Ricco Ross is a man of many talents, and after our exclusive interview, it’s clear he has lived a fearless, fascinating life both on and off the screen.
From his unforgettable role as Horace in Tyler Perry‘s “Beauty in Black” to working with Hollywood legends, starring in a Whitney Houston music video, and even turning down a pro basketball contract, Ricco’s journey is nothing short of incredible.
Here are five things we learned from our conversation!
1. His ‘Beauty in Black‘ Role Almost Didn’t Happen
Believe it or not, Ricco almost didn’t audition for “Beauty in Black!”
He was busy filming another project when the opportunity came, but something kept tugging at him.
I was very busy. I didn’t want to put myself on tape. I had been doing so many tapes… but something was going on in my head, that saying, ‘90% of success is showing up.’ And so I just thought, Ricco, just show up.”
That one self-tape—where he accidentally coughed in character—ended up landing him the role of Horace!
2. Tyler Perry’s Fast-Paced Filming Style Is No Joke
We’ve all heard about Tyler Perry’s breakneck filming pace, but Ricco lived it firsthand.
In Hollywood, actors are used to filming six or seven pages a day—but with Perry?
Try 81 pages in one day.
“The first day I got on set, they brought in a stack of pages an inch thick. I thought, ‘Is this the first episode?’ They said, ‘No, this is what we’re shooting today—81 pages.’ Girl, my butt tightened up so tight!”
Despite the whirlwind production, Ricco praised Perry’s casting vision and creative freedom, saying, “He gives us enough rope to go out there and possibly hang ourselves, but he lets us roll.”
3. Ricco Ross Was The Leading Man In Whitney Houston’s ‘Saving All My Love for You‘ Video 🎶
Yes, that music video! Long before becoming Horace, Ricco was stealing moments on screen with the one and only Whitney Houston in her iconic “Saving All My Love for You” video.
He recalled how he helped guide Whitney through the acting process since, at the time, she had never acted before.
“I told her, ‘Forget about the camera. Let’s just have fun. If you get inspired to say something, say it, I’ll roll with it.’ And when we got on camera, that chemistry happened.”
And the moment she sang live on set? It was a game-changer.
“When she started actually singing that song, that’s when I knew—this girl has the potential to be one of the greatest singers ever.”
4. He Turned Down A Pro Basketball Contract 🏀
Ricco is a hooper! He played all over the world—France, Italy, Germany—where he would challenge pro teams to pick-up games and dominate.
One day, after dunking on a 7-footer in Cyprus, a coach offered him a contract on the spot.
“I was offered an eight-month contract, but I had just had my daughter, and I didn’t know the country, the language, or what life would be like there. I had to make a decision.”
Though he ultimately chose acting over basketball, he admits part of him still wonders “what if.”
5. He Lives by the Motto: “Be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable”
From leaving the U.S. to study acting in London, to working with legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron, and Brian De Palma, to navigating Hollywood’s ups and downs—Ricco is a man who embraces the unknown.
“When you’re chasing greatness, you have to learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”
His willingness to take risks, adapt, and always show up is exactly why he’s had such a long, legendary career—and why we’ll be seeing much more of him in “Beauty in Black” and beyond!
Watch Our Exclusive Interview With Ricco Ross
What’s Next For Ricco Ross?
Well, “Beauty in Black” fans can breathe a sigh of relief because it looks like Horace isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!
“Tyler pulled me to the side and said, ‘I love killing off characters… but I can’t kill you off.’”
Looks like we’ll be getting more of Horace’s layered, complex, and absolutely scene-stealing presence in the next chapters of “Beauty in Black!”
Did you know Ricco’s story was this incredible? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it!
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