Allen Payne

Allen Payne, born Allen Roberts on July 7, 1968, in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, is an American actor whose career has spanned more than three decades and showcases a remarkable range of performances across film, television, and stage. He first entered the entertainment world in 1990 with a guest role on The Cosby Show, where he portrayed Lance Rodman, a charismatic boyfriend who appeared during the series' final two seasons, establishing his early presence on a hit sitcom. After graduating from Pennsauken High School in New Jersey, Payne quickly secured additional television work, appearing in popular shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air and Malcolm & Eddie, demonstrating his versatility in both comedic and dramatic contexts. His breakthrough in cinema arrived with the 1991 crime drama New Jack City, where he played the memorable gangster Gerald “Gee Money” Wells, a role that cemented his reputation as a compelling supporting actor in urban narratives. Payne followed this success with a critically acclaimed performance as Jason Alexander in the 1994 film Jason’s Lyric, delivering a nuanced portrayal of a young man caught between love and loyalty in a turbulent environment. Additional notable film credits include the horror‑comedy Vampire in Brooklyn (1995) and the disaster epic The Perfect Storm, illustrating his ability to adapt to diverse genres. Since 2006, Payne has become a household name as C.J. Payne on Tyler Perry’s long‑running sitcom House of Payne, a role he reprised in the short‑lived spinoff The Paynes and continues to embody in the series’ 2020 revival, highlighting his enduring appeal on television. In 2022, he returned to his iconic “Gee Money” character for the stage adaptation New Jack City: Live on Stage, proving his commitment to both his roots and evolving storytelling mediums. Throughout his career, Allen Payne has consistently demonstrated a blend of charisma, emotional depth, and professionalism that makes him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.