Glynn Turman is most recognizable for his many roles in film and television since the 1960s, however, the Emmy Award-winning actor is a man of many talents, one of which is being a cowboy. The “A Different World” star got to combine his two loves — rodeo and being on-camera, in Beyoncé’s latest Ivy Park campaign.
The “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” actor was surprised when the “Drunk In Love” singer asked him to star in the campaign for her rodeo-themed athleisure-wear collection, but the offer made perfect sense because of Turman’s lesser-known background.
Along with being an accomplished actor, Turman is also a trained cowboy who has competed in rodeos and owns a ranch, which he offered Beyoncé to use as the location for her Ivy Park Rodeo shoot while both families were on vacation with each other.
“Our family was actually vacationing together when the launch idea came about,” the “House of Lies” star told “Variety.” It came up that she wanted to do something with her new line and I said she could use my ranch for that. I had no idea she was going to lasso me into the campaign!”
The shoot ended up being a family affair when Turman’s granddaughter, cowgirl MelJulie Siegel, joined her granddad to model Beyoncé’s looks as well. The pair donned denim outfits and looked right at home on their ranch while showing off their horseback skills. “She’s an accomplished cowgirl, raised on the ranch like both of my kids,” he said. “Her and I riding together in an ad for such a prestigious company has been tickling her to the core.”
Following Netflix’s recent release of the Idris Elba drama “Concrete Cowboys” and now Bey’s country Western-inspired line, Turman hopes this is only the beginning of more Black cowboy and cowgirl stories being told in Hollywood. “I was very pleased with ‘Concrete Cowboy.’ There are pockets of communities with Black youngsters who acknowledge their cowboy roots. There are 100 more stories that need to be told, and hopefully the world is ready for it.”
Beyoncé’s Ivy Park Rodeo line drops on Aug. 19 atadidas.com/ivypark and in select stores globally on Aug. 20.
