"When you were growing up, I wasn't always the best mom. I was gone a lot. Now I want a do-over with you, but not at the expense of your future and your happiness. [..] You can stay in Crenshaw. I am proud of you. You earned this with your hard work and your talent. Just don't break curfew again. Grace James will light your ass up and I won't be here to protect you." ― Renée[source]
Renée Hayes is a character that appears in Season Two of All American. She is the mother of Darnell Hayes, and the ex-girlfriend of the late Corey James. She is portrayed by Dana L. Wilson.
History[]
Season Two[]
In "Never No More", Corey mentions to Spencer that she is currently doing a tour overseas. He tells him that Renée is a good woman who means well, but "loves being a soldier more than she loves being a mother", which leaves Darnell to be raised by Corey.
In "Only Time Will Tell", Renée arrives in Crenshaw to take Darnell back to Germany with her. Darnell defies her and, at Grace's request, leaves for his UCLA visit. Renée tells her that she had no right, but Grace argues that they are in her house. Renée notes that Darnell has never talked back to her like that before and thinks he must have picked up this attitude recently from Spencer. Grace tries to convince her that Darnell has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but Renée argues that she knows what is best for her son. When Darnell breaks curfew, Renée is visibly upset.
Later, she admits to Darnell that she hasn't always been the best mom and wants a second chance. She doesn’t want to compromise his future and happiness, so she’s allowing him to stay in Crenshaw and attend UCLA. She tells him that she’s proud of his hard work and talent, and warns him not to break curfew again, because she won’t be there to protect him from Grace.
In the end, Renée visits Grace to say goodbye, noting that her son is in wonderful hands. She tells a story about her army friend, who was wounded during combat, rushed back far too soon, and reinjured himself. She warns Grace that she sees the same look in Spencer's eyes.
Season Three[]
In "High Expectations", soldiers show up at the James house. They tell Darnell that there’s been an accident and that she’s hurt really badly.
Appearances[]
| All American: Season Two | |||
| #01 | "Hussle & Motivate" | #09 | "One of Them Nights" |
| #02 | "Speak Ya Clout" | #10 | "Protect Ya Neck" |
| #03 | "Never No More" | #11 | "Crossroads" |
| #04 | "They Reminisce Over You" | #12 | "Only Time Will Tell" |
| #05 | "Bring the Pain" | #13 | "The Art of Peer Pressure" |
| #06 | "Hard Knock Life" | #14 | "Who Shot Ya" |
| #07 | "Coming Home" | #15 | "Stakes Is High" |
| #08 | "Life Goes On" | #16 | "Decisions" |