5 Shocking Reasons Why The Highest On Tyler Perry's Ruthless Always Wears Sunglasses

The question of why "The Highest," the menacing leader of the Rakadushi cult on Tyler Perry's *Ruthless*, always wears sunglasses is one of the show's most persistent mysteries, sparking countless fan theories since the series first premiered. As of December 2025, while the show itself has not provided a definitive, in-universe explanation for the signature shades worn by actor Matt Cedeño, a deep dive into character psychology and costume symbolism reveals the true, chilling reasons behind this powerful sartorial choice.

The sunglasses are not a mere fashion statement; they are a critical piece of the character's terrifying persona, a calculated tool of manipulation used by the charismatic yet utterly ruthless cult leader, Louis Tyrone Luckett, to exert absolute control over the women trapped on the Rakadushi compound. The answer lies in the subtle art of cult leadership and the power of the unseen.

The Man Behind the Shades: Matt Cedeño's Complete Biography

The man who brings the chilling character of The Highest to life is the veteran American actor and former fashion model, Matt Cedeño. His performance on *Ruthless* is a dramatic departure from his earlier, often heroic roles, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

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• Full Name: Matt Cedeño
• Character Name on Ruthless: Louis Tyrone Luckett / The Highest
• Date of Birth: November 14, 1973
• Age: 52 (as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Moses Lake, Washington, U.S.
• Height: 6' 0" (183 cm)
• Career Start: Began his career as a fashion model after a high school injury ended his promising football career.
• Notable Roles:
  • Brandon Walker on the NBC daytime soap opera *Days of Our Lives* (1999–2005, 2016).
  • Alejandro Rubio on *Devious Maids* (2013–2014).
  • Javier on *Z Nation* (2016).
  • The Highest on *Tyler Perry's Ruthless* (2020–present).
  • Agent Derrick Thompson on *Power* (2016).

The True, Psychological Reason: Why The Highest Wears Sunglasses

In the world of television and cinema, a deliberate costume choice like constantly wearing sunglasses indoors or at night always serves a deeper, symbolic purpose. For a villain, especially a cult leader, the shades are a psychological weapon, creating a barrier that is far more powerful than any physical lock on the compound. The reasons are rooted in control and character depth.

1. The Veil of Unreadability and Control

The primary reason The Highest never removes his sunglasses is to ensure his eyes—the proverbial windows to the soul—remain hidden from his followers, including key players like Dikhan and Ruth Truesdale.

A cult leader's power is built on an illusion of omniscience and unwavering conviction. If his followers, the Rakadushis, could see doubt, fear, or even simple human emotion in his eyes, his entire façade would crumble. The dark lenses create a psychological veil, making it impossible for anyone to gauge his true reaction, intention, or next move during a conversation or confrontation.

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2. The Symbol of Elevated Status

In the Rakadushi cult, The Highest must appear literally and figuratively "above" everyone else. By wearing sunglasses indoors, he is setting himself apart, signifying that he operates by a different set of rules—a common tactic among real-life cult leaders who demand unconditional obedience.

The sunglasses act as a crown or a mask of authority. They are an extension of his title, Louis Tyrone Luckett, reinforcing his self-proclaimed divinity and separating him from the "lesser" members like Tally and Zane who must follow his every command. This visual hierarchy is essential to the show’s dark drama narrative.

3. Cultivating an Air of Permanent Mystery

Mystery is a powerful tool for manipulation. By obscuring his face, The Highest maintains an aura of enigma that keeps his followers constantly off-balance. They are forced to project their own fears and desires onto the unseen, making his power seem limitless and unpredictable.

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This calculated ambiguity prevents emotional connection. The women on the compound, including Ruth, are unable to look him in the eye and plead for mercy or challenge his authority, as the lack of direct eye contact is inherently disorienting and intimidating.

4. The Connection to Real-World Cult Leaders

*Tyler Perry's Ruthless* is known for drawing inspiration from real-life cults and their ruthless leaders. Many infamous cult figures adopt distinctive, often bizarre, clothing to mark themselves as special, chosen, or enlightened.

The sunglasses, coupled with his tailored yet slightly severe attire, serve as a uniform for his "God-like" status within the Rakadushi compound. They are a visual shorthand for his lack of empathy and his cold, calculating nature, perfectly aligning with the show's dark, high-stakes BET+ drama.

The Rakadushi Cult: Understanding The Highest's World

To truly understand The Highest’s motivations and the significance of his sunglasses, one must grasp the terrifying reality of the Rakadushi cult. The show, a spin-off of *The Oval*, centers on the horrific experiences of women who have been lured into this sinister organization.

The Rakadushis operate under a rigid, oppressive structure where The Highest's word is law. His right-hand man, Dikhan, and the other Elders enforce his will with brutal efficiency. The cult is a microcosm of psychological and physical abuse, making the sunglasses a constant reminder of the unseen, untouchable authority that governs their lives. The choice to never show his eyes is a directorial and costume decision by Tyler Perry to maximize the character's impact as a purely evil, unknowable entity.

LSI Keywords and Entities in The Highest's Narrative

The world of *Ruthless* is rich with interconnected entities and themes that revolve around The Highest’s control. These elements highlight the depth of the narrative and the necessity of his intimidating persona.

• The Rakadushis: The official name of the cult.
• Cult Leader: The core identity of The Highest.
• Dikhan: The Highest's loyal and ruthless second-in-command.
• Ruth Truesdale: The protagonist whose life is entangled with the cult.
• Elder Mother: A high-ranking female leader who helps enforce The Highest's rules.
• The Compound: The remote, isolated location where the cult members are held captive.
• Manipulation and Abuse: The central themes of the show.
• BET+ Drama: The network and genre of the series.
• Louis Tyrone Luckett: The Highest’s given name, which he sheds for his cult title.

In conclusion, the mystery of The Highest's sunglasses is less about a physical ailment or a forgotten plot point, and entirely about the psychology of power. They are the ultimate prop for a ruthless cult leader, ensuring that the man behind the title, Louis Tyrone Luckett, remains a terrifying, unreadable, and omnipotent force in the dark, twisted world of *Tyler Perry's Ruthless*.