It’s been 27 years since The Players Club hit theaters, but for actress Chrystale Wilson, the impact of that film still resonates deeply today. When asked what the film did for her career, Chrystale smiled with appreciation and reflection. “The film was a cult classic,” she said. “It gave me exposure into this industry, and people still dress up like Ronni on Halloween.”
Her portrayal of Ronni — bold, confident, and unapologetically fierce — made her a memorable figure in Black film culture. Yet, Chrystale has since proven that her talent and versatility extend far beyond that iconic role.
When discussing how she landed her current role as Carla on the hit BET+ series All The Queen’s Men, Chrystale shared a story that embodies both resilience and divine timing. “I love playing Carla. I adore the cast and the crew,” she began. “But when I got the audition, I was actually traveling. I had thrown just a few clothes in my bag and ended up with a layover in Florida. My agent texted me saying I had an audition due Tuesday, but I wasn’t scheduled to come back until Thursday or Friday.”
Determined not to miss the opportunity, Chrystale improvised. “I was in this hotel room with my phone set up on an ironing board, trying to film the audition with only what I had,” she laughed. “Honestly, I didn’t feel great about it because of my circumstances. But then my agent texted me saying they wanted to know my availability. Two weeks later, I was filming.”
What started as a short-term role soon evolved into something much bigger. “Initially, Carla wasn’t supposed to be a long-term character,” Chrystale explained. “But it’s manifested into what it is now. Eva [Marcille] and I get along very well — I always tell her, ‘Let’s dance.’ What’s written on the page is just the skeleton for us to build on. We have a lot of fun together. I’m grateful for the director Imani, the writers, and Tyler Perry for allowing us to ad-lib and bring our energy to the characters. They receive us very well.”
When asked about her knack for playing “villain” roles, Chrystale responded with humor and self-awareness. “I think the villain roles embrace me,” she said. “I’ve played an equal amount of comedy roles, but people remember the villain. They’ll say, ‘Here she goes again!’ But I’ve done Christmas films too. I enjoy it — I like bringing backstories to my characters.”
Even her most infamous character, Ronni, had depth. “Ronni was a villain, but her backstory was that she’d been hurt and betrayed,” Chrystale explained. “So, she didn’t have a lot of mercy for Diamond coming in thinking she was doing something. There’s always a reason behind the behavior.”
Chrystale’s growth isn’t limited to acting. Since our last conversation, she’s also been intentional about expanding her social media presence — and it’s paid off. Her Instagram has grown to over 300,000 followers. “It’s all about God’s timing,” she said. “Sometimes I tell myself, ‘But I don’t have a million followers yet.’ Then I laugh, because 300k is better than where I was. It’s growing steadily, and it happened authentically.”
That authenticity shines through her popular Instagram segment Random Thoughts, which gives fans a candid look into her life. “I stumbled into it,” she shared. “In the mornings, my thoughts are all over the place. I live in the wilderness, I’m gardening, repurposing a fence, cleaning the pool — that’s just me. And my audience loves it because they know it’s genuinely me.”
When asked what advice she would give to those aspiring to enter the entertainment industry, Chrystale didn’t hesitate. “Don’t compromise who you are. Be authentically yourself.”
Looking ahead, Chrystale continues to create and inspire. She’s currently performing in her stage play How To Protest, which she co-wrote and stars in alongside Theresa Tha Songbird. “It’s a powerful piece,” she said passionately. “It’s funny, it’s moving, and it’s important. I want more eyes to see it because it carries a strong message.”
Fans can also look forward to the upcoming new season of All The Queen’s Men and Chrystale’s appearance in the film Funny Feelings — set to drop next spring alongside comedian Pretty Vee.
From The Players Club to All The Queen’s Men, Chrystale Wilson’s journey has been one of purpose, perseverance, and authenticity. She’s proof that when you remain true to yourself, your path — no matter how unpredictable — will always lead you right where you’re meant to be.
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