If you were on the internet back in 2013, you probably remember Melvin Gregg as the guy with the six-second comedic timing that felt almost surgical. He was one of the undisputed kings of Vine. But unlike a lot of creators who faded when that app died, Gregg did something much harder. He successfully jumped the shark from "social media personality" to a legitimate, heavy-hitting actor. Honestly, looking at the range of melvin gregg movies and tv shows over the last few years, it’s clear he’s playing a much longer game than anyone expected.
He isn't just playing "the funny friend" anymore. He’s gone from goofy digital skits to working with Steven Soderbergh and starring in The Office universe. It’s a wild trajectory.
The Breakout: From Social Media to High Stakes Drama
A lot of people think the transition happened overnight. It didn’t. Gregg moved to LA in 2012 with a marketing degree and a plan to act, but it was the digital stuff that took off first. He actually had to stop doing social media for a while to get the industry to take him seriously.
The first time people really sat up and noticed was likely Netflix’s American Vandal. Playing DeMarcus Tillman in Season 2, he wasn't just a jock archetype. He brought this weird, endearing vulnerability to a character that could have been a total caricature. It was a mockumentary, sure, but it proved he could carry a plot that relied on more than just a punchline.
Then came the pivot to "serious" cinema.
- High Flying Bird (2019): Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this movie was shot entirely on an iPhone, which is kinda poetic for a guy who started on a phone app. Gregg played Erick Scott, a rookie caught in an NBA lockout.
- The Way Back (2020): He shared the screen with Ben Affleck, playing Marcus Parrish. This wasn't a "Vine star" cameo. This was a gritty, emotional sports drama where he held his own against an Oscar winner.
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021): Gregg stepped into the world of prestige biopics as Joe Guy.
Snowfall and the "Manboy" Era
If you ask a fan about melvin gregg movies and tv shows, they are going to bring up Snowfall within the first thirty seconds. Between 2019 and 2021, he played Drew "Manboy" Miller.
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This role changed everything. Manboy was calculated, dangerous, and incredibly charismatic. Gregg managed to make a "villain" (or at least a foil) someone you actually wanted to see more of. It was a masterclass in screen presence. He wasn't relying on his height or his looks—though he’s 6'2", so he has plenty of both—he was relying on a quiet, simmering intensity.
Why Manboy Mattered
Most actors coming from the "influencer" world get stuck in comedy. By taking on a show as dark and grounded as Snowfall, Gregg proved he could handle the weight of a prestige crime drama. He brought a specific flavor of street-smart intellect to the character that made the rivalry with Franklin Saint feel high-stakes.
Nine Perfect Strangers and Genre Hopping
In 2021, Gregg joined the ensemble cast of Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Playing Ben Chandler, a lottery winner at a mysterious wellness retreat, he got to play a different kind of tension. Alongside Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy, he explored the "nouveau riche" anxiety of a man who has everything but feels like he’s losing his soul.
It was another sharp turn. He went from the streets of 1980s LA in Snowfall to a high-end, trippy wellness resort.
The Paper: Joining The Office Universe
Right now, in early 2026, the biggest thing on everyone’s radar is The Paper. This is the spiritual successor to The Office, created by Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. It premiered on Peacock in late 2025 and has already been a massive talking point for fans of the mockumentary format.
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Gregg plays Detrick Moore, a people-pleasing advertising sales rep. It’s a return to his comedic roots but with a much more grounded, "workplace cringe" energy. The show follows a documentary crew (the same one that filmed Dunder Mifflin) as they follow a struggling Midwestern newspaper.
His character is reportedly the "heart" of the sales department, often caught in a "will-they-won't-they" dynamic with Nicole. Seeing him in this setting is a total 180 from his roles in Snowfall or The Blackening.
Essential Melvin Gregg Movies and TV Shows to Watch
If you're looking to catch up on his filmography, you've got a lot of variety to choose from. He hasn't stayed in one lane, which is probably why his career is still accelerating.
1. The Blackening (2022)
This was a huge cultural moment. A horror-comedy that asks the question: "If the entire cast is Black, who dies first?" Gregg plays King, and his performance is a perfect blend of genre-awareness and genuine humor. It’s easily one of his most "fun" roles.
2. Story Ave (2023)
A more indie, soulful project where he plays Skemes. If you want to see his range in a smaller, more intimate setting, this is the one. It’s about graffiti culture and mentorship, and it’s beautifully shot.
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3. Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (2024)
He appeared as Andre in this star-studded miniseries about a heist during Muhammad Ali’s 1970 comeback fight. It’s another example of him fitting perfectly into a period piece.
4. Freakish (2016-2017)
One of his earlier leads. If you like teen horror and zombies, he played LaShawn Devereux. It's a bit more "camp" than his later work, but you can see the leading-man potential even back then.
What's Next for Melvin Gregg?
Honestly, the guy doesn't seem to sleep. Beyond The Paper, which is currently a flagship show for Peacock, Gregg has been vocal about wanting to move into producing and directing. He’s already experimented with this through interactive projects like the app Whatifi, where he created This Call Will Be Recorded.
He’s mentioned in interviews (like with Schön! Magazine) that his ultimate goal is to do a full-blown romantic comedy. Given his natural charm, it’s a wonder he hasn't been the lead in a Netflix rom-com yet.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch for the "Mockumentary" King: If you loved him in American Vandal, you have to start The Paper on Peacock immediately. It’s the same "straight-man" comedic style he excels at.
- Deep Dive into Snowfall: If you only know him as a funny guy, watch Season 3 and 4 of Snowfall. It will completely change your perception of his acting ability.
- Keep an Eye on Production Credits: Gregg is increasingly involved behind the scenes. Look for his name as a producer in upcoming indie projects, as he’s trying to build his own "digital to traditional" pipeline.
Melvin Gregg is the blueprint for how to survive the "internet famous" trap. He didn't just ride the wave; he built a whole new ocean. Whether he’s selling ads in a failing newspaper or running the streets of Compton, he’s consistently the most interesting person on the screen.
To stay updated on his latest roles, keep an eye on Peacock’s release schedule for the next season of The Paper and look for his name in the 2026 festival circuits, where he often debuts his more experimental indie work.
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