P-Valley Cast and Character Guide
A guide for the Starz series “P-Valley.” Noted are cast members, information about their character, and other details about the show.
Spoiler Alert: This post may contain spoilers. Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
A guide for the Starz series “P-Valley.” Noted are cast members, information about their character, and other details about the show.
Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.
General Information
Created By: Katori Hall
Based On: The play “Pussy Valley” by playwright Katori Hall
First Aired: July 12, 2020
Groups & Organizations
- Chucalisa Challengers (1.2): The dance troupe Mercedes coaches and hopes to make into a majorette team.
- Delta Devoted (1.8): A gang we’re introduced to that Montavius is a notable member of.
- Pynk Posse (2.4): The group chat for the current and alumni members of the Pynk
- HVH – Hurt Village Hustlas (2.6): The name of the gang Lil Murda and Big Teak are/were part of
- CFC – Chief Fi Chiefs (2.9): A rival gang of the HVH which is older than HVH
Notable Locations
- The Pynk (S1E1): Located in Pussy Valley, off exit 29, in the dirty delta, of the Mississippi Delta, it is the strip club Uncle Clifford owns and manages that the ladies of the show, the dancers, work at.
- The Cut: A private VIP room
- Paradise Room: A private room when sex can be on the table
- Lot & Acreage (1.8): The Pynk is on lot 609 with a 6 acre waterfront.
- Chucalissa (1.2): The town “P-Valley” takes place in.
- City Council (1.6): There are 7 members of the council.
- Nonconnah County (1.2): The county that Chucalissa is in.
- Delta Valley Revival: (1.4): Pastor Gilfield’s church where Patrice is a notable member.
- Promise Land Casino (1.2)L The proposed Casino that Andre is tasked with making the necessary deals for.
- Breath of Life Full Gospel Baptist Tabernacle (1.5): The name of Patrice’s church
Terms To Know
- Murder Night (Season 1): The night Lil Murda performed at The Pynk and Montavious revealed himself to Haley and had a confrontation
Other Noteworthy Information
- Hurricane Drake (1.6): The storm Hailey escaped in
- Time Jump (2.1): More than 5 months have passed since the end of season 1
- Uncle Clifford Rules
- Rule #54 (1.2): We don’t do tax invasion (evasion)
- Rule #67 (1.2): Ain’t no hoes in this house
- Rule #24.5 (1.2): No crying in The Pynk
- Rule #1 (1.2): Let that state be your stepping tone, not your tombstone
- Rule #2 (1.2): Always know where the exits at up in this bitch, cause you never know when you gotta turn a window to a door
- Rule #4 (2.3): You hoe, you out the do’
- Rule #7.5 (2.4): No Witnesses
- Rule #29,763 (2.4): You be careful who you let through the do’ cuz you can’t save erry sangle hoe
- Rule #100.075 (2.3): A pot of hogmogs gotta simmer in that pot all day in order to be any damn good
- Rule #.0025 (2.3): Wear ya’ll mothef***in mask
- Rule #1,000,000 (2.3): No titties on the main stage
- Rule #934 (2.5): Sometimes you gotta rock that half-human, half-synthetic lace front, long as it don’t rock you.
- Rule #77 (2.8): Sometimes you gotta make falling look like rising in this muh’fucka. ‘Cause they cant, keep a bad bitch down.
- Ernestine Rule # 7629 (2.8): If you can’t get to the water, sometimes you gotta bring the water to you
- Beulah’s Rules #1 (2.8): Bitches don’t just cry. They get even.
- Rule # 51081 (2.9): Don’t try to be everyone’s cup of tea, cause then you ain’t gone have none to sip on for yourself
- Rule 88 (2.10): Don’t ever forget, just cause a bitch good at keepin’ the peace don’t mean she ain’t good at wagin’ war.
[ninja_tables id=”66722″]
Uncle Clifford Sayles (Nicco Annan)
First Noted In – Season 1 Episode 1 “Perpertratin'”
Brief Introduction
While they present themselves as male while in public and sometimes during the day, Uncle Clifford identifies and lives their life as a woman in The Pynk. The reason? It is their establishment, their safe space, and probably one of the handful of places they can be at ease. Hence their name since, while the girls may not necessarily like how much of a cut they take, Uncle Clifford does their best to take care of them.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Uncle Clifford
- Stripper Name (1.3): Notes their stripper name would be Sweet Potato Ponchita
- The Pynk Ownership (2.1): Owns 15%
- Age (2.2): Is 40
- Foot Size (2.2): 13 1/2 to a 14
Quotes
You never know when you got to turn a window into a door.
— Uncle Clifford (1.2)
Sometimes you got to take an L to get to that W.
— Uncle Clifford (1.7)
Legends ain’t born, they built. Forged by time and pressure like diamonds.
— Uncle Clifford (2.5)
I made so many memories, chile, I don’t even need to dream.
— Uncle Clifford (2.7)
You ask me what I am, without even realizing all dat come along with that answer.
— Uncle Clifford (2.7)
That ain’t no decision. That’s impulse, which is the sister of stupidity.
— Uncle Clifford (2.10)
I sell fantasy for work, so in real life, I need real life.
— Uncle Clifford (2.10)
Mercedes (Brandee Evans & Renika Williams)
First Noted In – Season 1 Episode 1 “Perpertratin'”
Brief Introduction
Mercedes is The Pynk’s headliner, but with enough money saved over her, approximate, 7-year career, it seems she wants to retire from stripping and start a business. What kind of business? Well, taking note she has a day job of coaching girls on a dance team, perhaps a dance studio? Either way, one of the reasons it may have taken Mercedes 7 years is due to dealing with her holy-roller mother, who often guilts her into giving up money. Which, considering what her mother put her through as a child, may shock you.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Mercedes
- S1E1: Is about 25
- Save Your Money Kids (1.4): Has been working at The Pynk for 7 years and has been saving from every dance in order to open a gym/ dance studio.
- First Child (2.3): She had Terricka when she was 15
- Age (2.7): Says she is 30
Quotes
Let that stage be your stepping stone, not your tombstone.
— Mercedes and Uncle Clifford (1.2)
Words is easy. Living ‘em is hard.
— Mercedes (2.7)
[…] sometimes, God uses the devil to give you your blessings.
— Mercedes (2.7)
Keyshawn (Shannon Thornton)
First Noted In – Season 1 Episode 1 “Perpertratin'”
Brief Introduction
A mother of at least one child, who just got off maternity leave when we meet her. She isn’t one of The Pynk’s top earners but is a staple of the club. Also, she is in an abusive relationship that she tries to hide the extent of the violence.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Keyshawn
- S1E1: Miss Mississippi is her stripper name
- Kids’ Name (1.5): Regal and Jayden
Quotes
Hailey Colton (Elarica Johnson)
First Noted In – Season 1 Episode 1 “Perpertratin'”
Brief Introduction
There is an air of mystery to Hailey when we meet her. For one, we don’t know if her name is Hailey for sure or just something she tells Andre to create a sense of intimacy or exclusivity. What we do know is where she came from was severely flooded, and, like Keyshawn, she was in a very abusive relationship previously. However, now she is in a small place, with a mattress on the floor, and while miserable and possibly missing a daughter (?), she is at least free.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Hailey
- S1E1: Her stripper name is Autumn Night
- My Daughter (1.6): Her daughter’s name was Autumn
- Stats (1.6): Hailey is 26, 5’9 and 140 pounds.
- In A Past Life (1.8): She was a corporate accountant
Quotes
Life is just a long day’s journey into tomorrow.
— Hailey
Fairy tales are horror movies with happy endings.
— Hailey (2.10)
Andre Watkins (Parker Sawyers and Camden McKinnon)
First Noted In – Season 1 Episode 1 “Perpertratin'”
Brief Introduction
It isn’t clear who Andre is, or what his interest in The Pynk is, though it could be safely assumed he is a cop.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Andre
- A Heart In Your Hand (1.2): Andre reveals he was born with his heart outside his chest.
- Britney (1.3): The name of his wife who lives out in Atlanta.
- Aluma Matter (1.7): Went to Morehouse, thanks to his God Daddy’s money
- Father (2.8): His father is Abrahams Watkins who has been in prison for murder since Andre was 7
Quotes
Ain’t nothing necessary, till it is.
— Andre (1.2)
Big L (Morocco Omari)
Character Introduction
First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 2 “Scars”
Uncle Clifford’s money man who also is his confidant. Perhaps the only one who truly knows how messed up Uncle Clifford’s money is which, for someone who is a ex-con, is an issue since jobs are slim.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Big L
Quotes
Corbin (Dan J. Johnson)
Character Introduction
First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 2 “Scars”
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Born to a white father, Black mother, and that relationship not being looked highly upon by his half brothers, Corbin struggles a bit. Mind you, not financially, what so ever, especially due to the inheritance he got from his dad passing. But it does appear that Corbin feels out of place in the community and within his family. Which makes his desire to not sell his family’s land, but lease it, yet another issue his half brothers have with him.
Additional Information About Corbin
- Son of a Maid (1.2): Corbin’s mother was his father’s maid.
- Best Friends For Life (1.3): Has been friends with Uncle Clifford since elementary school and Uncle Clifford was the only one to know he was Johnny Kyle’s bastard son for a long time.
Quotes
Mayor Tydell Ruffin (Isiah Washington)
Character Introduction
First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 2 “Scars”
The mayor of Chucalissa who is, by far, not the best mayor and surely doesn’t maintain a moral high ground. Not to say he is utterly corrupt, but he surely doesn’t keep things on the up and up.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Mayor Tydell Ruffin
- Historical First (1.3): Is the first Black mayor of Chucalissa
- Address (2.4): 732 Deerfield Road
- Shoe Size (2.6): Size 12
Quotes
Patrice Woodbine (Harriett D. Foy)
Character Introduction
First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 2 “Scars”
Mercedes’ mother who, at one time, had a terrible drinking problem, and perhaps more. However, with a position in the church, the treasurer, and faking the perception she has turned her life around, she likes to come off as a better woman. However, whenever she needs money or feels a bit down, she reveals the woman Mercedes knows oh too well.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Patrice
- Why Your Daughter Hates You (1.5): Was putting bills in Mercedes’ name since she was 3.
- Mayor (2.10): Becomes Mayor of Chucalissa
Pastor Gilfield (Ricco Ross)
Character Introduction
First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 2 “Scars”
The pastor of Patrice’s church who is very aware of how Sister Patrice is getting the money so the church can get a loan, and has no shame about it.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Pastor Gilfield
Tequan aka DJ Neva Scared (Brandon Gilpin)
Character Introduction
First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 3 “Higher Ground”
The DJ of The Pynk who, despite working in a strip club, is actually a teenager. One who goes to what looks like a private school and while well-versed in music, holds multiple intelligences.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Tequan aka DJ Neva Scared
- Name (2.4): Mercedes says his name is DaQwan
Quotes
Terricka (A’Zaria Carter)
Mercedes’ thirteen-year-old daughter who she gave up when she was a baby but reconnects through dance.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Terricka
- First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 3 “Higher Ground”
- Father’s Name (2.3): Cortez
- Age (2.7): Says she is 14
Quotes
Shelle (Helen Goldsby)
Terricka’s adoptive mother.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Shelle
- First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 3 “Higher Ground”
Quotes
Lil Murda (J. Alphonse Nicholson)
A young rapper who thinks he is up and coming, and wants his music to be on and popping but, most who are introduced to it don’t dig it. For if it isn’t the hook, it’s the beat or the lyrics, and this leads to Lil Murder and Uncle Clifford growing close since he wants Uncle Clifford’s approval. Maybe more.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Lil Murda
- First Appears In – Season 1 Episode 3 “Higher Ground”
- Government Name (1.5): His first name is LaMarques
- The Tape (2.8): When Lil Murda was 15, he did a sex tape – the one Rome tried to hold over his head
Quotes
Family found is family forever.
— Lil Murda (2.6)
Gidget (Skyler Joy)
One half of a dance duo with Keyshawn, as well as one-third of what is known as “The Trinity,” Gidget is Uncle Clifford’s favorite white girl and is at least a second-generation stripper. Which is something Gidget is a bit sensitive about.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Gidget
- First Noted In: Season 1 Episode 4 “The Trap”
- Bad Spending Habits (1.4): It’s noted Gidget hasn’t saved any money, unlike Mercedes.
- Mommy Dearest (1.5): Her mother’s name is Deanna
- Ole Miss (1.3): Where Gidget was once a cheerleader.
Quotes
Josh Ventura Plays Wayne Kyle
A member of the city council, Wayne Kyle is the more aggressive and possibly insane one between the Kyle brothers.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Wayne
- Introduced In Episode Season 1/ Episode 6
- Head of the City Council (1.3): To be specific, he is the head of the city council and runs things.
Quotes
Donny Boaz Plays Wyatt Kyle
Wayne and Corbin’s brother who, isn’t the most aggressive person and seems to follow along with what his brother wants.
Additional Information About Wyatt
- Introduced In Episode Season 1/ Episode 6
Quotes
Thomas Q. Jones Plays Mane
One of Mercedes friends, who clearly has a thing for her but she isn’t necessarily trying to play with him like that. Possibly because him and the law don’t get along but with him knowing how to make fake IDs, he finds himself being put to use.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Mane
- Introduced In Episode Season 1/ Episode 6
Quotes
Angela Davis Plays Eloise
Eloise is a former stripper, one of the first to “graduate” from The Pynk, and is now Mayor Ruffin’s secretary.
Additional Information About Eloise
- Introduced In Episode Season 1/ Episode 6
Quotes
Loretta Devine Plays Grandmuva Ernestine
Uncle Clifford’s grandmother who is the former owner of The Pynk back when it was a club known as Ernestine’s.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Grandmuva
- Introduced In Episode Season 1/ Episode 6
- The Struggle Is Real (1.6): Is partial, if not fully blind, due to diabetes.
Quotes & .Gifs
Ashani Roberts Plays Britney
Andre’s wife, who is a doctor back in Atlanta.
Additional Information About Britney
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 6
- Father (2.3): Seems to run a Hedge Fund
Quotes
Diamond (Tyler Lepley)
The Pynk’s bouncer who takes an interest in Keyshawn’s life.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Diamond
- Introduced In Season 1/ Episode 7 “Last Call For Alcohol”
- Salute! (1.7): Is an Iraq war veteran and also into crystals.
- Spiritual Side (2.2): Diamond has knowledge dealing with removing roots and curses on people
Quotes & Gifs
Derrick (Jordan M. Cox)
Keyshawn’s man, and the father of her children, who has drinking issues which has jeopardized his work in the past, and often leads to him beating on Keyshawn.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Derrick
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 5
Quotes & Gifs
Montavius Hill (Cranston Johnson)
Hailey’s ex, who helped her raise her daughter, that she left for dead and is shocked to see didn’t die on his own kitchen floor.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Montavius
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 5
- Call me Lieutenant (1.8): Is a lieutenant of the Delta Devoted
Quotes & Gifs
Jesse (J. Leon Pridgen)
It isn’t clear if maybe Jesse is Mercedes’ father or just familiar with her mother and her, but when we’re introduced to him while she is locked up, he shows an unexpected kindness.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Jesse
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 5
Quotes & Gifs
Woddy (Bertram Williams Jr.)
Lil Murda’s manager who is aware of his sexuality, and cool with it – as long as it doesn’t mess with his paper.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Woddy
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 8
- Eating Habits (2.3): He has been vegetarian for two years
Quotes & Gifs
Every wave ain’t meant to be rode.
— Woddy
Rome (Blue Kimble)
An executive from Atlanta entertainment company, Blue Guap Empire, he comes down to Chucalissa after Keyshawn and Lil Murda go viral and has his sights on managing Keyshawn. Lil’ Murda too, but only if that is required to seal the deal with Keyshawn.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Rome
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 8
Quotes & Gifs
Duffy (Dominic DeVore)
Gidget’s boyfriend, who formerly was just a paying customer, who deals drugs for a living.
[adinserter name=”Character Guide”]
Additional Information About Duffy
- Introduced In Season 1, Episode 8
- Drugs of Choice (1.3): He sells anything from weed to Oxycotin.
Quotes & Gifs
Mookie (Coco Brown)
Mookie is a member of Tydell’s family who is known for her cooking.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Pussyland”
Quotes & Gifs
Big Teak (John Clarence Stewart)
Big Teak is a member of the same gang Lil Murda and becomes a member of his security team when he gets out of jail.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Seven Pounds of Pressure”
- Prison Term (2.6): Was at least ten years
- Birthday (2.6): 9/24/1994
- Death Of His Siblings (2.6): His mom killed his older sister, younger brother (5 years old), and baby sister (8 Months Old) with an 8-inch steel blade when he was 7. Their names were LaChina, Rasheeda, and Quel.
- Government Name (2.6): Big Teak’s Government name is Thaddeus
Quotes & Gifs
Whisper (Psalms Salazar)
Whisper is one of the two newest strippers at The Pynk to replace Gidget and Keyshawn. What is unique about her is that she is into crystals.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Seven Pounds of Pressure”
Quotes & Gifs
Big Bone (Miracle Watts)
While she has no skills on the pole, Haley sees her body, as does Big El, as an asset to the Pynk, so she is hired.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Seven Pounds of Pressure”
- Rep Your Set (2.10): We learn she is part of the Delta Devoted – Montavious’ gang
Quotes & Gifs
Roulette (Gail Bean)
Roulette is hired alongside Whisper, and like Whisper, she is talented on the pole. However, unlike Whisper, Roulette is more than willing to try Mercedes.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Seven Pounds of Pressure”
- Brother and Wrestling (2.4): Roulette’s brother, Demetrhrius, was a wrestler before he was killed by police 3 years ago, due to a broken taillight and a cop assuming he had a gun. Because of him, she is familiar with how to wrestle.
- Brother nickname (2.4): While his name is Demethrius, his nickname was Meechie
Quotes & Gifs
Corey (Marley Santana)
Corey is trade hired to work for Uncle Clifford’s party.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Seven Pounds of Pressure”
Quotes & Gifs
Cedric Haynes AKA Coach (Sherman Augustus)
Mr. Haynes, often called “Coach” is a successful businessman who Mercedes has been talking to since he was a regular at The Pynk. But, with her money not being what it used to be, she has taken serious consideration to his past offers to invest in her, with sexual favors being how she pays him back.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 “The Dirty Dozen”
- Marriage (2.6): Has been with his wife Farrah for 19 years
Quotes
Farrah Haynes (Shamika Cotton)
Mrs. Haynes is Coach’s wife who formerly had a strong focus on photography. However, now she appears to mostly act as a housewife who suffers her husband’s affairs.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 3 “The Dirty Dozen”
Quotes
Sponsorships expire, but royalties last forever.
— Farrah (2.10)
Lauren Hawkins (Dana Gourrier)
Lauren is a health department regulator in Nonconnah County who loves to spend money at The Pynk.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 4 “Demethrius”
Quotes & Gifs
Chanisse (Joyful Drake)
Chanisse is James’ second wife, Keyshawn’s step-mom, who formerly was an air stewardess.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 5 “White Knights”
Quotes
James (Dejean Brown)
While it isn’t 100% clear what James does for a living, it is noted he has money and the women of his life benefit from it. But, unfortunately for them, he is a scoundrel, as shown by cheating on Keyshawn’s mom with Chanisse and molesting Chanisse’s daughter Alisha.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 5 “White Knights”
Quotes
Alisha (Kadianne Whyte)
Alisha is Keyshawn’s step-sister who made it onto the cheer squad and had a bit of a reputation amongst the boys. One she neither confirms nor denies.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 5 “White Knights”
Quotes
Laronica (Huntah Anarkelda Finnie)
Laronica is Alisha’s little sister who gets on her last nerves and occasionally bickers with her.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 5 “White Knights”
Quotes
Georgie (Lee Garlington)
Georgie is one of the key investors in the Promised Land Casino, and, especially after her husband died, she has taken it upon herself to play a more active role in its creation.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 6 “Savage”
Quotes
Bill (Bill Winkler)
Bill was long the visible head of getting Promised Land Casinos off the ground, but with entrusting Andre to get the job done, things fell apart.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1
Quotes
Beulah (Nyahale Allie)
Beulah is Uncle Clifford’s mother, Ernestine’s daughter, who is no longer with us.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 7
- Died (2.8): 10/29/1999
- Cause of Death (2.10): May have died of AIDS – It’s noted she had sores and the disease can from a past relationship
Quotes
Pico (Zachariah Rogers)
Pico is a member of a HVH rival gang who pics with Lil Murda.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 8 “The Death Drop”
- Son (2.8): Has a 6-year-old son
Quotes & Gifs
Terrance (Tahj A. Vaughans)
Terrence is a regular at The Pynk who loves that it, unbeknownst to Uncle Clifford and Hailey, now has sex services
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 8 “The Death Drop”
Quotes & Gifs
Tina Snow (Megan Thee Stallion)
Tina Snow is a popular rapper who, thanks to DJ Neva Scared working on her latest record, partners up with Lil Murda for a song and tour.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 9
Quotes & Gifs
Toy (Olivia “Melo J.” Jackson)
Toy is a now former member of The Pynk known for her allergies, which, Uncle Clifford believes, at one time, was COVID and got multiple people sick.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 9
Quotes & Gifs
Cyntonia (Martika “Maria Jade” Thompson)
Cyntonia is the mother of Pico’s children.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 2/ Episode 9
Quotes & Gifs
