Tyler Lepley is no stranger to playing complicated characters, but in his new Lifetime thriller Buried Alive and Survived, he’s taking it to a whole new level of intensity. Best known for his roles in P-Valley and Harlem, Tyler steps into the shoes of Victor, a man fresh out of prison, whose desperation to reunite with his ex-wife leads him down a chilling, psychopathic path. Lepley chatted with PopViewers Founder/CEO Chris Witherspoon to spill the tea on the movie, P-Valley Season 3, and what it’s really like to be seen as a sex symbol.
A Lifetime Role to Remember: Playing a Psychopath in Buried Alive and Survived
In Buried Alive and Survived, airing tomorrow at 8/7c on Lifetime, Tyler Lepley stars alongside Eva Marcille in a gripping story inspired by real-life events. Tyler’s character, Victor, has just been released from prison and wants nothing more than to put his broken family back together. His ex-wife, Alicia (played by Eva Marcille), is having none of it. But Victor’s love is far from unconditional. In a terrifying twist, he traps Alicia and literally buries her alive, triggering a battle for survival that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.
Playing such a dark character wasn’t something Tyler took lightly, but he found a way to connect with the human side of Victor. “He is a psychopath, but I don’t judge the aspect of him…that’s very human. He loves his son, and he’ll do anything in his power to get his wife back,” Lepley shared in our exclusive interview. “That’s something we can all understand and empathize with.”
For Tyler, this role showcases both the light and dark in people. “We’re both the light and the dark,” he reflected. “If we have our coffee, everything’s fine. If I slap your mom, things are gonna go left. So, we really both have that in us.”
Tyler’s performance in Buried Alive and Survived is reminiscent of legendary roles like Robert De Niro’s in Cape Fear and Kathy Bates in Misery—and it’s no wonder why. He dives deep into the psychology of his character, making Victor’s twisted love for his family disturbingly relatable.
What’s Next for P-Valley Fans? Diamond’s Season 3 Journey
As if taking on a villainous psychopath wasn’t enough, Tyler Lepley is gearing up to reprise his role as Diamond in the highly anticipated third season of P-Valley. Fans of the show know Diamond as the protective, mysterious bouncer with a past, and Tyler teased some exciting developments in store.
“We’re about three-quarters of the way through filming,” Lepley revealed. “I’m really excited for y’all to see what it looks like when [Diamond] needs help, or he’s struggling, or he needs to be healed. You’re about to see the other side of what makes Diamond a human.”
It sounds like Diamond’s layers are about to be peeled back even more in Season 3, showing fans the vulnerable side of the character we’ve grown to love. After all, P-Valley isn’t just about the drama—it’s about complex, human stories, and Diamond’s is about to get even deeper.
On Being a Sex Symbol: “They Try to Put You in a Box”
Of course, no interview with Tyler Lepley would be complete without addressing his heartthrob status. Since breaking onto the scene in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, Lepley has been seen as one of TV’s hottest stars. But Tyler doesn’t let the “sex symbol” label define him.
“When I first came out, people are gonna try to put you in this box,” he said. “Whether it’s the sex symbol, the Black actor, or the wholesome boy Benny. It’s like, they just try to put you in a box until you show them you’re really like that.”
Lepley’s approach to his career has always been thoughtful and intentional. He makes a conscious effort to avoid being pigeonholed, proving time and time again that he’s more than just a pretty face. His diverse range of roles—from the lovable Diamond to the unhinged Victor—shows just how versatile he can be.
From the Football Field to Hollywood Stardom
Tyler Lepley’s journey to Hollywood is just as gripping as his on-screen performances. Before making it big, Tyler had dreams of a football career. He played in high school and at Kutztown University, but after an altercation with a fellow player left him with a misdemeanor, his football dreams were cut short. Despite this setback, Tyler didn’t give up.
After college, he worked odd jobs and eventually became a personal trainer in Santa Monica. It was at a boxing gym that a producer noticed him, and the rest is history. Tyler made his film debut in Slumber Party Slaughter in 2012 and landed a breakout role in The Haves and the Have Nots soon after. From there, his career skyrocketed, with major roles in shows like Harlem and P-Valley.
What’s Next for Tyler Lepley?
With Buried Alive and Survived about to premiere and P-Valley Season 3 on the horizon, Tyler Lepley is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s playing a villain, a protector, or a complex, layered character, one thing is for sure: Tyler Lepley is here to stay.
Don’t miss Buried Alive and Survived premiering tomorrow on Lifetime at 8/7c. And if you’re as excited as we are for the return of P-Valley, get ready for some intense drama when Season 3 drops!
