Papa Jenkins

Roscoe Steven "Papa" Jenkins Sr is Roscoe Jr., Betty and Otis's father(born April 19 1917), and also grandfather to Callie, Junior and Jamaal. He is Portrayed by James Earl Jones.

Personality
Papa Jenkins is a strict family man, who loves his wife and children, and he helps raise his nephew Clyde. When he was younger he was very strong, and used to hit Roscoe with his belt. He dislikes Roscoe's use of a stage name, and disapproves of the message of his show. Despite Roscoe's absence from his life, he still keeps in touch with his grandson, Roscoe's son Jamaal.

Events of the film
Mama and Papa Jenkins are about to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Mama calls their son, Roscoe Jr. who tries to convince him to attend, since he hasn't come home to visit in 9 years. Papa takes over the phone and sternly tells him not to disappoint his mother. We next see Papa when Roscoe, Bianca and Jamaal arrive. Papa is clearly bitter at Roscoe as he calls him "my grandson's father" and "Dr. Stevens". However, Papa is very happy to see his grandson Jamaal who he hasn't seen since he was a baby(though they talk often on the phone). Angering Roscoe further is the fact that despite his success as a talk show host and the fame and money that comes with it, Papa seems more proud of his cousin Clyde who is also successful as the owner of multiple Cadillac dealers. Papa gives a speech at the welcome dinner that the family enjoys, and serves as the umpire for the family softball game. After Roscoe hits a foul ball that hits Mama Jenkins in the head, Papa takes her to the doctor and as he is about to take her home, he is cold to Roscoe when he apologizes. As the weekend goes on, he senses the rivalry between Roscoe and Clyde and challenges both of them to participate in the children's race. When Roscoe wins, he celebrates very arrogantly, and Papa expresses his disappointment. Roscoe snaps and demands credit, not only for the race, but his life accomplishments. Papa refuses, and even dismisses them "For winning a child's race? Or that bullshit show of yours?". Roscoe says he feels as though he lost his father when Clyde moved in with the family(after his own parents died) and leaves. Papa is visibly hurt by this and walks away. However, when Roscoe returns to the actual 50th wedding anniversary celebration, Papa is happy to see him and he apologizes to him, mending their father-son relationship.