At 67, Rico Ross (Horus) Finally Admits What We All Suspected

Rico Ross, known for his commanding role as Horus Bellery in Tyler Perry’s Netflix series *Beauty in Black*, has a life story as gripping as the characters he portrays. Born on April 16, 1958, in Chicago, Ross grew up in poverty in Pembroke, Illinois, once dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as the poorest town in America.

One of 11 siblings, he faced unimaginable hardship from age 7 to 13. Yet, a high school play ignited his passion for acting, revealing a magnetic presence that teachers couldn’t ignore. His journey led him from community college to Florida Atlantic University, and ultimately to a full scholarship at UCLA for a Master of Fine Arts.

Ross’s early career soared with roles in *Hill Street Blues* and *The Young and the Restless*, but typecasting pushed him to study Shakespeare in England.

What was meant to be a year turned into 13, during which he lived a dual life as a classical actor in London’s prestigious theaters and a high-fashion model in France and Italy. He even turned down a lucrative basketball contract in Cyprus to pursue his art, a decision reflecting his commitment to integrity over easy wealth.

In 1986, James Cameron, impressed by Ross’s audition for *Aliens*, created the character Private Frost specifically for him after Ross declined a role in Stanley Kubrick’s *Full Metal Jacket*. *Aliens* became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Ross’s status in Hollywood.

Returning after 13 years abroad, he starred in hits like *Mission Impossible*, *Beverly Hills 90210*, and *Babylon 5*. Beyond acting, he founded his production company, Can You Dig It, and became a SAG-AFTRA board member, influencing billion-dollar industry decisions.

At 67, Ross’s portrayal of Horus Bellery in *Beauty in Black*—a patriarch of a beauty empire entangled in human trafficking and family betrayal—has made him a global star. Tyler Perry rewrote the character to fit Ross’s authentic authority, even adjusting the role from a sickly 70-year-old to match Ross’s vitality.

Drawing from his father’s quiet strength, Ross imbued Horus with depth, using a walking cane as a symbol of power and responsibility. The series, despite criticism for its portrayal of Black women and graphic content, topped Netflix charts in 28 countries.

Ross’s real-life empire-building mirrors Horus’s on-screen decisions. With a net worth estimated between $1 to $45 million, reflecting his modeling career, production ventures, and decades of strategic choices, Ross prioritizes family and legacy over fame. Married to Julie Shannon Ross, he’s built a dynasty with four children and a godson.

His late-career relevance, fueled by *Beauty in Black*’s success and potential back-end earnings, showcases a man who never stopped betting on himself. From Chicago’s streets to Netflix’s spotlight, Rico Ross embodies resilience, proving his greatest role is still unfolding.