From commanding the screen in classic roles to bringing depth to Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, actor Ricco Ross continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances. Known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, Ricco joins us today to discuss his journey in Hollywood, his role in the groundbreaking series, and the impact of portraying characters that resonate deeply with viewers. Get ready for a conversation that dives into the art of storytelling and the heart of Ricco Ross’s dynamic career.
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How did you begin your acting career?
My acting career began with a moment of defiance. I was a student starting at a new high school—parents divorced, moving from Illinois to South Florida, etc. One day, I was trying to sneak into school before we were allowed in and was stopped by a teacher, Ms. Cook. I made up a lie about why I wanted to go in early, saying I had left my book inside. She saw right through me and stopped me. Then, another student—a young white girl—came up to her with the same excuse and was allowed in.
I got so mad that I gave Ms. Cook some of my best acting, trying to persuade her that it wasn’t fair, that it was racist, etc. Again, she saw right through my lies and said, “You’re not going in early, but you will be in my play.” I told her no, but she persisted. I finally convinced her that I didn’t like reading out loud in front of people. The truth was, I wasn’t a good reader. She said it would involve a lot of improvising—just pretending.
Long story short, I didn’t get in early, and I did her play. The play was a success, and later, I played one of the leads in Out of the Frying Pan with a fellow classmate, now-successful comedian/actor Featherman, and loved every minute of it!
Years later, at the end of my second year of college, a counselor asked me what I wanted to major in. I really didn’t know. He suggested I consider three things:
1. What do I like doing?
2. What am I good at?
3. Do I think I could make a living at it?
So I decided to be an actor. I finished undergrad with a BA but managed to get into the only grad school I applied for—UCLA—and even got a fellowship offer! That was my ticket out of Florida, so I moved to LA, finished the course, and started working in Hollywood just as the two-year program ended.
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Tell us about your role in the Netflix series, “Beauty in Black.
Well, getting the role was a testament to always showing up, no matter the circumstances.
I got an email asking me to put myself on tape for a great role—a major guest spot in a Tyler Perry Netflix series. It was late, and the audition was due in the morning. I had been so busy that day and just wanted to eat and watch TV, but in my head, I couldn’t stop hearing, “90% of success is showing up.”
So I asked my wife (and reader) to help me get one clean take so I could send it in. I did a little research on the role, learned the lines, and thought, Let’s just get a good take.
Halfway through the recording, my character was supposed to cough. As I coughed, my reader said her line, but I didn’t hear it. In character, I said, “Excuse me.” Behind the camera, she quietly put her hands up as if to say, What? Still in character, with the camera still rolling, I said, “I didn’t hear you.” She repeated the line, and we continued with the rest of the scene.
I watched it, knew I had made a mistake, but told her, That was the feel of the character. And that was the audition I sent in!
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What is your process in preparing for a role?
I studied Method acting in the States and Classical theater in London, so I use whatever approach works for a particular role. For the character in Beauty in Black, I based him on my father, a strong man who rarely raised his voice. In fact, he often lowered his voice when others raised theirs. The character description called for Horace to be in his 70s and appear ill. I told the production that I didn’t fit the description, but they replied, “Tyler wants you to play it, so we’ll make it fit.” I worked on the voice, the temperament, and finally, I got a walking cane—and knew I had found Horace.
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What keeps you motivated in such a competitive industry?
They say success in this industry comes from inspiration or desperation. Mine was the latter and a belief that I was good at this if only I could get the right project to show what I bring.
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What does success look like for you?
When I first came to Hollywood, I was riding down Sunset Blvd and saw all the actors’ pictures on billboards. I remember thinking, When I have my face on a billboard, I’ll know I’ve made it. That, and receiving an Oscar. Years later, there was a huge picture of me on a billboard, but it was for modeling. I remember thinking I should have been more specific when dreaming. I’m still waiting for that billboard moment, even though the Times Square Megatron had me and other castmates rotating in New York. I’m also still waiting for the Oscar, as I feel my best work is yet to come.
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What advice would you give someone who aspires to work as an actor?
If you believe you can’t, you can’t. If you believe you can, you can. It’s all up to you. Study at school or with someone. Oh, and have patience and persistence—they will come in handy. Lastly, find a way to buy the place where you live: house, apartment, condo, whatever. Rent rooms out to make it work in the beginning, if you have to. It’s no fun being a starving artist.
