A seasoned actor known for his dynamic presence both on and off screen, Ricco Ross, recently shared an exclusive look into his journey portraying the complex character of Horace Heart Bellamy in the acclaimed series Netflix Beauty In Black. 

Ross, who nearly passed on the role, delved into the intricacies of his decision-making process, his preparation for the role, and the unexpected love from fans. Keep reading to learn more. 

Reflecting on the beginning, Ross revealed how close he came to missing out on the role of a lifetime.

“I was busy and tired, and they wanted the audition tape the next day," Ross recalled. "It was almost a no-go for me,” he added. 

But something in the back of his mind urged him to proceed. With a simple setup at home and his wife assisting him, Ross recorded the audition tape that would ultimately seal his fate. Despite a hiccup during the recording where he stayed in character after missing a cue, the authenticity of the moment struck a chord.

“It had the right feel, the vibe of the character I was trying to create,” the actor explained.

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Once the role was his, Ross faced the challenge of embodying a character who was significantly older and ailing, which was a stark contrast to his actual persona.

“Tyler handpicked the leads in this show and reassured me we would make it fit,” he said, indicating the tailored approach that Tyler Perry's productions are known for. Drawing from his father's persona — a commanding presence in their community who never raised his voice — Ross found the foundation for Horace.

Further shaped by Perry's suggestions, such as adding a cigar which affected his voice, and utilizing a cane, Ross fully transformed into the character, bringing Horace to life with a nuanced performance.The response from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive, with a strong fanbase rallying behind his character. “It’s next level for me,” Ross admitted. Fans have embraced Horace for his complexity, serving as both protagonist and antagonist in the storyline. This duality, along with Horace's impactful legacy, resonates deeply with the audience, making him a character that viewers love to discuss and dissect.

As for what's next for Horace in the upcoming season, Ross remained tight-lipped, highlighting the influence of fan support on potential story developments. “The fans have been beating the drum for Horace to come back,” he noted, emphasizing that the showrunners indeed hear their voices.

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Working on Beauty In Black under Tyler Perry’s direction has been an exercise in precision and speed, with Ross praising the fast-paced environment that challenges the cast to deliver their best performances swiftly.

“The pace is crazy fast. We might shoot 81 pages in a day,” he described, showcasing the intense and efficient production style that Perry upholds.

Looking forward, Ross is excited about his upcoming projects, including a Western titled Bountiful and a holiday film Unexpected Christmas. These projects continue to offer him diverse roles that challenge and engage his acting prowess.

Ross' journey through the creation of Horace Heart Bellamy is a testament to the transformative power of dedication, talent, and the right opportunities. As he continues to explore new roles and projects, his career remains a beacon for aspiring actors and a point of interest for his many fans.

Photo Credit: Netflix