Shannon LaNier Talks Tyler Perry and His Journey to Full-Time Acting

Tyler Perry's "Duplicity" New York Premiere — Source: Stephanie Augello / Getty

Actor and Emmy Award-winning TV host Shannon LaNier sat down with Don Juan Fasho for a candid conversation about his transition into full-time acting and his role in the upcoming Tyler Perry film Duplicity. The Cincinnati native is set to star alongside Tyler Lepley, Kat Graham, RonReaco Lee, and more when the film drops March 20th on Amazon Prime.

LaNier shared the surreal moment when Tyler Perry personally called him, revealing that a character in the movie was inspired by him. Perry then offered him the role.

Beyond acting, LaNier is a well-known news anchor with Cheddar News and News 12, as well as a fatherhood & family influencer with nearly a million followers under the handle @MrShannonLanier.

LaNier also co-authored Jefferson’s Children: The Story of One American Family, chronicling his journey as the 6th great-grandson of President Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. His efforts to connect with other Jefferson descendants— Black, white, and everyone in between— have been widely recognized.

From co-hosting BET’s Arise Entertainment 360 to leading the Daddy Duty 365 podcast, LaNier has built an impressive resume and is prepping for his breakout in film.