Earl in Movie ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl'

RJ Cyler | Biography

Professional Dancer

• By Reena Chikanbanjar
• Original : February 20, 2022

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RJ Cyler is an American actor best recognized for playing the lead role of Earl in the comedy-drama film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015).

Who is RJ Cyler?

RJ Cyler is a film and television actor. He was born Ronald Cyler II on 21 March 1995 in Jacksonville, Florida. He has two older brothers.

An entertainer from an early age, Cyler started a dance team with his older brother at age 12. In 2012, he attended an open audition in Jacksonville. Shortly after that, he was offered to participate in another acting camp in Los Angeles, for which his mentor suggested his parents consider relocating to Los Angeles to support his possible future in acting career.

He then moved to Los Angeles, California, with his mother on 22 February 2013. Eventually, his father and one brother also relocated. With the support of his family, Cyler then embarked on his journey to become an actor and comedian.

Cyler made his acting debut as R.J. in the 2013 film Second Chance, and subsequently, he made his breakthrough with the title role as Earl in the 2015 comedy-drama film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. 

He then notably played Billy (Blue Ranger) in the superhero film Power Rangers and Andy Moon in the satirical war film War Machine in 2017. His other film credits included Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018), White Boy Rick (2018), and The Harder They Fall (2021).

Cyler made a foray into television acting in 2016, appearing as Luke Brown in the HBO comedy-drama series Vice Principals. He later appeared on television series like I’m Dying Up Here as Adam Proteau, Black Lightning as Todd Green, Swamp Thing as Jones, and Scream: The TV Series as Deion Elliot.

Most recently, Cyler appeared as Sean in the 2022 comedy-drama film Emergency. 

‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’

Me and Earl and Dying Girl is a comedy-drama film adapted by Jesse Andrews from his 2012 novel of the same name. 

The film follows 17-year-old high school senior Greg (played by Thomas Mann), who has managed to become a part of a social group at his Pittsburgh high school without having any friends. His life changes when his mother forces him to befriend his classmate Rachel (played by Olivia Cooke), who has been diagnosed with cancer. 

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Cyler played the role of Earl, with whom Greg spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies.

The film premiered on 25 January 2015 at Sundance Film Festival. Later it was released in theaters on 12 June 2015. The film has won multiple awards, including the ‘Dramatic Audience Award’ and the ‘Grand Jury Prize’ at the Sundance Film Festival. 

‘The Harder They Fall’

The Harder They Fall is a Netflix western action drama film directed by the British singer-songwriter Jeymes Samuel, who co-wrote the screenplay with Boaz Yakin. Predominantly featured Black cast, the film follows a story of an outlaw Nat Love (played by Jonathan Majors). He reunites with his gang to seek revenge when he discovers that his enemy Rufus Buck (played by Idris Elba) is being released from prison. Cyler appeared as Jim Beckwourth in the film.

The film was released on Netflix on 3 November 2021. The film won four awards, including the ‘Best Picture Award’ from the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA).

‘Emergency’

Cyler played the role of Sean in the 2022 comedy thriller drama film Emergency, alongside Donald Elise Watkins and Sebastian Chacon. The film was written by KD Davila and directed by Carey Williams. 

It follows three college students who must weigh the pros and cons of calling the police when faced with an unexpected situation after returning from a night of partying.

On 20 January 2022, the film premiered at Sundance Film Festival, where it won the ‘U.S. Dramatic Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award.’