Tyler Perry’s new Netflix series may have drama within the love lives of the characters, but in real life, many members of the cast are happily married
Tyler Perry’s empire was built on dramatic stories, and the entertainment mogul’s latest project, Beauty in Black, showcases everything but the perfect relationship — whether it be with family or romantic partners.
While the Netflix series, which premiered in October 2024, is rather salacious, filled with toxic relationships, the show’s cast members, including its leading women, Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart, live drastically different lives.
Williams married her husband in early 2024, while Stewart rang in her 10th anniversary this year.
“thank you to my husband for everything,” Williams wrote on Instagram following her wedding. “I truly just wanted to say my husband because he already knows how grateful I am lol. 😝.”
Like Williams, other members of the cast have also recently tied the knot, or in the case of Xavier Smalls, popped the question to their partner (and she said yes!).
Here’s everything to know about the real-life partners of the Beauty in Black cast.
Taylor Polidore Williams and Jero Williams
Williams, who plays Kimmie, married her husband, Jero Williams, on May 4, 2024, after getting engaged on Christmas Day in 2022.
“Best day of my life! Thank you to my husband for everything,” the actress wrote on Instagram alongside photos from the couple’s wedding at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
Jero attended Morehouse College and is currently a surgical resident.
Crystle Stewart and Max Sebrechts
Stewart, who plays Mallory, married Belgian-born model Max Sebrechts in August 2014. The couple share two children, daughter Anne-Jolie and son Max Jr.
“Little munchkins change your life, it’s these good moments that I keep close to my heart and which I will cherish for a long time 😘,” Sebrechts captioned a September 2023 Instagram post of their children. “They even may make bad days turn good 😊.”
Xavier Smalls and Vanessa Martinez
Xavier Smalls, who plays Angel, proposed to makeup artist Vanessa Martinez in August 2023.
“I love you forever Vanessa, can’t wait to see what God has in store for our relationship and future family,” he wrote on Instagram after popping the question.
Steven G. Norfleet and Anthony Hemingway
Steven G. Norfleet, who portrays Charles, and Anthony Hemingway tied the knot in September 2019 after getting engaged the year prior. According to The New York Times, actress Aisha Hinds officiated the nuptials, which took place at the Newhall Mansion in Piru, Calif.
“My experience as an African-American man is that we can have it the hardest with being comfortable and open with our sexuality,” Norfleet told the outlet. “But once we got together, I realized this is someone that I’m truly in love with, and I don’t want to hide it.”
Other celebrities in attendance at the 300-guest wedding included Regina King, Sterling K. Brown, Sarah Paulson and Josh Duhamel.
“High five to five years of love, laughter, and peace! From ‘I DO’ to ‘WE STILL’. Five years in, forever to go! I love you best friend!” Hemingway wrote on Instagram in honor of the couple’s 5th wedding anniversary in September 2024.
Charles Malik Whitfield and Rosie Whitfield
Charles Malik Whitfield, who plays Jules, is married to Rosie Whitfield. The couple share a son, Leo. Charles is also a father to three daughters, Lexi, Kiara and Madisyn, and a son, Malik.
In May 2020, Charles wished his wife a happy Mother’s Day, thanking her for her support.
“Screaming Happy Mother’s Day to my wife Rosie that hold this home together with ❤️,” he wrote on Instagram.
Debbi Morgan and Jeffrey Winston
Debbi Morgan, who portrays Olivia, has been married to her fourth husband, Jeffrey Winston, since July 13, 2009.
“15 years of wedded bliss. I love you Honey!” the actress wrote on Instagram in honor of the couple’s wedding anniversary in July 2024.
Morgan was formerly married to actor Charles Weldon from 1980 to 1984; actor Charles Dutton from 1989 to 1994 and photographer Donn Thompson from 1997 to 2000.
Ricco Ross and Julie Ross
Ricco Ross, who plays Horace, is married to his “Goddess” Julie Shannon Ross. Ross is a father to daughters Aisha and Makaila and son Rami.
Ross often posts about his trips with his wife, including a Las Vegas road trip in October 2024 and a New York City stay the month prior to ring in Julie’s birthday.
Richard Lawson
Richard Lawson, who plays Norman, was previously married to Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles. The couple wed in 2015 before eventually filing for divorce in July 2023.
The actor has two children: daughter Bianca, whom he welcomed with his ex-wife, Denise Gordy, and a son named Ricky.
Bryan Tanaka
Actor and dancer Bryan Tanaka, who plays Officer Alex, formerly dated Mariah Carey for more than seven years. The couple got together in 2016 but eventually split in 2023.
“Our decision to embark on different paths is mutual, and as we navigate these separate journeys, we do so with profound respect and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the invaluable time we’ve shared,” Tanaka said in a statement, posted on Instagram in December 2023.
He added: “The memories we’ve created and the artistic collaborations are etched in my heart forever.”
