Fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual—but if it did, Tyler Lepley would probably scribble his own notes in the margins. You might know him from hit shows like P-Valley, Harlem, or The Haves and the Have Nots, but behind the camera, Tyler is just “Dad.” And if there’s one thing he takes as seriously as his acting, it’s showing up for his kids.

That’s why we’re spotlighting Tyler in this year’s Father Noir, a visual memoir created by Black Love co-founder, filmmaker, and proud dad of three, Tommy Oliver. Now in its fifth year, Father Noir is all about visibility—it’s about capturing Black fathers being present, vulnerable, joyful, soft, protective, and everything in between. We know that every image, every story, and every glimpse of a father loving his children shifts the narrative and expands what’s possible.

Father Noir: Tyler Lepley Is Rewriting the Narrative of Black Fatherhood

All month long, Black Love is going behind the lens of Father Noir, celebrating the beauty, the bond, and the joy between some of our favorite fathers and their kids. And Tyler? He’s a shining example of what it means to love big, show up daily, and navigate the complexities of modern fatherhood with grace.

In today’s spotlight on Tyler Lepley, you’ll learn about:

• Tyler Lepley’s Journey from Philly to Fatherhood
• Raising a Blended Family Rooted in Love & Communication
• Lessons in Fatherhood: Growth, Grace, and Presence
• Tyler and Miracle Watts: Building a Family Together
• Redefining Black Fatherhood Through Positive Storytelling

 

Tyler Lepley’s Journey from Philly to Fatherhood

Tyler was born and raised in Philadelphia, where he learned early on about the importance of hard work and character. His path to Hollywood wasn’t a straight line—he played football in college, worked as a personal trainer, and was even discovered by a producer at a boxing gym in L.A. Since then, he’s carved out a career playing characters with layers: complex, charismatic, sometimes conflicted. 

Raising a Blended Family Rooted in Love & Communication

Off-screen, Tyler’s just as multifaceted. He’s a proud father of three children—his two oldest, Leo Charles, age 7, and Jade Jennifer, age 4, are from his previous relationship with talent agent April King. His youngest, Xi Leí Lepley, is his son with fiancée and fellow creative force Miracle Watts. Xi was born on September 15, 2022, and if you follow Miracle or Tyler on Instagram, you already know—he’s a little heart-stealer.

Together, Tyler and Miracle are raising a blended family rooted in love, communication, and intention. “It’s a process. It’s definitely better than it was. Still got a little way to go,” Tyler told The Shade Room in a 2023 interview. “The one thing I will say is, again, that’s the mother of two of my children, and I have nothing but love and respect for her. I give her grace and patience as figures out what she gotta feel herself through.”

Lessons in Fatherhood: Growth, Grace, and Presence

When asked what fatherhood has taught him, Tyler doesn’t hesitate. “With three kids, I learned a lot. I came into fatherhood just thinking that I had so much to teach, which I do. I have a lot to give. But I got a lot to learn too,” he said in a conversation with Rolling Out. “If I show up one foot in, one foot out, and my kid says something that I don’t agree with or on the surface may seem disrespectful. Say I tell him to do something, he’s asking me why. If I got one foot in, one foot out, I might just check out the conversation and just go right to punishment. I might go right to reprimanding. If I really keep both feet in, sit all the way present, and I’m speaking from experience.”

That presence? It shows up in the smallest moments. In bedtime routines, showing up to practice, choosing to parent with softness and strength. And when it comes to co-parenting, Tyler is honest about the learning curve.

Tyler and Miracle Watts: Building a Family Together

Tyler and Miracle have been vocal about building their family with care. They announced their pregnancy in a beautiful video recreating The Notebook, and their love has been on display ever since—not in a flashy way, but in the way Miracle celebrates his role as a father, and how he uplifts her as a mother.

In an Instagram post reflecting on their life together, Miracle wrote: “You’re everything I prayed for in a partner and a father. Watching you love all your children has been the greatest gift.”

Their blended family isn’t perfect—no family is—but it’s real. And that realness is what makes it so powerful.

Redefining Black Fatherhood Through Positive Storytelling

In a media landscape that doesn’t always center the tenderness and dedication of Black fathers, Tyler’s story matters. Seeing him hug his son, celebrate his daughter’s milestones, or co-parent with intention—it sends a powerful message: Black fathers are present. Black fathers are loving. Black fathers matter.

That’s the mission behind Father Noir. So here’s to Tyler —a father, a partner, a protector, and a man who understands that fatherhood isn’t something you do once in a while. It’s a daily choice and a sacred bond.