You probably know him as the guy who can’t stay out of anyone’s business. Whether he's leaning over a barber chair or causing chaos in a diner, Palmer Williams Jr. has a way of hijacking every scene he’s in.
But there’s a lot more to the man than just the "Floyd" persona. Honestly, his career is one of those slow-burn success stories that Hollywood doesn't talk about enough. He didn't just wake up one day on a Tyler Perry set; he grinded through stage plays, backup singing gigs, and even a landscaping business that he still runs today.
Let’s get into the weeds of Palmer Williams Jr. movies and tv shows and why he’s become such a staple in Black sitcom history.
The Floyd Phenomenon: House of Payne and Love Thy Neighbor
If we’re being real, you can’t talk about Palmer without talking about Floyd Jackson. It’s the role that defined him.
He first showed up in Tyler Perry's House of Payne as the local barber, Floyd Stanley Jackson. He wasn't the lead, but he didn't need to be. He was the comedic relief that actually felt like a person you’d meet at a real barbershop in Camden, Alabama—which, incidentally, is where Palmer is actually from.
Then came Love Thy Neighbor.
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This was the spin-off/transition where Floyd really got to shine. Moving from the barbershop to the diner (and occasionally acting as a landlord), the character became a cornerstone of the OWN network’s comedy lineup. It’s rare for a side character to have that kind of staying power. Palmer played Floyd for years, spanning over a hundred episodes. People loved to hate him because he was that "attitudinal" guy who always had a comment about everyone’s life but his own.
The Tyler Perry Connection: More Than Just TV
It’s easy to look at his IMDb and see the TV credits, but Palmer’s real training ground was the "Chitlin' Circuit"—the national stage play tours.
Before the cameras were rolling for TBS or OWN, Palmer was on stage nightly. He’s been in at least four major Tyler Perry touring productions:
- The Marriage Counselor (2008)
- Madea’s Big Happy Family (2010)
- Laugh to Keep from Crying (2011)
- I Don’t Want to Do Wrong (2013)
Working the stage is different. You can't edit out a missed line. You have to be "on" for two hours straight, and that’s where Palmer developed that lightning-fast comedic timing. If you’ve ever seen the filmed versions of these plays, you’ll notice he often plays a variation of the same nosy, high-energy character. It works. Why fix what isn't broken?
What You Might Have Missed: Movies and Guest Spots
While the Perry-verse is his home base, he’s popped up in some places you might have forgotten.
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Did you catch him in the 2019 movie Little? He had a small role there. He’s also appeared in Chicago P.D. and Everybody Hates Chris way back in 2005. That was actually his first big TV credit.
A Quick Rundown of Other Notable Appearances:
- Comeback Dad (2014): A TV movie directed by Russ Parr.
- The Drone That Saved Christmas (2019): A holiday flick where he plays "Old Man Henderson."
- Judge Me Not (2023): One of his more recent roles, showing he’s still very much in the game.
- Covenant (2021): An anthology series where he got to flex some different acting muscles.
The Renaissance Man: Singing and Landscaping?
This is the part that usually shocks people. Palmer Williams Jr. is a singer. Like, a real singer.
He didn't just "try" music; he sang backup for Keith Sweat, Monica, and LSG. He even released a gospel album called Neo-Saved. He’s often joked about starting a quartet group called "Old As Hell" (OAH) where they wear Jheri curls and sing songs like "God Is Like Good Chicken." It sounds like a bit, but his vocal talent is actually top-tier.
And then there's the grass.
Most actors get a big break and never look back. Not Palmer. He owns the Williams Lawn Care Group in Atlanta. He’s been quoted saying his dad made him cut two and a half acres before he could borrow the car to see his girlfriend. That work ethic stuck. Imagine hiring a landscaping crew and the guy from House of Payne shows up to edge your driveway. That’s just who he is.
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The Reality of the Journey
It hasn't all been red carpets and sitcom sets. Palmer has been incredibly open about his struggles. He’s talked about filing for bankruptcy after a failed play nearly ruined him financially. He’s discussed battling depression and the pain of losing family members to cancer.
That’s why his comedy feels authentic. It’s coming from a guy who’s seen the bottom and worked his way back up. He calls himself a "24-year overnight success."
Why He Still Matters in 2026
Palmer Williams Jr. represents a specific era of Black television that prioritized ensemble casts and broad, physical comedy. While the industry is shifting toward "prestige" dramas, there’s still a huge demand for the kind of comfort-food comedy Palmer provides.
His roles in Palmer Williams Jr. movies and tv shows aren't just about the laughs; they're about a specific kind of relatability. He plays the uncle, the neighbor, or the barber we all know.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Actors
- Watch the Stage Plays First: If you really want to see Palmer's range, watch the recorded stage plays like The Marriage Counselor. His energy is much higher than in the edited sitcoms.
- Diversify Your Skills: Palmer’s career is a masterclass in not putting all your eggs in one basket. Between acting, singing, writing, and his business, he created a life that wasn't dependent on a single casting director.
- Follow the New Projects: Keep an eye on streaming services like ALLBLK and BET+, as Palmer has transitioned into more "dramatic-comedy" roles recently, moving slightly away from the multi-cam sitcom format.
The best way to appreciate his work is to look past the "Floyd" caricature and see the craftsman underneath. He's one of the hardest-working men in show business, even if he’s just there to tell you your haircut looks terrible.
Next Steps: If you're looking to dive deep into his catalog, start with the Love Thy Neighbor series on OWN or Discovery+. It’s the purest distillation of his comedic style. From there, check out his gospel tracks on streaming platforms—his voice might surprise you more than his jokes.