sit around and expect success to fall in your lap. You have to get out and do something about it. Faith without works is dead. I am still moving, I have a recurring role on the Rickey Smiley show and next year I am looking to produce shows that will add more quality programming back to television networks. There’s a new sheriff in town.” He mentioned that those who are entering into the industry need to make it a point to “Learn the business side of things and treat yourself—as a business. Stay in your lane and protect your neck.” Well, you can’t make it any clearer as to his role in continuing to make “moves” while taking over Atlanta setting trends. Be sure to follow him on Instagram and Twitter @thecarlpayne to keep up with what he is doing next. ■
TRENDSETTERS TO TRENDSETTERS MAGAZINE
JAN / FEB 2014 53