“I’m Dying Up Here” & “Scream” Star RJ Cyler On His Upcoming Projects & His Long-Term Goals

At only 23 years of age, RJ Cyler has been working steadily since landing his breakthrough role in 2015’s Me And Earl And The Dying Girl. He was seen in Power Rangers, in which he played Billy Cranston the Blue Ranger, then War Machine and Everything, Everything. In addition to the forthcoming movies Sierra Burgess Is A Loser — as produced for Netflix — and White Boy Rick, 2018 has also been a big year for Cyler, who was one of the stars of the acclaimed Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here. All the while, Cyler is set to star in the upcoming 3rd season of the popular MTV series Scream.

I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with RJ Cyler about his past, present and future. Cyler can be followed directly on both Instagram and Twitter via the handle @RJ_Cyler.

On I’m Dying Up Here, you of course play an up-and-coming stand-up comic. What sort of research did you do for the role with regards to stand-up?

RJ Cyler: My research mostly consisted of my favorite comics such as Bernie Mac, Ralphie May, and Jo Koy. I mostly gravitated towards their style of comedy because of how much was their personal life, it brings authenticity and more of a storytelling feel, rather than just a joke. They have a unique depth and tone to their comedy

Did doing the show make you seriously consider pursuing stand-up?

RJ Cyler: I considered it and then respected that it is not my lane yet. Stand-up comedy is a whole other beautiful beast that takes more than just being funny. Maybe in the future, but as of right now I’m just RJ Cyler the actor.

Is there any chance of the show coming back for another season?

RJ Cyler: I am not sure yet.

Your work in Me And Earl And The Dying Girl was your break-out role. When did it feel like this was going to be a career for you and not just a series of one-offs?

RJ Cyler: I can say filming Me And Earl And The Dying Girl was definitely the first moment. The vibe on that set made me addicted to this acting thing — it’s amazing!

You have had success within both TV and film projects. Was it ever your goal to be more focused on TV over film projects? Or vice versa?

RJ Cyler: It really didn’t matter. I just love to create rather that be on TV or film.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can talk about?

RJ Cyler: Yes I play Boo Curry in the upcoming Matthew Mcconaughey film, also a Netflix movie called Sierra Burgess Is A Loser starring Shannon Purser, and those are both coming out in September. Scream season 3 on MTV is coming up later this year.

Is it true that you also DJ?

RJ Cyler: Yes, I am. I learned from my dad and have been doing it since the 6th grade.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

RJ Cyler: Making music and rollerskating to that music.

What was the last concert you went to for fun?

RJ Cyler: My last concert was “The Boogie” put on by YG. It was definitely one of my favorite concerts.

Finally, RJ, any last words for the kids?

RJ Cyler: Be completely and unapologetically YOU. None of us are perfect but we are all human. We all grow and learn throughout life, some faster than others, but we all have a process, so just trust yours and don’t compromise or change for anyone. Love you, be you, and live your best life.

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Tags: Bernie Mac, I'm Dying Up Here, Matthew McConaughey, Me Earl And The Dying Girl, Ralphie May, RJ Cyler, Sierra Burgess, YG

About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."