LOS ANGELES - BostonChron -- Actress and comedian Schelle Purcell is experiencing a scorching summer, fresh off her impactful role as 'Gloria, The Landlord' in Tyler Perry's latest #1 Netflix sensation, Straw. The movie explores themes of poverty, systemic failures, and the lengths people will go to for their children.  The film, which stars Taraji P. Henson, Sherri Shepherd, Teyana Taylor, and Glynn Turman, has captivated audiences, thanks in part to Purcell's formidable portrayal.

As 'Gloria,' Purcell embodies a mean, no-nonsense landlord, exhibiting a stark lack of empathy for the lead character 'Janiyah' (Taraji P. Henson), even going as far as to file an eviction notice. This multi-scene role provided Purcell with a significant opportunity to showcase her unique approach to a biting and unsympathetic character. Her compelling portrayal during the audition process and on set garnered high praise from Tyler Perry himself.

"I knew Gloria had to be someone 'different'," says Schelle Purcell. "She had to embody EVERYTHING Mr. Perry was thinking. She had to lack compassion. She had to be mean and somewhat nasty. Zero tolerance. She had to be a struggling mother's worst nightmare. I went and found 'Gloria' and she is who I left on my audition tape. No one likes her. But…'Gloria' is one of many reasons we took the number one spot on Netflix in less than 24 hours."

More on Boston Chron

• SacraPod Suites Unveils AI-Powered 'Work + Rest' Smart Hospitality Model for Retrofitting Underused Motels Across the U.S
• From Real Estate to Reel Power: H.L Woods Carves His Legacy as a Cutting-Edge Visionary Filmmaker
• New Release: 'The Invisible Alternative' Unveiled by Atrisk Corporation, Resilient
• Mikel DeFrancesco Named RealTrends Top Realtor in Quincy, Milton & South Shore MA
• Cynthia Pinot Among Artists Selected for Renowned London Art Biennale 2025

Purcell's momentum continues with her highly anticipated next project: the release of her first filmed comedy special, Pop Yo Sh*t. A seasoned comedic talent with over 12 million views on Instagram, Purcell has graced the stages of renowned venues such as The Laugh Factory (L.A.), Uptown Comedy Corner (Atlanta), and Atlanta Comedy Theater. She has also been a special guest of celebrated standup comedians J. Anthony Brown and Jordan Jackson and has recurred on the highly viewed skitcom dramedy with comedian Kountry Wayne.

Additional summer appearances for Purcell include the Essence Festival in New Orleans, July 4-6th, and Emmy's Week in Los Angeles, September 8-14th.

Hailing from Gulfport, MS, and currently based in Atlanta, Purcell infuses all her projects with a unique Southern charm and compelling energy. Her impressive and growing list of television credits includes a recurring role as 'Adeline Loggins' in ABC's Women of the Movement, a six-part series nominated for four NAACP Image Awards, winning for Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series. She has also appeared in popular series such as Found (NBC), NCIS-New Orleans (CBS), Johnson (Bounce), Walker (The CW), Atlanta (FX), and The Big Door Prize (Apple TV).

More on Boston Chron

• Real Estate Experts Highlight Jersey Shore as a Smart Buy in 2025
• Verdane Invests in Guardsquare to Scale Mobile Security Solutions for All Businesses
• Holland America Line Marks America's 250th Anniversary in 2026 with Cruise to Historical U.S. Ports
• $18 Price Target Issued in New Research Report After $34 Million Revenue Forecast from Acquisition; $101.5 Million Net Revenue in 2025; NAS DAQ: IQST
• West Dentistry Welcomes New Oral Surgeon to Enhance Patient Care

On the film front, Purcell appeared in the Amazon Prime film The Underdoggs alongside Snoop Dogg and Tika Sumpter. She has also taken on leading roles in TUBI Originals, including 'Tamira' in Hot Girl Winter with Golden Brooks and 'Everette Lemon' in Twisted House Sitter 2 with Vivica A. Fox. Demonstrating her multifaceted talents, Purcell has also written and directed her own independent films, Two Wrongs and Two Wrongs 2, both available on Prime Video and TUBI. Her additional acting credits include roles in Lifetime's Switched Before Birth and TV One's Saints & Sinners Judgement Day.

Schelle Purcell is poised to continue her dynamic ascent in Hollywood, captivating audiences with her versatile performances and undeniable comedic prowess.