On this episode of Lip Service, Angela Yee, Gigi McGuire, Jordan Emmanuel, and Julian Horton dive into his breakout role as Roy in the Netflix hit ‘Beauty in Black’. Julian shares that while his character has some comedic and sly elements, he’s not as mean-spirited as Roy. He specifically pursued this role because he believed it would stand out, and after a grueling audition process, he landed it.
The conversation then shifts to Gigi’s concerns about how the entertainment industry portrays strip clubs, particularly in shows like ‘Beauty in Black’, which tend to exaggerate and emphasize the grittier aspects of the lifestyle. Gigi, who has a background in the exotic entertainment world, feels the show sometimes leans too heavily into stereotypes, particularly in its depiction of the relationships between club owners and dancers.
Julian opens up about how playing Roy has garnered more attention than his previous career in football, even though he’s had notable roles in movies. He reflects on the importance of Netflix and how streaming platforms, with their global reach, have the power to elevate projects in today’s entertainment landscape. He recalls working on the film ‘National Champions’, which gained traction on streaming despite a poor theater run, noting that Netflix’s ability to create buzz and visibility has been a game-changer for his career.
The conversation also delves into a complex family business plot within ‘Beauty in Black’, involving generational wealth, where heirs can only inherit and maintain their shares if they remain married. If they divorce, they lose their stake. This leads to a discussion about the struggles within one marriage, where one partner battles drug addiction and erectile dysfunction, while the other is cruel and mean-spirited. Despite these personal challenges, the woman runs the business effectively, keeping it afloat while her parents age and her brother is preoccupied. The characters wrestle with moral dilemmas, balancing personal relationships with business responsibilities.
The group also humorously touches on acting methods, with one actor sharing the commitment to realism in portraying difficult scenes, such as snorting fake cocaine or enduring painful slaps on set. There’s also some lighthearted commentary on erectile dysfunction, menopause, and relationships. Julian reflects on his role, explaining how his character is complex, with flaws and redeeming qualities, and shares his experience working with director Tyler Perry, who is known for his fast-paced shooting style, often completing scenes in just a few takes.
Julian reveals that, initially, he was hesitant about acting due to his perfectionist nature, but found freedom in the fewer takes, which allowed for more natural and authentic performances. He shares that much of his work, especially with co-star Crystal, was improvised, which resulted in genuine, unscripted interactions. Tyler Perry’s encouragement of this creative freedom was one of the best aspects of working with him.
Julian also discusses his background, sharing that he moved to Atlanta from Philadelphia when he was just five days old because his parents, both involved in the entertainment industry, decided to leave Philly’s tough environment. He has always been drawn to music, acting, and football, with music being a family influence. Despite his passion for sports, he transitioned smoothly into acting after football, noting that it felt natural because he had always planned to pursue those three paths.
Reflecting on his decision to leave football, Julian explains that it wasn’t as difficult as it might have been for others. He cites the politics within the sport and the physical toll it took on his body, which made the transition easier. He also discusses the constant turnover of coaches during his college years, which made it difficult to establish a solid foundation and focus on his future. Despite these challenges, Julian emphasizes his value for leadership and his drive to win above all.
