Actor RonReaco Lee is making his return to television, starring in a new drama-thriller that’s sure to leave viewers at the edge of their seats.
In the upcoming film “Running Out of Time,” Lee stars alongside veteran actors Tasha Smith, Telma Hopkins, Dustin Harnish and Sydney Elise Johnson for a nail-biting thriller directed by music producer Chris Stokes and co-written by Marques Houston. The movie tells the story of a newly-widowed Brenda Harper, played by Smith, whose family is taken hostage by someone from her husband’s past (Lee).
Actor RonReaco Lee has dreams of stepping behind the camera to direct, and hopes to pass on opportunities to other actors of color. (Image courtesy of It Is Done Communications)
Lee, who’s best known for his role as teenage heartthrob Tyreke Scott on the ’90s sitcom “Sister Sister,” plays a good-guy-turned-villain in the film, a part that he said forced him out of his comfort zone.
“I think that’s what drew me to the film,” Lee told Atlanta Black Star. “As an African-American male who’s been in this game a long time, it’s very easy to get pigeon-holed. I don’t care if you come out and do a four-camera sitcom like ‘Sister, Sister’ … The minute you wanna do a single-camera comedy or drama, you have to fight like hell to get people to see you in a different light.”
He added: “I can see they would come to me for this role because there’s kind of two sides to it. And so for me, or any actor I think, we kind of always want to get outside our comfort zone and do things we’re not accustomed to doing.”
The actor went on to praise the Tyler Perrys and Will Packers of the world who are “giving us the opportunity to spread our wings and show people that we’re more than just the nice guy or the love interest, and that we can get down and dirty from time to time when given the opportunity.”
Lee revealed that his favorite part of shooting the film was starring alongside “Why Did I Get Married?” actress Smith and reuniting with longtime friend Houston. The stars were able to finish the film in just two weeks, churning out a product that had the polish of a big-budget movie.
The “Survivor’s Remorse” actor also spoke of the anxiety he feels when a scene involves what he calls “heavy lifting,” or one that requires a lot of time and preparation to perfect. A lengthy monologue in the film marked one of those times, but Lee described the rewarding feeling that comes with finishing such a huge task.
“It’s a really great feeling when you’ve done it, you’ve accomplished it,” he said.
When he’s not on set, the married father of two enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and shooting photography everywhere he goes. His true passion, however, lies in his desire to step behind the camera.
“I’ve been biting at the bit to direct,” Lee said. “Anyone who has worked with me over the last decade will tell you … I’ve been trying to direct. So I’m just going to keep knocking at that door until someone opens it. Or I’ll break it down [chuckles]. One of the two is gonna happen.”
Lee said he uses his time on set as an opportunity to buddy up with the directors and “pick their brains” during downtime, discussing everything from lenses and camera blocking to communicating with actors. For him, the key is being as prepared as possible when the opportunity to do what you love finally presents itself.
“I enjoy getting up and going to work as an actor, but I really really enjoy getting up and going to work as a director,” he said. “So I’m learning. Even though they’re not giving me my shot directly, I’m taking a shot indirectly. Because, I certainly don’t want to be just an actor that’s over here begging for opportunities to direct but when he gets an opportunity he’s not ready.”
As he continues to perfect his craft both in front of and behind the camera, Lee said he hopes to pass opportunities on to thespians of color like himself.
“I definitely think that when it’s all said and done, RonReaco Lee will step behind the camera and pass the torch to some of these young guns out here.”
“Running Out of Time” is scheduled to air on BET on Dec. 1.