If you’ve ever watched the classic comedy movie How to Be a Player and wondered who’s who in the cast, you’re in the right place! This fun and unforgettable 1997 film is packed with talented actors who bring hilarious and dramatic moments to life. How to Be a Player cast includes some of the most recognizable stars from the 90s, such as Bill Bellamy, Natalie Desselle, and Bernie Mac. Each actor plays a memorable role that adds to the charm and comedy of this movie, making it a timeless favorite.
Whether you remember Dray’s (Bill Bellamy) smooth-talking ways or Bernie Mac’s scene-stealing humor, the How to Be a Player cast made the film a comedy hit. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at each character, give you fun facts about the actors, and explore how they contributed to the movie’s success. Keep reading to learn about the full cast, behind-the-scenes trivia, and why this movie still has fans laughing decades later!
Meet the How to Be a Player Cast: A Star-Studded Comedy Lineup
The How to Be a Player cast features a blend of comedy legends and talented actors who brought humor, charm, and unforgettable moments to the screen. This 1997 comedy hit stars Bill Bellamy as Dray, a smooth-talking ladies’ man who juggles multiple relationships while trying to avoid getting caught. Alongside him are Natalie Desselle as his sister Jenny and the late Bernie Mac, who delivers hilarious lines that steal the show. From Gilbert Gottfried’s quirky role to Mari Morrow’s captivating performance, every actor in the How to Be a Player cast adds something unique to this hilarious story. Let’s dive deeper into the main characters and their roles!
Main Characters in How to Be a Player and Their Roles
The main characters in How to Be a Player are at the heart of the movie’s comedy and chaos. Drayton “Dray” Jackson (played by Bill Bellamy) is the charming playboy who spends the entire film avoiding trouble while juggling relationships. His sister Jenny (Natalie Desselle) tries to teach him a lesson by exposing his flirty ways. Bernie Mac plays Buster, whose sharp-tongued humor adds spice to the story. The movie also features Lisa (Lark Voorhies), Dray’s girlfriend, and Katrina (Mari Morrow), a woman Dray can’t resist. Together, the main characters create hilarious moments that make the How to Be a Player cast unforgettable.
Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About the How to Be a Player Cast
Did you know that How to Be a Player was directed by Lionel C. Martin, a music video director known for working with top hip-hop stars? The How to Be a Player cast was filled with talent from both Hollywood and the music world. Bill Bellamy was already famous as a comedian and MTV host, while Natalie Desselle had starred in other classic comedies. Bernie Mac, known for his stand-up comedy, became even more popular after this movie. These fun facts give you a behind-the-scenes look at the talented stars who brought humor, charm, and a little drama to How to Be a Player.
Bill Bellamy as Drayton Jackson: The Smooth-Talking Player
Bill Bellamy takes center stage in How to Be a Player as Drayton “Dray” Jackson, a charming A&R representative for Def Jam Recordings. Dray is the ultimate ladies’ man, balancing multiple romantic relationships while trying not to get caught. Bellamy’s smooth delivery, comedic timing, and relatable charm make Dray one of the most memorable characters in the film. His character represents the classic “player” archetype, but he faces plenty of obstacles as the story unfolds. Bill Bellamy’s performance was widely praised for adding humor and heart to the film, solidifying his reputation as a top comedian and actor in the 90s.
Natalie Desselle as Jenny: The Sister with a Plan
Natalie Desselle plays Jenny Jackson, Dray’s strong-willed sister who’s determined to teach her brother a lesson. Jenny disapproves of Dray’s womanizing ways, so she devises a plan to expose him by inviting all his girlfriends to the same party. Natalie Desselle brings both humor and warmth to the role, making Jenny a standout character in How to Be a Player. Her chemistry with Bill Bellamy adds depth to the sibling dynamic, and her clever plan leads to some of the funniest moments in the movie. Desselle’s performance is remembered as one of the highlights of the How to Be a Player cast.
Bernie Mac’s Hilarious Role in How to Be a Player
Bernie Mac brings his signature humor to How to Be a Player with a small but unforgettable role as Buster. Known for his sharp comedic style and larger-than-life personality, Bernie Mac steals every scene he’s in. Whether he’s delivering hilarious one-liners or reacting to the chaos around him, Buster’s presence adds a layer of comedic brilliance to the film. Bernie Mac was already a rising star in the comedy world, and his role in How to Be a Player helped showcase his unique talent. His performance remains one of the most talked-about parts of the movie, even years after its release.
Supporting Stars Who Added Flavor to the Movie
The How to Be a Player cast isn’t just about the main characters—several supporting actors add depth and humor to the film. Lark Voorhies plays Lisa, Dray’s unsuspecting girlfriend, while Mari Morrow portrays Katrina, a woman who catches Dray’s attention. Comedians Gilbert Gottfried and Anthony Johnson provide laugh-out-loud moments with their quirky roles. Other supporting stars, like Max Julien, Elise Neal, and Jermaine “Big Hug” Hopkins, bring energy and humor to every scene they appear in. These supporting actors add to the chaotic fun, making How to Be a Player an entertaining and well-rounded comedy.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories About the How to Be a Player Cast
Behind-the-scenes, the How to Be a Player cast had plenty of fun while making the movie. The film’s director, Lionel C. Martin, brought his experience from directing hip-hop music videos, which gave the movie its energetic, stylish vibe. Bill Bellamy has shared stories about how much fun the cast had during filming, with plenty of laughs both on and off-camera. Bernie Mac’s improvisation added to the humor, and many of the actors formed real friendships that lasted beyond the film. These behind-the-scenes details show how the chemistry between the cast helped make How to Be a Player such a memorable movie.
Why How to Be a Player Remains a Classic Comedy
How to Be a Player remains a beloved comedy classic because of its hilarious storyline, talented cast, and relatable humor. The film captures the 90s vibe perfectly, from its fashion to its music, making it a nostalgic watch for fans of that era. The chemistry between the How to Be a Player cast is one of the film’s biggest strengths, and the clever plot keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Despite the film’s lighthearted tone, it also delivers a subtle message about relationships and honesty. That mix of humor and heart is why How to Be a Player still resonates with audiences today.
The Legacy of the How to Be a Player Cast: Where Are They Now?
The How to Be a Player cast left a lasting impact on fans and the entertainment industry. Bill Bellamy continued to star in movies and TV shows and became a well-known stand-up comedian. Natalie Desselle, who sadly passed away in 2020, is remembered for her roles in comedies like BAPS* and Eve. Bernie Mac went on to achieve massive success with The Bernie Mac Show and other hit films. Many supporting actors from the cast also pursued successful careers in comedy, TV, and film. The legacy of this talented group lives on, and their work continues to entertain new generations.
Memorable Moments from the How to Be a Player Cast
The How to Be a Player cast created plenty of memorable moments that fans still quote today. Dray’s smooth-talking ways, Bernie Mac’s hilarious one-liners, and the chaotic party scene are just a few examples. One standout moment is when Dray faces the ultimate challenge of escaping detection at the party, leading to a series of funny encounters. Natalie Desselle’s clever plan and the supporting cast’s antics add to the fun. These moments make How to Be a Player a film that fans keep coming back to whenever they want a good laugh and a trip down memory lane.
The Soundtrack and Its Connection to the How to Be a Player Cast
The soundtrack of How to Be a Player is just as iconic as the cast. Released by Def Jam Recordings, it features hip-hop and R&B tracks that capture the 90s vibe perfectly. Bill Bellamy’s character works for Def Jam in the film, and the soundtrack enhances the movie’s party atmosphere. The hit single “Big Bad Mamma” by Foxy Brown and Dru Hill became a chart-topper and is still associated with the film today. The soundtrack’s success added to the legacy of the How to Be a Player cast, making the music an unforgettable part of the movie’s appeal.
Conclusion
The How to Be a Player cast made this movie a fun, laugh-out-loud comedy that still entertains people today. With Bill Bellamy’s charm, Bernie Mac’s hilarious lines, and Natalie Desselle’s clever role, every actor added something special. The movie’s funny scenes, relatable moments, and 90s vibe are why people keep watching it even years later.
If you love comedies with great characters, funny situations, and a lot of laughs, How to Be a Player is a must-watch. The talented cast, catchy soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes fun make it a movie that’s hard to forget. This movie isn’t just about being a “player” – it’s about learning lessons, laughing at life, and enjoying some classic comedy moments!
FAQs
Q: Who are the main actors in How to Be a Player?
A: The main actors are Bill Bellamy as Dray, Natalie Desselle as Jenny, and Bernie Mac as Buster.
Q: What is How to Be a Player about?
A: It’s about a smooth-talking player named Dray who tries to hide his many girlfriends, but his sister Jenny sets him up to teach him a lesson.
Q: When was How to Be a Player released?
A: The movie was released on August 6, 1997.
Q: Is How to Be a Player a comedy?
A: Yes, it’s a comedy movie with lots of funny moments and a talented cast.
Q: Who directed How to Be a Player?
A: The movie was directed by Lionel C. Martin, known for directing music videos too.
