Markice Moore

Markice Kesan Moore is an American actor, rapper, and reality television personality who performs under the stage name Kesan. He gained significant recognition for his recurring role as Ryan Payne in Tyler Perry's sitcom The Paynes, which ran from 2018 to 2024. His career spans over two decades of work in film, television, and music, establishing him as a recognizable face in urban dramas and genre projects.

Beyond his acting credits, Moore has maintained a presence in the hip-hop community while navigating high-profile personal challenges that he has publicly addressed. As of 2026, he continues to act in major productions and expands his portfolio through independent production ventures. His recent work includes leading roles in streaming thrillers and announced projects set for release in 2026. [edit]

Markice Moore was born on July 31, 1986, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He spent his early years in this city before making a pivotal decision at age 16 to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia. This move was driven by a clear ambition to break into the entertainment industry, specifically targeting the vibrant hip-hop scene developing in the South. Upon arriving in Atlanta, he adopted the moniker "Kesan" and began immersing himself in the local underground music circuit as a rapper.

His transition from music to acting began in earnest during the mid-2000s. While building a reputation in the rap community, Moore auditioned for various roles. His persistence paid off in 2006 when he secured a part in the cult classic crime drama ATL. The film, set in his new home city of Atlanta, provided his first major exposure to a wider audience and served as the foundation for his subsequent career in African American cinema. Following this debut, he continued to balance his musical pursuits with small acting gigs until he landed more substantial television opportunities. [edit]

Moore's breakthrough into mainstream television arrived in 2012 when he was cast as Andrew in Season 3 of AMC's The Walking Dead. This role introduced him to a global horror fanbase and demonstrated his ability to hold his own in a high-stakes ensemble cast. Although the character appeared only in a limited arc, the visibility from the show opened doors to further opportunities in both network television and cable series.

In 2018, he joined the cast of Tyler Perry's sitcom The Paynes as Ryan Payne. This role became the defining chapter of his career, running for six seasons until 2024. The show's success allowed him to showcase his comedic timing alongside dramatic skills, cementing his status as a reliable working actor in the industry. Concurrently, he expanded his filmography with appearances in popular series like Snowfall, The Rookie, and NCIS.

His trajectory shifted again in 2019 with the Netflix thriller Point Blank. The film became one of the platform's most-streamed titles upon release, introducing Moore to a massive international audience that extended beyond his traditional fanbase. In recent years, he has moved into production, creating content such as the short film Spaghetti and producing the project Mason. In January 2026, Variety reported that he was set to star in the new thriller High Rollers, produced by Manny Halley Productions, signaling a continued rise in his film career. [edit]

Publicly, Markice Moore presents as a resilient figure who has overcome significant personal adversity. His image is closely tied to his roles in gritty dramas and action-oriented projects, where he often portrays tough, street-smart characters. On social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, he has cultivated a persona focused on spirituality and legacy. Recent posts from late 2026 reveal a shift toward inspirational content, where he shares motivational quotes and reflections on leaving a mark on the world. This duality between his intense on-screen roles and his reflective online presence creates a unique public perception that balances Hollywood grit with personal growth. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Markice Moore, so he does not currently hold a published ranking in the Global Fame Rankings. He was not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Despite the lack of formal metrics, his visibility remains strong within specific demographic segments due to his long-running tenure on The Paynes and the viral success of Point Blank.

His fanbase lacks a single organized name but consists primarily of viewers who follow Tyler Perry's universe, enthusiasts of The Walking Dead, and fans of urban dramas like Snowfall. Engagement happens largely through social media comments and forum discussions about his characters. There are no documented fan campaigns or charity drives dedicated solely to him, though his spiritual posts often garner significant interaction from followers interested in his personal evolution. The audience appreciates his resilience story and his ability to transition seamlessly between comedy and thriller genres. [edit]

Markice Moore is known to fans by his stage name Kesan, which he adopted early in his career when focusing on his music. Before becoming a full-time actor, he worked extensively in the underground hip-hop scene in Atlanta. A notable moment in his public life occurred in February 2015 when he was hospitalized following a suicide attempt. He publicly recovered from this crisis and returned to work shortly after, a journey he has discussed openly in interviews. Fans often cite his role in Point Blank as the project that made him a household name among younger streaming audiences. He also conducts guest workshops for acting coaches and studios through his company, BSC, sharing his experiences with aspiring performers. [edit]

Moore was raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he developed an early interest in the arts. Details regarding his parents and siblings remain private, with Moore rarely discussing specific family members in public interviews. He moved to Atlanta at 16 to pursue his career, effectively starting his adult life away from his childhood home. As of 2026, there are no verified reports of children or a spouse, though he frequently shares spiritual messages and reflections on his legacy on social media platforms. He maintains a relatively low profile regarding his personal relationships compared to his professional output. [edit]

Tyler Perry, Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Manny Halley. [edit]

Public records regarding Markice Moore's romantic life are sparse, with no widely confirmed marriages or high-profile engagements documented in credible sources. His personal history is marked by a significant legal incident that drew intense media scrutiny. In January 2010, while a contestant on the MTV reality show The Challenge: Rivals II, Moore was arrested and charged with child abuse after allegedly beating an infant. This event resulted in charges being filed against him and marked a difficult period in his career and personal narrative.

Following the 2010 incident and a subsequent health crisis in 2015 involving a suicide attempt, Moore has maintained a relatively private life. There are no credible reports of a marriage, engagement, or long-term public partnership since then. As of 2026, he appears to be single, with no current partner named in recent interviews or social media posts. He focuses heavily on his legacy and spiritual messaging, often posting about leaving a mark on the world regardless of support. No children have been publicly attributed to him in verified sources. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Markice Moore's net worth at approximately $2.5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his steady earnings from a diverse career spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry. His primary income streams include his consistent salary from the long-running sitcom The Paynes, residuals from film and television appearances, and royalties from his earlier work as a rapper under the name Kesan.

Moore has also diversified his revenue through independent production ventures, including the creation of the short film Spaghetti and the project Mason. Additional income is generated from conducting acting workshops through his company, BSC, where he mentors aspiring actors. While specific real estate holdings have not been publicly disclosed, his financial stability is supported by a continuous stream of acting jobs in major franchises like The Walking Dead and Netflix originals. The estimate accounts for his work in supporting and lead roles without assuming blockbuster-level earnings, positioning him as a solidly successful working actor rather than a top-tier celebrity. [edit]