LaVan Davis may not have an extensive acting resume, but that’s partly because he’s been portraying Curtis Payne for nearly a decade and a half. Fans of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and The Paynes will instantly recognize LaVan, who has been a main character on both shows. Davis’s unique sense of humor and ability to showcase serious skill in a lighthearted show have made him stand out over the years. With the Paynes now back on BET, there’s no doubt that Uncle Curtis will continue to bring the laughs. Keep reading for 10 things you didn’t know about LaVan Davis.
1. A Multi-Talented Musician
LaVan’s acting career may have garnered him the most attention, but many people don’t realize that he’s also a musician. Davis is passionate about making music and possesses an incredible voice. You can hear his vocal talents in the National Remax Real Estate Commercials. He also hones his vocals at the Piano Bar in Hollywood. He has hinted at plans to release music, but we weren’t able to locate any of his work on streaming platforms.
2. Not Married to Cassi Davis in Reality
There’s no denying the fact that LaVan and his on-screen wife, Cassi Davis, share undeniable chemistry. In fact, playing the Paynes isn’t the first time these two have portrayed a couple. They also played a married couple in the play Madea Goes to Jail. However, despite sharing the same last name, the couple isn’t actually married in real life. Cassi Davis is married to Kerry Patton, and it’s unclear whether or not LaVan is married.
3. A Longstanding Collaboration with Tyler Perry
The Paynes and House of Payne aren’t the only times Davis has worked with Tyler Perry. Davis and Perry have collaborated on several occasions. LaVan had roles in Meet the Browns, Daddy’s Little Girls, Why Did I Get Married, and some of Perry’s plays.
4. LaVan Davis: A Natural Comedian
Davis is undoubtedly a man of many talents, and he has a natural ability to make people laugh. This skill is part of what makes his portrayal of Curtis Payne so memorable and entertaining. Even before the show, he was putting his sense of humor to good use as a comedian.
5. Steering Clear of Social Media
The internet has become a powerful tool for people in the entertainment industry. Thanks to social media, actors can keep in touch with their fans and promote current and upcoming projects. However, Davis hasn’t bought into the hype of social media. Although he has accounts on Instagram and Twitter, he is not active on either platform.
6. A Private Life Away from the Spotlight
Many people who have been in the industry for as long as Davis have become open books. When you think of some of your favorite celebrities, you probably know much more about them than you care to. That isn’t how Davis operates, though. He values his privacy and hasn’t shared much information about his personal life.
7. Dreaming of Working with Steven Spielberg
Davis has had numerous amazing opportunities throughout his career, and he’s grateful for every single one of them. Although he hasn’t spent too much time thinking about people he’d like to work with in the future, he did mention that Steven Spielberg is definitely on his list.
8. A Love for Old School Music
Not only is Davis a talented musician, but he’s also a big fan of music. However, he doesn’t really keep up with pop music and the various trends that go on in the industry. Instead, he prefers to listen to old-school music by legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder and The Isley Brothers.
9. LaVan Davis: Younger Than His Character on The Paynes
Curtis Payne’s exact age isn’t mentioned on the show, but it’s clear that he’s meant to be at retirement age at this point in the season. Many viewers have likely assumed that Davis and the character are close in age, but that isn’t really the case. Davis is only in his 50s. The gray hair Curtis so effortlessly sports is also a wig.
10. A Strong Faith in God
Curtis is a proud man of God, and his faith has helped guide his decisions throughout his career. He is a firm believer that God has been a key component of his success. Although the entertainment industry can be known for lots of negativity and shady business, Curtis believes that his faith has always helped to steer him in a positive direction.
