Download our App
Celebrity Info

Cassi Davis-1

Actress Film

Characteristics

Confident Generous Creative Warm-Hearted Passionate Natural Leader

OverView

Country
Born
1964-07-31
Zodiac Sign

MiniBio

An essential part of Tyler Perry’s trusted ensemble, actress Cassi Davis has long been a standout performer with a career defined by powerful, memorable roles. Best known for bringing life to the fiery Aunt Bam in the wildly successful Madea franchise, she also captured hearts as the wise and grounded matriarch Ella Payne on the beloved family sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS, 2006–2012). Born in 1964 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Cassi Davis cultivated her artistic talents early on, studying Music at Atlanta’s prestigious Spelman College. Her journey into performance began in church and local theater, laying the foundation for what would become a dynamic screen career.

Cassi Davis made her cinematic debut in Spike Lee’s influential film School Daze (1988), playing Paula—a small but significant role that marked her entry into Hollywood. From there, she steadily built her resume with guest appearances on popular TV shows like Living Single (Fox, 1993–98), Married… with Children (Fox, 1987–97), and Kenan & Kel (Nickelodeon, 1996–2000). Around this time, she also lent her distinctive voice to the character of the no-nonsense HUD woman in the claymation series The PJs (Fox, 1999–2002), showcasing her vocal range and comedic timing. She went on to appear in faith-based drama He Say, She Say, But What Does GOD Say? (2004) and the romantic holiday film Love on Layaway (2005), further expanding her repertoire.

Her collaboration with Tyler Perry—now a defining chapter in her career—began in 2005 when she joined the stage production of Madea Goes to Jail. This pivotal moment opened the door to a lasting creative partnership. By 2006, Cassi Davis was on-screen with Perry, portraying Aunt Sarah in Madea’s Family Reunion, and soon after took on the central role of Ella Payne in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Over the show’s six-season run, she became a household name, embodying strength, warmth, and moral clarity. During this period, Cassi Davis also reprised Ella in the related series Meet the Browns (TBS, 2009–2011) and appeared as Rita in Perry’s romantic drama Daddy’s Little Girls (2007).

But it was as Aunt Bam—the sharp-tongued, unflinching confidante to Madea—that Cassi Davis truly rose to stardom within the Tyler Perry universe. First introduced in Madea’s Big Happy Family (2011), the character quickly became a fan favorite. Cassi Davis brought her back in multiple films and specials, including Boo! A Madea Halloween (2016) and its 2017 sequel, the animated Madea’s Tough Love, and filmed plays like A Madea Christmas (2011), Madea’s Neighbors from Hell (2014), and Madea on the Run (2017). Her popularity even earned her a solo spotlight with the live special Aunt Bam’s Place (2012), proving her star power extended beyond ensemble casts.

Beyond the Madea world, Cassi Davis continued to explore diverse projects, such as the diner-set comedy Act of Faith (2014) and the family-friendly Hamlet & Hutch (2017), starring Burt Reynolds. And in a full-circle moment, she returned as Ella Payne in the sitcom spin-off The Paynes (OWN, 2018–2019), reaffirming her enduring presence in Tyler Perry’s storytelling legacy. Through decades of consistent work, Cassi Davis has remained not just a reliable talent, but a vital voice—one that continues to resonate across generations of audiences.

Trivia

When it comes to Cassi Davis, her most acclaimed work by far is Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family from 2011—this film really stands out as the highlight of her career in terms of ratings and audience reception. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised her performance, making it a clear favorite among her projects. On the other hand, Cassi Davis’s lowest rated movie is Tyler Perry’s Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, released in 2017. While it still had its moments and loyal viewers, it didn’t quite match the success or positive feedback of her earlier work. So, when you look at Cassi Davis’s filmography, there’s definitely a contrast between these two titles. Still, Cassi Davis continues to be a beloved figure in the world of comedy and drama, with her role as Aunt Bam leaving a lasting impression. Overall, Cassi Davis has shown great range, even though some films like the 2017 Halloween sequel didn’t resonate as strongly.

Similar Celebrities

Ask Higo Singles Anything