1. Overview
LaVan Davis is an American actor primarily known for his portrayal of Curtis Payne in the popular television sitcoms Tyler Perry's House of Payne and its spin-off, The Paynes. His career spans various media, including film, television, and stage productions, often collaborating with filmmaker Tyler Perry. This article details his early life, career progression, notable roles, and a comprehensive filmography.
2. Early Life and Background
LaVan Davis was born on September 21, 1966, in Atlanta, Georgia.
3. Career
Davis's acting career began in the early 2000s, quickly establishing his presence across film, television, and stage. He is particularly recognized for his long-standing collaboration with writer and director Tyler Perry, which led to his most iconic roles.
3.1. Beginning of Acting Career
Davis commenced his professional acting career in 2004 with his first credited role as Leroy in the film Mindbenders. The following year, he made a guest appearance in two episodes of the television series Everybody Hates Chris, where he played the role of a preacher.
3.2. Television Work
In 2006, Davis secured a lead role as the cantankerous patriarch of the Payne family, Curtis Payne, in the TBS sitcom Tyler Perry's House of Payne. This role became his most significant and enduring, with Davis appearing in 254 episodes of the series, which ran from 2006 to 2012 and was later revived in 2020, continuing to the present. He reprised his role as Curtis Payne in the spin-off series, The Paynes, in 2018, appearing in 38 episodes.
3.3. Film Work
Davis has also been featured in several feature films, often in projects associated with Tyler Perry. His film credits include Puff, Puff, Pass in 2006, where he played Otis Jenkins. In 2007, he appeared in Daddy's Little Girls as Lester, a small role as a musician/singer in a bar scene. He continued his collaboration with Perry in Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns in 2008, taking on the small role of a bus driver.
3.4. Stage Work
Beyond his screen work, Davis has performed in various theatrical productions. He appeared as Poppy in the stage play Why Did I Get Married? and as Leo in Madea Goes to Jail, which was performed in 2005.
4. Filmography
LaVan Davis has an extensive filmography across television, film, and stage productions.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Mindbenders | Leroy | Film |
| 2005 | Everybody Hates Chris | Preacher | Television series; 2 episodes |
| 2005 | Madea Goes to Jail: The Play | Leo | Stage play |
| 2006 | Puff, Puff, Pass | Otis Jenkins | Film |
| 2006 | Why Did I Get Married? | Poppy | Stage play |
| 2006-2012, 2020-present | Tyler Perry's House of Payne | Curtis Payne | Television series; Lead role; 254 episodes |
| 2007 | Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls | Lester | Film; Small role in bar; musician/singer |
| 2008 | Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns | Bus Driver | Film; Small role |
| 2018 | Tyler Perry's The Paynes | Curtis Payne | Television series; Lead role; 38 episodes |
5. Personal Life
LaVan Davis maintains a relatively private personal life. He is primarily known for his professional acting career.