If you’ve ever scrolled through Tubi or caught a random late-night cable rerun and found yourself wondering why that one "Purge" parody has so many famous faces, you aren’t alone. Honestly, looking back at the Meet the Blacks actors today is kind of a trip. It was 2016. The movie had a tiny budget—less than a million dollars—yet the call sheet looked like a VIP section at a comedy festival.
You had Mike Epps at the helm, Charlie Murphy in one of his final roles, and even Mike Tyson playing a clown. It’s a weird, chaotic mix.
People usually search for this cast because they recognize someone but can't quite place them. Was that King Bach? Yeah, it was. Was Snoop Dogg actually in this? Briefly, yes. The movie didn’t win any Oscars, obviously, but it’s become this weirdly persistent cult hit because the chemistry between the leads actually feels like a real, albeit highly dysfunctional, family.
The Core Family: Who Carried the Movie?
At the center of everything is Mike Epps as Carl Black.
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Epps is basically the king of the "relatable but slightly shady" father figure. In the movie, his character steals money from a drug dealer and moves his family from Chicago to Beverly Hills right when the annual "Purge" is about to start. It's a classic setup for disaster. Epps brings that same energy he had in Next Friday, but with a bit more of a stressed-out-dad vibe.
Then you have Zulay Henao as Lorena. She plays the "stereotypically sexy Latina wife," but honestly, she’s often the only one in the room with any common sense. Henao has since done a lot of work in the Tyler Perry universe, including If Loving You Is Wrong, but here she’s mostly reacting to the insanity around her.
The kids, Allie and Carl Jr., were played by Bresha Webb and Alex Henderson.
Bresha Webb is a standout. Seriously. If you’ve seen her in Run the World or A Fall from Grace, you know she has range. In Meet the Blacks, she’s doing the sassy teenage daughter thing, but her comedic timing is sharp. Then there’s Lil Duval as Cronut. He’s the ex-con cousin who shows up and just makes everything worse. If you know Lil Duval from his music or his stand-up, you know exactly what kind of energy he brought to this set. Total chaos.
The Meet the Blacks Actors Who Stole Their Scenes
One of the reasons this movie stayed in the conversation is the sheer number of cameos. It feels like director Deon Taylor just called every funny person in his contacts list and asked them to show up for a day.
- Gary Owen: He plays Larry, the overly friendly (and suspicious) neighbor. Gary Owen has always had a unique place in Black comedy circles, and his back-and-forth with Epps is some of the funniest dialogue in the film.
- Charlie Murphy: Playing the villainous Key Flo. This was one of Charlie’s last roles before he passed away in 2017. Seeing him on screen is always a bit bittersweet now, but he was perfect as the guy coming to collect the money Carl stole.
- Mike Tyson: He plays "James Clown." It is exactly what it sounds like. Tyson in a clown suit. It’s menacing and ridiculous at the same time.
- George Lopez: He shows up as President El Bama, a clear parody of the political climate at the time.
It’s a bizarre list. You’ve also got Michael Blackson as "Mr. Wooky" and Andrew Bachelor (King Bach) as Freezee. For a movie that cost about $900,000 to make, getting this many recognizable names is pretty impressive. It’s probably why the movie grossed over $9 million—people just wanted to see what this group would do together.
Why the Chemistry Actually Mattered
Most parodies fail because the actors feel like they’re reading a script. In this one, it feels like they’re just riffing.
Deon Taylor, the director, has talked before about how much improvisation happened on set. You can tell. When Epps and Gary Owen are arguing, or when Lil Duval is being a nuisance, it feels lived-in. That’s likely why they were able to pull off a sequel, The House Next Door: Meet the Blacks 2, in 2021 with Katt Williams joining the mix.
The Meet the Blacks actors weren't just there for a paycheck; they seemed to be having a genuine blast. That translates through the screen. Even if the jokes are sometimes low-brow or the plot is thin, you’re watching a group of comedy legends just play.
What the Cast is Doing Now
If you’re looking to follow these actors today, they’ve all moved on to some pretty big things.
Mike Epps is still a staple in the comedy world with his own Netflix specials and a starring role in The Upshaws. Bresha Webb is a bonafide star, appearing in major TV dramas and comedies alike. Deon Taylor, the director, has transitioned into making high-stakes thrillers like The Intruder and Fatale, proving he’s more than just a comedy guy.
The movie serves as a sort of time capsule for mid-2010s comedy culture. It caught a lot of these performers right as they were pivoting from Vine (in King Bach’s case) or stand-up into more mainstream film roles.
Actionable Insights for Fans
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If you're planning a rewatch or diving into this cast for the first time, here is how to get the most out of the "Blacks" universe:
- Watch the Sequel: If you liked the first one, The House Next Door is actually widely considered to be a bit more polished. Katt Williams as a vampire neighbor is a vibe you didn't know you needed.
- Follow the Comedians: Most of the cast members are primarily stand-up comics. Following Mike Epps, Gary Owen, and Lil Duval on social media gives you a better sense of the "inside jokes" that made it into the movie.
- Check Out Deon Taylor’s Other Work: If you want to see how the director evolved, watch The Intruder. It’s a serious thriller, but you can see how he uses house-bound tension—something he practiced in the parody setting of Meet the Blacks.
- Look for the Cameos: On your next watch, try to spot Snoop Dogg and Tika Sumpter. They disappear fast if you aren't paying attention.
The movie might be a parody, but the careers of the people involved are the real deal. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, putting a bunch of funny people in a room and letting them cook is enough to create a cult classic.