RJ Cyler

Ronald "RJ" Cyler II (born March 21, 1995) is an American actor best known for his breakout role as Charles "Earl" Miller in the 2015 coming-of-age film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which earned critical acclaim and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.^[1] Born in Jacksonville, Florida, as the youngest of three sons to truck driver Ronald Cyler and his wife Katina, Cyler displayed an early interest in entertainment, teaching himself to play drums and keyboard while growing up in the suburb of Westside.^[1][2] Cyler's acting career began after he relocated to Los Angeles, where he landed his debut role in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl following a self-tape audition, marking the start of a series of diverse projects in film and television.^[3] He gained further prominence as Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger, in the 2017 reboot of Power Rangers, a role that showcased his ability to blend humor and action in a high-profile franchise adaptation.^[1] That same year, he appeared in David Michôd's war satire War Machine alongside Brad Pitt, portraying a young soldier in the ensemble cast.^[4] Transitioning to television, Cyler starred as Ralph Hand in the HBO comedy series I'm Dying Up Here (2017–2018), drawing on his comedic timing in a period drama about 1970s stand-up comedians.^[4] He later took on the dual roles of Deion and Marcus Elliot in the third season of MTV's Scream anthology series (2019), contributing to the horror franchise's revival.^[5] Additional TV credits include Todd Green in The CW's Black Lightning (2018) and Jones in DC Universe's Swamp Thing (2019), highlighting his versatility in superhero and genre fare.^[4] In the 2020s, Cyler continued to build his profile with supporting roles in major films, such as Wiley in Jay-Z's produced Western The Harder They Fall (2021) and the disciple Peter in the biblical epic The Book of Clarence (2024), directed by Jeymes Samuel.^[4] On television, he portrayed the recurring character Lamont "DaDae" Johnson in the Max series Rap Sh!t (2022–2024), a comedy about female rappers that earned praise for its fresh take on hip-hop culture.^[6] In 2025, he joined the cast of the Peacock comedy series The 'Burbs in a recurring role.^[7] Cyler starred in the indie horror thriller Night Patrol (2025), directed by Ryan Prows, which premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 19, 2025, and is scheduled for wide release on January 16, 2026, alongside Jermaine Fowler and Justin Long.^[8]

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Ronald "RJ" Cyler II was born on March 21, 1995, in Jacksonville, Florida, as the youngest of three brothers.^[9] He grew up in a close-knit family, with his father, Ronald Cyler, working as a truck driver and his mother, Katina Cyler, employed as a cook after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school.^[9] The family faced significant financial hardships during Cyler's childhood, including periods of homelessness in Jacksonville, where they lived in motels around 2013 before stabilizing shortly before his acting breakthrough in 2015.^[10][9] Cyler's early environment in Jacksonville was marked by resilience and familial support amid these challenges, shaping his grounded perspective.^[11] His father's background as a former DJ at a local dance club during high school introduced Cyler to music and performance from a young age, with his father teaching him DJing skills that sparked an initial interest in entertainment.^[12] This exposure, combined with his mother's creative culinary artistry—often crafting visually stunning dishes—influenced Cyler's innate flair for captivating audiences in various forms.^[12]

Education and early challenges

RJ Cyler attended Englewood High School in Jacksonville, Florida, during his early high school years, where he developed an interest in performing arts influenced by his family's creative environment. His father's involvement in music, including DJing, provided early exposure to entertainment that sparked Cyler's ambitions. However, as a student, Cyler was known for his talkative and energetic personality, often channeling his energy into class discussions and extracurricular activities.^[3][11] To build his sense of direction and brotherhood, Cyler participated in the Black Male College Explorers Program at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, a state-funded initiative aimed at supporting at-risk Black male students in grades 7 through 12 by fostering goal-setting, academic rigor, and community ties. The program emphasized prevention and intervention to guide participants toward college and career success, helping Cyler cultivate ambition and resilience during his formative years. Through workshops and mentorship, it instilled in him a structured approach to personal development that contrasted with the instability at home.^[13][14][15] Around 2013, at age 18, Cyler relocated to Los Angeles with his mother to pursue acting opportunities, completing his high school education there amid significant family hardships. The move was driven by his determination to break into entertainment, but it coincided with financial instability, including a period of homelessness where the family lived out of their car for three months. This challenging transition tested Cyler's resolve, as he balanced online schooling with auditions while his parents worked to stabilize their situation—his mother as a cook and father as a truck driver supporting from afar initially.^{[11][10][16][17]}

Career

Breakthrough roles (2015–2017)

Cyler's acting career began with a small role in the short film Second Chances in 2013, marking his screen debut. These early opportunities allowed him to hone his skills while still in high school in Jacksonville, Florida.^[18][19] His breakthrough came in 2015 with the lead role of Earl Jackson in the coming-of-age drama Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.^[20] The film, set and primarily filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, featured Cyler as the witty best friend to the protagonist, a role that showcased his natural comedic timing and emotional depth in his first major feature.^[21][22] This performance not only earned critical acclaim but also provided crucial financial stability for Cyler and his family, who had recently experienced homelessness in the years prior.^[10][20] Building on this success, Cyler took on high-profile follow-up roles in 2017. He portrayed Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger, in the Power Rangers reboot, a character reimagined as an autistic tech genius, requiring intensive physical training in martial arts, stunts, and fitness to prepare for the film's action sequences.^[23][24] That same year, he appeared in David Michôd's satirical war film War Machine alongside Brad Pitt, playing Andy Moon, a young soldier navigating the complexities of military life in Afghanistan.^[25] Cyler also starred as Adam Proteau, a struggling stand-up comedian, in the HBO series I'm Dying Up Here (2017–2018).^[6] He made early television appearances during this period, including a recurring role as Luke Brown in HBO's Vice Principals starting in 2016. His work in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl garnered a Critics' Choice Award nomination for Best Young Actor/Actress, solidifying his rising status in the industry.^[20][26]

Later career (2018–present)

Following his breakthrough in the mid-2010s, RJ Cyler expanded his television presence with a recurring role as the awkward tech genius Todd Green in the second season of The CW's superhero series Black Lightning, where his character grapples with rejection and moral dilemmas after being denied a research grant.^[27] Cyler's portrayal added layers to the show's exploration of urban youth and technology's double-edged impact, marking his entry into genre television. In 2019, he took on dual roles as Deion and Marcus Elliot in the third season of MTV's Scream anthology series, and appeared as Jones in DC Universe's Swamp Thing.^[6] He later took on a series regular role as Lamont Diggs, an aspiring music producer and absent but devoted father, in Issa Rae's HBO Max comedy Rap Sh!t across its two seasons from 2022 to 2023, showcasing his comedic timing in depicting the struggles of Miami's hip-hop scene.^[28][29] In film, Cyler transitioned into more mature dramatic roles starting with White Boy Rick (2018), directed by Yann Demange, where he played Rudell "Boo" Curry, a key member of a Detroit drug ring in this true-story adaptation of 1980s crime and FBI infiltration.^[30] That same year, he appeared in the Netflix teen comedy Sierra Burgess Is a Loser as Dan, the loyal best friend to the protagonist, infusing the mistaken-identity story with sharp wit and supportive energy.^[31] He gained further recognition in 2021 for his role as Jim Beckwourth in Jay-Z produced Western The Harder They Fall.^[4] His range broadened further in 2022 with Emergency, an Amazon Prime dark comedy-thriller directed by Carey Williams, in which Cyler starred as Sean, a confident college student navigating racial tensions during a chaotic night out with roommates.^[32] The film highlighted his ability to blend humor with social commentary on policing and friendship dynamics. Cyler's later projects continued this diversification into historical and action-oriented narratives. In 2023's Freedom's Path, a Civil War-era drama, he portrayed Kitch, a free Black man aiding a Union deserter via the Underground Railroad, emphasizing themes of alliance and survival in antebellum America.^[33] He followed this in 2024 with The Book of Clarence, Jeymes Samuel's satirical biblical epic, playing Elijah, the steadfast companion to the titular con artist aspiring to messiah status in ancient Jerusalem.^[34] Looking ahead, Cyler is set to star as Wazi, the brother of an LAPD officer entangled in a vampire-infested gang turf war, in the horror film Night Patrol, slated for theatrical release on January 16, 2026.^[8] Throughout this period, Cyler's choices reflect a deliberate pivot toward multifaceted storytelling across drama, comedy, thriller, and historical genres, allowing him to collaborate with acclaimed directors like Demange and Samuel while amplifying underrepresented voices in ensemble casts.^[35] This evolution has positioned him as a versatile leading man, earning critical notice for his authentic portrayals of young Black men's complexities in contemporary and period settings.^[36]

Other ventures

Music and DJing

RJ Cyler developed an early interest in DJing during his high school years in Jacksonville, Florida, where he began honing his skills at the age of 16. He learned the craft from his father, who had previously worked as a DJ at local dance clubs during his own high school days.^[12][16] Since relocating to Los Angeles around 2015, Cyler has pursued professional DJing, performing regular gigs at venues across the city, including soulful nights at The Association in Downtown LA. He operates under the stage name RJCYL3R and describes himself as "The Host with the Most," emphasizing his energetic hosting style during sets. His performances often feature dynamic mixes blending genres, shared through his official website and social media platforms.^[37][38][39] In addition to DJing, Cyler has ventured into music production, drawing on his real-life expertise for roles like Lamont in the HBO Max series Rap Sh!t, where his character is an aspiring producer who refines tracks for a rap duo. Cyler incorporated his authentic DJing and mixing abilities into the portrayal, noting his proficiency with equipment and beats to add realism to the production scenes. He has expressed aspirations to expand into full music releases, including rapping and producing original tracks, as part of his broader career ambitions in entertainment.^[40][36] Cyler's personal music endeavors include occasional DJ sets posted on social media, such as electrifying mixes with smooth transitions showcased on TikTok.

Producing and activism

RJ Cyler has expanded his career beyond acting into producing, focusing on projects that highlight resilience and underrepresented narratives drawn from his personal experiences, including a period of homelessness during his youth. He served as an executive producer on the 2023 independent film Freedom's Path, a historical drama about an escaped slave operating an Underground Railroad station who aids a Union soldier during the Civil War, which explores themes of perseverance and self-discovery. Cyler has noted that the film's emphasis on overcoming adversity resonated with his own journey, stating that producing it allowed him to channel stories of triumph from hardship.^[14] In 2024, Cyler announced plans to grow his production company, Type On3 Productions, with ambitions to establish its first film studio in his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. The company aims to develop content centered on underrepresented voices, building on Cyler's goal to create opportunities for diverse storytellers in the industry. This venture represents his commitment to behind-the-scenes influence, complementing his occasional involvement in music production elements for multimedia projects.^[11][41] Cyler's activism stems from his early participation in the Black Male College Explorers program at Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, a youth initiative designed to support African American males in grades 7–11 through college preparation and leadership development. He credits the program with instilling resilience that shaped his career and informed his portrayal of characters facing adversity, such as the autistic Billy Cranston in Power Rangers (2017). Through interviews, Cyler has advocated for greater diversity in Hollywood, emphasizing inclusive casting that avoids stereotypes and promotes universal roles for actors of color.^[13][42] Cyler has also engaged in public speaking and media discussions on representation, including the importance of portraying neurodiversity and sharing his experiences with homelessness to destigmatize mental health challenges in the entertainment industry. His openness about these topics serves as informal advocacy, inspiring youth facing similar struggles. Additionally, Cyler has pursued modeling opportunities and created gaming content, including live streams of titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, as extensions of his creative endeavors.^[11][43]

Personal life

Marriage

RJ Cyler married recording artist Nariah Francois in 2021. Francois is an R&B and pop vocalist whose career includes touring and original music releases.^[44][45] The couple maintains a supportive partnership in their respective entertainment careers, frequently appearing together at industry events, including the 26th Costume Designers Guild Awards in February 2024.^[46] During a January 2024 appearance on The Tamron Hall Show, Cyler celebrated his marriage to Francois, stating they had been wed for three years and highlighting their strong bond.^[45] Cyler and Francois prioritize privacy in their personal lives, with no public details on children, while sharing a mutual passion for music and entertainment that occasionally informs joint artistic endeavors.^[45]

Interests and philanthropy

RJ Cyler maintains an active lifestyle centered around physical and creative pursuits. He is an avid skateboarder, often incorporating skating into his daily routine as a way to stay energized and connected to his roots in Jacksonville, Florida.^[11] Additionally, Cyler enjoys gaming and regularly streams sessions on Twitch under the username LemonPeppa904, where he plays titles such as Resident Evil, Grand Theft Auto V, and Call of Duty, fostering a community around interactive entertainment.^[47] He has also pursued modeling, showcasing his versatility beyond acting in various photoshoots and collaborations.^[11] To prepare for demanding action roles, such as his portrayal of the Blue Ranger in Power Rangers (2017), Cyler commits to rigorous fitness training, including group workouts that emphasize strength and agility.^[24] Residing in Los Angeles, Cyler balances his professional commitments with a grounded personal life, drawing inspiration from his early experiences with hardship, including a period of homelessness, to fuel his dedication to giving back.^[48] In philanthropy, he has contributed to educational efforts on historical social justice issues through his role in the 2023 film Freedom's Path, which depicts the Underground Railroad and promotes awareness of its significance in American history; Cyler actively participated in promotional events to highlight these themes.^[14] His involvement stems from a desire to educate youth on resilience and freedom, reflecting his own journey from adversity.^[11]

Filmography

Film

• Second Chances (2013): Short film debut as a student at a correctional school fundraising to save their institution.
• Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015): Supporting role as Earl, the best friend and filmmaking partner of the protagonist Greg.^[49]
• War Machine (2017): Supporting role as Technical Sergeant Andy Moon, a soldier in General Glen McMahon's unit during the Afghanistan war.^[50]
• Power Rangers (2017): Lead role as Billy Cranston / Blue Ranger, the genius autistic team member who provides technical expertise to the group.^[51]
• The Harder They Fall (2021): Supporting role as Jim Beckwourth, a quick-draw member of Nat Love's gang.^[52]
• White Boy Rick (2018): Supporting role as Rudell "Boo" Curry, a key figure in the Detroit drug trade and associate of the Curry family.
• Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018): Supporting role as Kunle, the best friend of the male lead Jamey who helps navigate a case of mistaken identity.^[53]
• Emergency (2022): Lead role as Kunle, a college student and aspiring doctor racing against time with friends to get help for an unconscious white girl in their house.^[54]
• Freedom's Path (2023): Supporting role as Kitch, a free Black man operating part of the Underground Railroad who aids a fleeing Union soldier.^[55]
• The Book of Clarence (2024): Supporting role as Elijah, the loyal best friend of Clarence who joins his schemes to gain fame and fortune in ancient Jerusalem.^[56]
• One Spoon of Chocolate (2025): Supporting role as Ramsey, the cousin of ex-military convict Unique.^[57]
• Night Patrol (2026): Upcoming lead role as Wazi Hawkins, a young gang member targeted by a secret vampire task force in Los Angeles (post-production as of November 2025).^[58]

Television

Cyler began his television career with a recurring guest role as Luke Brown, a student involved in school antics, in four episodes of the first season of HBO's dark comedy series Vice Principals (2016).^[59] He gained further recognition in 2017 for his portrayal of Adam Proteau, a young and ambitious stand-up comedian navigating the cutthroat 1970s Los Angeles comedy scene, in a main role across all 20 episodes of Showtime's I'm Dying Up Here (2017–2018).^[60] In late 2018, Cyler joined The CW's superhero drama Black Lightning in a recurring capacity as Todd Green, an awkward tech prodigy who becomes radicalized and joins a terrorist group, appearing in five episodes spanning seasons 2 and 3 (2018–2019).^[27] Cyler made a brief appearance as the guest character Jones in one episode of DC Universe's horror series Swamp Thing in 2019.^[61] That same year, he starred as Deion and Marcus Elliot, twin brothers where Deion is a high school quarterback haunted by his past (including his twin Marcus) while facing a new killer, in a main role for all six episodes of the third and final season of VH1's slasher anthology Scream: The TV Series.^[62][63] From 2022 to 2023, Cyler portrayed Lamont Diggs, a supportive but flawed music producer and father figure, in a series regular role across 14 episodes of HBO Max's comedy Rap Sh!t over its two seasons.^[64]

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Cyler has received multiple nominations for his performances in films, primarily for his breakout role in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015), along with ensemble recognition, but has yet to win any individual major film awards.^[26] His nominations and awards are as follows:

Television and other awards

RJ Cyler has received limited formal recognition for his television performances. For his portrayal of Lamont "DaDae" Johnson in the Max series Rap Sh!t (2022–2023), no formal award nominations were reported.^[68]