Straight Outta Compton 2015 (LA) premiere
Monday August 10th, Microsoft Theater 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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- Director
- Producer
- Actor
Felix Gary Gray is an African-American music video director, film producer and film director from New York City known for directing films such as Friday, Men in Black: International, Be Cool, The Fate of the Furious, Set It Off, The Negotiator, Straight Outta Compton and The Italian Job. He directed 22 music videos.- O'Shea Jackson Jr. is an American actor and musician. O'Shea is the son of rapper Ice Cube and he portrayed his father in the 2015 biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015), which was his feature film debut.
His older brother Darrell is also a rapper under the name Doughboy, which is the nickname of the character his father portrayed, Darin "Doughboy" Baker, in his first film Boyz n the Hood (1991). - Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Corey Hawkins was born on 22 October 1988 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), Kong: Skull Island (2017) and BlacKkKlansman (2018).- Actor
- Producer
Jason Mitchell is an American actor. He had roles in the films Contraband (2012) and Broken City (2013), both of which starred Mark Wahlberg. In 2015, Mitchell played Compton rapper Eazy-E in the biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015), with his performance being met with significant praise by critics. In 2016 he appeared in Keanu (2016), which starred Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. He followed with projects on Netflix: Barry (2016) and Mudbound (2017), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Sony's SuperFly (2018) remake, and The Mustang (2019) for Focus Features. On the first two seasons on the television front, Jason was the lead of Lena Waithe's The Chi (2018) for the Showtime Television Network.- Actor
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- Producer
Born in a rough neighborhood to strict, but loving parents. Neil Brown, Jr, who was a gifted martial artist and self proclaimed "knucklehead ", received his first role in film purely by chance, when a producer Patty Thomas Robinson walked into his karate Dojo looking for a kid to be in the TV series WMAC masters, which was being shot in Orlando, FL . After catching " the acting bug" during filming, Neil claims he never looked back, and has been acting ever since.- Actor
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Aldis Hodge is a SAG Award-winning actor, who has built a dynamic career as a versatile performer shining in roles in both film and television. Hodge is perhaps best known for his role as Noah in the WGN hit series Underground (2016), starring alongside Jurnee Smollett and Christopher Meloni. Underground (2016) centers on a group of runaway slaves, aided by a secretly abolitionist couple running a station on the Underground Railroad, as they attempt to evade the people charged with bringing them back.
Hodge was in the Paramount Pictures film What Men Want (2019) starring Taraji P. Henson and Tracy Morgan. The film was produced by Will Packer, directed by Adam Shankman and was released in February 2019. Hodge recently wrapped production on a Showtime pilot produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck entitled City on a Hill (2019), in which he played the co-lead opposite Kevin Bacon. Additionally, he finished work as the title character of the film Brian Banks (2018) alongside Greg Kinnear.
In 2017, Hodge was seen in the critically acclaimed film "Hidden Figures" alongside Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. The film received three Oscar nominations including Best Picture, two Golden Globe nominations, and, in addition, won a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture as well as an NAACP Award for Outstanding Motion Picture. Hodge also earned a National Board of Review Award and Palm Springs Film Festival Best Ensemble Award for his role in the film. Also in 2017, Hodge was seen in the third season of the Emmy-winning series Black Mirror (2011). In 2016, Hodge was seen in the Edward Zwick film Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) with Tom Cruise.
In 2015, Hodge starred in Straight Outta Compton (2015) portraying MC Ren, a member of the pioneering rap group N.W.A. The film captivated audiences all over the world. It was nominated for an Oscar and a SAG Award, and won the NAACP Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.
Hodge became a fan favorite in his role as Alec Hardison in TNT's highly rated television series Leverage (2008), which nabbed a People's Choice Award in 2013. Also in 2013, Hodge was seen in the Fox Searchlight eco-terrorism thriller The East (2013), alongside Alexander Skarsgård, Elliot Page, Patricia Clarkson, and Brit Marling. Directed by Zal Batmanglij, the film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Hodge also appeared in Twentieth Century Fox's A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), an installment of the Die Hard (1988) franchise.
Hodge's other television roles include the critically acclaimed series TURN: Washington's Spies (2014), Friday Night Lights (2006), Supernatural (2005), The Walking Dead (2010), Girlfriends (2000), The Blacklist (2013), City of Angels (2000), Bones (2005), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), CSI: Miami (2002), ER (1994), Cold Case (2003), Charmed (1998), and Boston Public (2000).
At the age of three, Hodge began his career when he booked a print job for Essence magazine with his brother Edwin Hodge. He continued to work as a model for print ads and commercials until he made the transition to the screen, when he and his brother were cast on Sesame Street (1969) and later on stage when they joined the Tony-winning revival of "Showboat" on Broadway. During that period, he also appeared in several movies including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Bed of Roses (1996), Edmond (2005), The Ladykillers (2004), and Big Momma's House (2000).
Hodge was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and raised in New York, New York. In addition to acting, Hodge writes scripts for film and television, designs luxury timepieces, and is an avid artist and painter. He resides in Los Angeles. 9/18- Tate Ellington was born on 17 April 1979 in Madison, Mississippi, USA. He is an actor, known for Remember Me (2010), Sinister 2 (2015) and The Endless (2017). He has been married to Chrissy Fiorilli since 19 May 2012.
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Elena Goode is an American actress born in New York City. After graduating from the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, Goode studied at the Maggie Flanigan Studio in NYC. She is known for her roles as Jade Taylor on "As the World Turns", Ma in the film "Elliot Loves", among various other television and film roles, and can most recently be seen in "Straight Outta Compton" as Nicole Threatt (Dr. Dre's wife).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Allen Maldonado is one of young Hollywood's busiest stars on the rise. The multi-talented actor, writer and entrepreneur, not only co-stars on the award-winning sitcom, Black-ish (ABC), he has also finished his second season as a full time writer on the hit Starz series, Survivors Remorse, has recurred for three seasons on You're The Worst (FXX), is starring opposite Tracy Morgan in The Last OG, his highly anticipated new series on TBS Executive Produced by Jordan Peele, and has developed the industry's first digital app for short films, Everybody Digital, launched on October 3, 2017.
In the past couple of years, Allen has appeared in several blockbuster films including the Sony Pictures action thriller, The Equalizer. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, Olympus has Fallen), Maldonado stars as 'Marcus' opposite Academy Award winner Denzel Washington. The film is adapted from the television series of the same name and follows 'Robert McCall' (Washington), a solitary, monastic figure with a mysterious past who despises injustice and devotes himself to helping victims. The film was released and opened at #1 in the box office.
Maldonado was also seen in the feature Cake alongside Jennifer Aniston, Sam Worthington, Anna Kendrick and William H. Macy. CAKE won a Golden Globe and several other awards. After Cake, Allen joined the cast of Universal's NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton, produced by Ice Cube and helmed by F. Gary Gray, which opened at #1 in the box office and stayed there for four weeks straight.
Last September, TV One aired the TV movie, Ringside, in which Maldonado starred as SpencerCollier, the egotistical welterweight boxing champion of the world. In addition, he has 4 films in post-production slated to be released in 2017; First Match, Smartass, Quest, and Where's The Money?
His dexterity in sitcom is demonstrated by his character in Black-ish, in which Allen co-stars as 'Curtis' the super cool millennial assistant to Anthony Anderson in the offices of Stevens & Lido. On You're The Worst, which centers on two toxic, self-destructive people who fall in love and attempt a relationship; he portrays 'Honey Nutz' in this sitcom which puts a dark twist on the romantic comedy genre. In addition, Maldonado has impressed with memorable appearances on Major Crimes, Rosewood, and NCIS.
Lastly, Survivors Remorse is a hit comedy on Starz that follows Cam Calloway and his family as they deal with his recent rise in fame and money as a professional basketball player. Maldonado stars as 'DeShauwn May,' a wild and spontaneous ex-drug dealer turned sports manager. For season 3 of Survivors Remorse he was brought on as a writer and quickly earned a "story by" credit, showing he's just as talented behind the camera as he is in front of it. He recently wrapped writing for season 4.
Of African American and Puerto Rican descent, Maldonado is a native of Rialto, CA, a city just outside of Los Angeles. Allen was raised by his single mother, having lost his father to cancer at a very young age. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, he was inspired by his mother's passion and determination. This platform of support has proven invaluable for him to achieve his goals. At the age of 21, Maldonado landed a year-long role in the daytime series The Young & The Restles until his career was briefly interrupted when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident with a drunk driver. After a brief, yet arduous recovery, Maldonado began to build his resume landing roles in the Emmy®nominated CBS drama Judging Amy and FX's The Shield," Detroit 187, Chase and Rizzoli &Isles to name a few. Additionally, his film credits include Live Free or Die Hard, The Ugly Truth, The Next Three Days, and the Marvel Studios short film All Hail the King.
Outside of his acting career, Maldonado is a successful entrepreneur. He runs a record company-Get It Done Records; a production company-Only Son Productions; and a T-shirt line-Vineyards Phinest, where a portion of the proceeds go to his foundation. As a staunch advocate for higher education, community service, and encouraging youth to pursue the arts, Maldonado is the founder of Demo Nerds, a foundation that provides free acting classes, tools, and services for at-risk youth and foster children in the inner cities of Los Angeles. Additionally, the organization frequently collaborates with other city programs such as "The Boys & Girls Club,""The Dream Center," and the "New Village Girls Academy".
During his rare free time, Maldonado enjoys working out, boxing, playing basketball, and spending time with his family.- Actress
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- Additional Crew
Carra Patterson is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), The Arrangement (2017) and Bloodline (2015).- Actor
- Producer
Keith Powers was born on 22 August 1992 in Sacramento, California, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for The Tomorrow War (2021), Before I Fall (2017) and Straight Outta Compton (2015).- Actor
- Producer
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Corey Reynolds played Detective Sgt. David Gabriel opposite Emmy Award winning actress Kyra Sedgwick on TNT's The Closer (2005), the highest-rated show in cable television history. His performance on the show garnered him three SAG Award nominations and a NAMIC Vision Award nomination.
Reynolds made his Broadway debut playing Seaweed in the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray, a performance that garnered Reynolds nominations for the Outer Circle Critics Award, the Drama Desk Award and the prestigious Tony Award. Steven Spielberg, after seeing Reynolds' star-making turn in Hairspray, personally cast Reynolds in his feature-film debut in The Terminal (2004), with Tom Hanks.
Reynolds was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, beginning his professional career at age 16 performing around his hometown. He went on to perform in the national and international tours of the Broadway musicals 'Smokey Joe's Café' and 'Saturday Night Fever', as well as regional performances of the musicals 'Parade' and 'Avenue X'.- Actor
- Producer
Marcc Rose is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G. (2018) and Intended Parents (2021).- Actor
- Producer
- Art Director
Mark is a Los Angeles-based actor and producer. He has performed in numerous independent films and national commercials and has worked with notable directors such as: F. Gary Gray(Straight Outta Compton), Francis Lawrence(The Hunger Games: Mockingjay 1&2:Catching Fire), Jake Scott(Welcome to the Rileys), and Marc Webb(Limitless, The Amazing Spiderman 1 & 2).
He will be seen next playing the mercenary, "Weddle" in the action film "Black Water", along with Dolpf Lundgren and Jean Claude VanDamme..
Originally from New York and then South Florida, Mark earned a degree in Psychology from The University of Florida. As a producer, Mark began producing music videos for Limp Bizkit & Lil' Wayne, Hard Summer, and Destructo. He is now making feature films, including Vigilante Diaries, filmed abroad in London, Armenia, and Scotland.
He is also a martial artist of over 15 years with a rank of black belt.- Actress
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Alexandra Shipp is known for her role as the iconic mohawked super heroine 'Storm' in Twentieth Century Fox's X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), directed by Bryan Singer. Shipp plays a younger version of 'Storm' (originally played by Halle Berry). Determined to make the mutant character her own, she delivers a new spin on 'Storm,' which many media outlets boasted her as the "breakout" star of the film. Shipp reprised the role of 'Storm' in the next feature X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019).
In 2018, Shipp co-starred with Nick Robinson in Fox 2000's coming-of-age story Love, Simon (2018)., based on the popular Young Adult book "Simon VS the Homo Sapien Agenda." She also played in Simon Kaijser's psychological thriller Spinning Man (2018), based on the novel by George Harrar. The next year, she had significant roles in the drama A Dog's Way Home (2019), the action thriller Shaft (2019), and comedy Jexi (2019).
Previously, Alexandra appeared in Universal Pictures' Oscar nominated feature Straight Outta Compton (2015), which has become the highest grossing music biopic of all-time. Shipp's other film credits include the two-hander Tragedy Girls (2017) and the title role of 'Aaliyah' in the Lifetime biopic, Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B (2014) which she demonstrated and was praised for her singing and dancing talents. The same year, she was the lead in Drumline: A New Beat (2014) the VH1's sequel to 2002's Drumline (2002).
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Shipp moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career at 17. She is known for her role as 'KT Rush,' on Nickelodeon teen drama-mystery series, House of Anubis (2011) and made her film debut in the Fox feature film, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009), playing the role of 'Valentina'.
Aside from acting, she is a songwriter, pianist, and guitar player.- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
LaKeith Lee Stanfield is an actor and rapper from Victorville, California. At the age of fifteen, LaKeith began attending the John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center in Orange County. A few years later, he auditioned for Destin Cretton's then college thesis film Short Term 12 (2008). Later, the newer version of Short Term 12 (2013) marked LaKeith's debut as a professional actor. Subsequently, he landed a role in the Martin Luther King biopic, Selma (2014), and has since starred in Get Out (2017), Knives Out (2019), The Photograph (2020), and the series Atlanta on FX.- Actor
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At five years old, all Marcus wanted to become was Superman. When he realized that couldn't happen, he decided taking Karate lessons was the next best thing. Marcus went on to earn a black belt in Karate, but along the way he began developing a love for various martial art forms. In addition to Karate, Marcus began intensive training in: Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Capoeira, and Hapkido, and has more than twenty years of training in these forms. Marcus holds the rank of Kru in Muay Thai. Marcus also trains in several other martial art forms including: Kung Fu, Boxing, Judo, Ninjitsu, Gracie Jui Jitsu, etc. He has fought in tournaments and won titles including: the NJ StateTaekwondo Champion 1994, YB Choi Taekwondo Invitational Champion 1995, and the Muay Thai Warriors Cup Super-Heavy Weight Champion 2010. He has also worked as a certified personal trainer, gym owner, professional fighter, bodyguard, and has taught martial arts and self-defense locally and internationally for the last twenty-four years. Marcus also works as an actor and stuntman, where his strongest areas are fight scenes, stunt doubling, choreography, and stunt falls. Although being Superman was unrealistic, he's found that being a student of martial arts was far more rewarding. Marcus has 40 years of experience in martial arts and is hoping for many more years of learning and teaching the art form he came the art form he came to love as a child.- Marlon Yates Jr. is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), Will to Love (2015) and Kocktails with Khloé (2016).
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Paul Giamatti is an American actor who has worked steadily and prominently for over thirty years, and is best known for leading roles in the films American Splendor (2003), Sideways (2004), and Barney's Version (2010) (for which he won a Golden Globe), and supporting roles in the films Cinderella Man (2005), The Illusionist (2006), and San Andreas (2015).
Paul Edward Valentine Giamatti was born June 6, 1967 in New Haven, Connecticut, and is the youngest of three children. His mother, the former Toni Marilyn Smith, was an actress before marrying. His father, Bart Giamatti (Angelo Bartlett Giamatti), was a professor of Renaissance Literature at Yale University, and went on to become the university's youngest president (in 1986, Bart was appointed president of baseball's National League. He became Commissioner of Baseball on April 1, 1989 and served for five months until his untimely death on September 1, 1989. He was commissioner at the time Pete Rose was banned from the game). Paul's father also wrote six books. Paul's older brother, Marcus Giamatti, is also an actor. His sister, Elena, designs jewelry. His ancestry is Italian (from his paternal grandfather), German, English, Dutch, Scottish, and Irish.
Paul graduated from Choate Rosemary Hall prep school, majored in English at Yale, and obtained his Master's Degree in Fine Arts, with his major in drama from the Yale University School of Drama. His acting roots are in theatre, from his college days at Yale, to regional productions (Seattle, San Diego and Williamstown, Massachusetts), to Broadway.- Producer
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Matt Alvarez is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), Are We There Yet? (2005) and Brick Mansions (2014).- Scott Bernstein is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), Hollywood Homicide (2003) and Confidence (2003).
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- Actor
- Producer
- Writer
- Actress
- Director
Andrea Berloff was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, USA. She is a writer and actress, known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), World Trade Center (2006) and Blood Father (2016). She has been married to Drew Filus since 2004. They have two children.- Producer
- Writer
- Director
S. Leigh Savidge is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015), Twisted Justice (1990) and Flatland (2002).- Writer
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- Director
Writer, producer Alan Wenkus has written several riveting big screen biopics including the F. Gary Gray directed "Straight Outta Compton" and the recently announced big screen biopic of country music legend George Jones. Alan also partnered with rock and roll icon John Fogerty on "Fortunate Son' the authorized story of John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival. With an upcoming series he created for ABC Alan has expanded into the Limited Series genre and is working with "Shark Tank's" Daymond John on a dramatic series about Daymond's hip-hop apparel brand FUBU. Alan was a screenwriter and programming executive with Premiere Radio and iHeart Media when he began a series of interviews with former NWA manager Jerry Heller and Eazy E's widow Tomica Wright that developed into the screenplay "Straight Outta Compton." Among his upcoming projects, Alan has recently finished a big screen biopic of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams called "Teddy Ballgame" and is adapting the thrilling New York Times bestseller "Code Name: Johnny Walker" into a major motion picture. A former writer for "The Tonight Show" Wenkus has also done uncredited rewrites for Warner Brothers, Tri-Star Pictures, New Line Pictures and Universal Pictures.- Music Artist
- Actor
- Producer
Ice Cube was born in South Central Los Angeles, to Doris (Benjamin), a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper. He first came to public notice as a singer and songwriter with the controversial and influential band N.W.A. His compositions with that group included many of the classic cuts from their debut LP "Straight Outta Compton" (Ruthless/Priority, 1989), including the title track, "Gangsta Gangsta" and "Express Yourself". He quit the band over business differences in 1990 and began a still-growing series of commercially and critically acclaimed solo albums, starting with "AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted" (Priority, 1990). His second solo album, "Death Certificate" (Priority, 1991), a concept album about the fall and rise of the Black man, sold two million copies, and his subsequent solo output (six albums to date total) has sold over ten million copies. He has also discovered Yoyo, Del the Funky Homosapien, K-Dee and Mack 10. He has also produced, written, toured and recorded with Public Enemy, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, George Clinton, The D.O.C., Michel'e, Big Daddy Kane, WC & The Madd Circle (which spawned the solo career of Coolio), former N.W.A. bandmate Dr. Dre and Cypress Hill. He has also recorded with two post-N.W.A. side-project bands, Da Lench Mob ("Guerillas In Tha Mist", Street Knowledge/East-West, 1991) and Westside Connection ("Bow Down", Priority, 1996). His movie career has been no less stellar. Ice Cube's debut in Boyz n the Hood (1991) led to more roles in such films as Trespass (1992), Dangerous Ground (1997) and Anaconda (1997). He also appeared as himself in the comedy CB4 (1993). He is also no stranger to the other side of the camera, directing videos for himself as well as Prince and Color Me Badd, as well as co-writing his screenwriting debut, Friday (1995).- Music Artist
- Actor
- Composer
Considered by many to be hip-hop's greatest producer, Dr. Dre (b. André Young, February 18, 1965) pioneered gangsta hip-hop and his own variation of the sound, dubbed G-Funk. His very early albums were violent but cautionary tales of the criminal mind, but Dre's records with NWA celebrated the hedonistic, amoralistic side of gang life. Being around during the birth of west coast hip-hop during the early 1980s, Dre found himself performing at house parties and clubs with the World Class Wreckin' Cru around South-Central Los Angeles. Wearing a Doctor's mask when he performed, he called himself Dr. Dre, Dre being a nickname from André. In 1986, Dre met Ice Cube. Instantly becoming good friends, the two MCs began writing songs for Ruthless Records, a label started by former drug pusher Eazy-E. Initially they were rejected by the record-buying public, but Eazy formed NWA', with Dre, Cube, and newcomers MC Ren and DJ Yella, releasing their first album in 1987. Then, in 1989, with distribution from Bryan Turner and his Priority Records label (now a part of EMI), N.W.A. delivered "Straight Outta Compton," a vicious, violent, and misogynistic record that became an underground hit with virtually no support from radio, the press, or the still hip-hop-free MTV. N.W.A. became notorious for their violent lyrics, which resulted in the FBI sending a warning letter to Ruthless and its distributor, Priority Records, suggesting that the group should watch their step. Dre would have several bad falls with the police during his life. While it seemed that the group was strong, Ice Cube suddenly departed in late 1989 amidst many financial disagreements with Dre. Suddenly the the music was in Dre's hands. Dre left the group the next year to form Death Row Records with Suge Knight. Knight held NWA's manager at gunpoint and threatening to kill him if he refused to let Dre out of his contract. Dre didn't know how he got out, nor did he care, he was making music. Then Dre discovered Snoop Dogg through his stepbrother 'Warren G', and he immediately began working with the brilliantly talented MC. Snoop would become great friends with the Doctor and was on Dre's 1992 debut "The Chronic" as much as Dre himself. But trouble was soon to follow. Dre grew frustrated with Knight's strong-arm techniques. At the time, Death Row was devoting itself to Tupac Shakur's label debut, "All Eyez on Me," and Snoop was busy recovering from his draining murder trial. Dre, fed up, left the label in the summer of 1996 to form Aftermath, declaring gangsta hip-hop was dead. Soon thereafter, both 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. were murdered, putting a sudden end to the East Side/West Side hip-hop war, and Suge was later arrested and sent to prison. It would be at least three years before anything big came out of the great producer. It wasn't until he began working on his 2001 album, and discovering an underground MC by the name of Eminem that Dre would make his comeback.- Producer
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DJ Yella was born on 11 December 1967 in Compton, California, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for Coming to America (1988), Straight Outta Compton (2015) and Fame (2009).- Actor
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- Writer
MC Ren was born on 14 June 1969 in Compton, California, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for New Jack City (1991), 21 Jump Street (2012) and Us (2019).- Actor
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Davidson started his career as a stand-up comedian in Washington DC, earning an ardent following with sheer hard work in various comedy clubs. As one of the cutting-edge, young stand-ups, he was spotted by major concert promoters, who booked him as the opening act for A-list touring acts, including Patti LaBelle, Kenny G and Luther Vandross. It wasn't long before he came to Hollywood and was performing stand-up at a number of clubs, including the Comedy Act Theatre, where he met Robert Townsend. This led to his first national television appearance, with a starring role in Partners in Crime (2005) and was the conduit to Keenen Ivory Wayans, who proved instrumental in Davidson's career by offering him an opportunity to audition and join the uniquely talented cast of the most adventurous prime-time variety show of its day, In Living Color (1990). He, Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans made TV history with their originality.
Tommy's impressive film debut was opposite Halle Berry in Strictly Business (1991). He immediately segued into select high-profile films, starring opposite Jada Pinkett Smith in the romantic comedy, Woo (1998) (New Line), and in the provocative urban comedy, Booty Call (1997) (Columbia Pictures). His credits include numerous feature film roles, from Spike Lee's Bamboozled (2000), where he received acclaim and praise for his turn as "Womack/Sleep 'N Eats", to Juwanna Mann (2002) (Morgan Creek Productions') and the pivotal cameo in Jim Carrey's Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995), which has become a cult favorite.
Davidson's hilarious impressions of Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Jackson and other icons have become infamous. His visibility on In Living Color (1990) led to three Showtime specials: "On Strength of New York", "Illin' in Philly" and "Takin' it to DC". His elasticity as a performer who delivers on both the big and small screen led to other projects like the lead in the Disney's animated series, The Proud Family (2001), and as a host on FOX's "The NFL Show", alongside football greats Michael Irvin and Tony Siragusa. Davidson also portrays the lead in Will Smith's up-and-coming animated series, "Youngin's" (2000).
Tommy stars - along with 80 other star stand-ups - in I Am Comic (2010), opposite Tim Allen, Lewis Black, Sarah Silverman, Carlos Mencia, Jeff Foxworthy and Kathy Griffin. The film, which premiered on Showtime, is one of Netflix's surefire hits, enjoying a continual surge as a favorite with consumers. Davidson scored big with reviewers and audiences, alike, opposite Michael Jai White, in the critically-lauded spoof comedy, Black Dynamite (2009) (Sony Pictures), last year's big Sundance hit, which is currently being adapted as a cartoon for Adult Swim.
He is receiving critical raves for a cameo in Ahmed Ahmed's award-winning documentary, Just Like Us (2010), a feature film masterpiece which is a cross-cultural study of stand-up comedy bridging all ethnicities. Tommy travels internationally selling out every venue in which he headlines.- Producer
- Soundtrack
Lil' Eazy was born on 23 April 1984 in Compton, California, USA. He is a producer, known for Waist Deep (2006), Eazy-E: The Life and Timez of Eric Wright (2002) and Streets of Compton (2016).- Producer
- Writer
- Actor
Russell Simmons was born on 4 October 1957 in Queens, New York City, New York, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for The Nutty Professor (1996), Dude, Where's My Car? (2000) and It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010). He was previously married to Kimora Lee Simmons.- Actor
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Jayceon Taylor was born on November 29, 1979 in Compton, California. He was born into a life of gang-banging and hustling. When later interviewed, Taylor, aka The Game says at a young age, he recalls seeing both of his parents preparing to do drive-bys. His father was a Nutty Block Crip and his mother a Hoover Crippelette. Drugs and guns were all around Taylor growing up. At around the age of 6, Jayceon says that a friend of his was murdered in the neighborhood by a teenager, for his clothes and shoes. At the age of 7, Taylor went into foster care. In foster care he was teased by other children. He didn't go unnoticed however. Game's intelligence was acknowledged by his caretakers and he usually helped his foster brothers and sisters with their homework. Around 1989, The Game met his idol, Eric Wright aka Eazy-E founder of NWA. This was a defining moment in his life. Game's adolescence was one of many hardships. At 13, one of Game's older brothers, Jevon who was just 17 at the time was shot at a gas station. His brother had just received a record deal. Taylor says that he felt his father played a hand in this by not being there and felt that if he had, his brother would not have been shot. Jevon died the day after Game visited him in the hospital promising that things would be better and lost time would be made up. Two years later at the age of 15, teenage Jayceon was removed from the foster care system and back into his mother's home. Lynette (Taylor's mom) and Taylor had troubles in the beginning. The Game's father was not around. Taylor attended Compton High School and most of the students that were gang affiliated were Crips. His older brother Big Fase 100, attended Centennial High School and was a Cedar Block Piru Blood. The Game followed in his brother's footsteps. Taylor's natural abilities in althletics led him into a spot as point guard on the basketball team. He also ran track and did various other sports. The Game graduated in 1999 and had received many scholarship offers from various colleges. He chose to go to Washington State University to play basketball. His ticket and way out was shortlived after being found with drugs in his possession. Game's scholarship was revoked. Taylor and brother Big Fase had an apartment on the outskirts of Compton in Bellflower. Shortly after moving there, they quickly had a monopoly on the drug trade. That was shortlived however. On October 1, 2001 while at the apartment alone, Jayceon heard a knock on the door at 2 a.m. Wanting to make a late night sale, he opened the door to see a regular customer. His regular however brought two others with him. He and another man fought. Reaching for his pistol, he was shot execution style by one of the assailants five times. After laying still for several minutes, Jayceon used his cell phone and called the ambulance. Taylor was in a coma for two days. While recovering, he told his brother to go out and buy all of the classic hip hop albums. This included Big's "Ready To Die", Snoop's "Doggystyle", Dr. Dre's "The Chronic", Jay-Z's "Reasonable Doubt", and albums by Big Daddy Kane and Ice Cube. In the course of five months, he studied these albums in an almost scientific manner. In the beginning, his flows were weak, but Game was a quick study and eventually learned better freestyling skills. He took elements from his favorite rappers and formulized them into his own persona and style. After recovering, Big Fase and The Game made a mixtape together. The mixtape reached the hands of Sean Combs aka P. Diddy. Diddy was on the verge of signing him when the mixtape reached the hands of super producer Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre contacted Taylor and the deal was sealed. Taylor wanting to carry on the NWA legacy signed on in 2002 and began recording songs. Dre taught him the ropes of the studio and Taylor learned how to count bars. Taylor chose the alias The Game because his grandmother (deceased) used to call him Game saying he was game for anything. Being on the Aftermath label, he appeared in a few music videos including "In Da Club" and "Wanna Get To Know You". In the summer of 2003, Game's son Harlem Caron Taylor was born. Not having dropped an album despite being signed onto Aftermath/Interscope for awhile, Game still created hype around just his image alone. He appeared in ads for P. Diddy's Sean John clothing company and had an endorsement deal with Boost Mobile appearing in a commercial alongside Kanye West and Ludacris. Game also appeared heavily on the mixtape circuit and guest starred on mixtapes for DJ Green Lantern, The Diplomats, and G-Unit. The first single released with Game on it was "Certified Gangstas". Game guest starred on it alongside Jim Jones and Juelz Santana. Though the single wasn't considered mainstream, the buzz increased around the west coast rapper. "How We Do" featuring 50 Cent was Game's first official single. It was an instant hit with major air play. Game's debut was critically acclaimed and considered nothing short of a classic with productions by Kanye West, Cool And Dre, Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, and Timbaland. Game was dubbed the artist to bring the west coast back on the map so to speak. On January 18, 2005, The Documentary, Game's debut album was released and debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts. The album sold over 586,000 units in its first week.
Game's head for business made him a fixture on tv and radio. He frequently did interviews and showed up at award shows and other events. Although he moved into a condo in Beverly Hills, Game still owned many properties in Compton including a Liquor Store. He still hung around his native Compton with his entourage referred to as The Black Wallstreet. In an interview when asked why he has not abandoned his Compton roots, Game stated that the hood was his comfort zone. The Hip Hop artist's buzz was heightened not just by the honesty and openness of his autobiographical album, but his controversial persona as well. Game was known to have beefs with other artists including rumors of his quarrelling with none other than the G-Unit general himself, 50 Cent. Other artists also criticized the emcee for his signature "name dropping" in which he would mention other rappers frequently in his songs. Game and 50 Cent's dislike for eachother was confirmed despite having collaborated several times. 50 did interviews for New York's Power 105 and Hot 97 radio stations where he publicly dishonored Game for not supporting his feud with Fat Joe and Jadakiss. 50 also stated that Game's album was powered mostly by his help and if he hadn't helped, Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine would've subsequently dropped Game from the label. 50 denounced Game saying that he was no longer apart of the G-Unit. On February 28, 2005 while 50 Cent and G-Unit were doing an interview at Hot 97 with Angie Martinez, Game and his entourage attempted to enter the building to confront 50. Before they could enter the building, a man in Game's entourage was shot in the leg. The news was everywhere. On the 9th of March, the feud ended with Game and 50 having a press conference in which both donated money to various organizations and publicly made a truce. A few other controversial incidents have swirled around Taylor including a $280 million dollar lawsuit filed on him, as well as the G-Unit/Shady/Aftermath/Interscope imprint for an alleged attack on a Washington D.C. radio DJ.
In May of 2005, Game was back in the news again. While headlining the "How The West Was Won" tour with Snoop Dogg, their concert in Auburn, Washington was shortened after a man was beaten onstage by Game and Snoop's entourage. A video tape surfaced on the internet and the news of a man being beaten by several other men. The man did an interview with a Seattle news station where he was shown with brutal injuries. His injuries included a broken nose, broken ribs, and one of his eyes swollen shut. The man alleged that his cell phone and wallet were stolen and his diamond earrings were ripped from his ears. Despite being new to the hip hop game and relatively new to battling and freestyling, The Game seems to have substance. He is currently working on his sophomore album.- Actor
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Tyrese Darnell Gibson was born December 30, 1978 in Watts, Los Angeles, California, where he was raised. He is an R&B singer, songwriter, actor, author, television producer and model. He is well known for his actor role as Roman Pearce in the The Fast and Furious movie franchise. Other popular movies Tyrese has acted in are Death Race, Transformers, Baby Boy and Legion. Tyrese has been married twice, and has two daughters. He continues to pursue his career.- Jeff Shell was named Chief Executive Officer of NBCUniversal in January 2020. He oversees the company's valuable portfolio of news, sports, and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.
Previously, Shell was Chairman of NBCUniversal Film and Entertainment. In this role, he oversaw the content creation, programming and distribution engines behind NBCUniversal's film and network television businesses including NBC Entertainment, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG), Telemundo and NBCUniversal International. He was also responsible for driving the extensions of the company's intellectual property and consumer product strategy with Universal Brand Development, as well as the expansion of the go-to destination for moviegoers with Fandango.
Shell previously served as Chairman of UFEG, a position he held since 2013. Over the course of his tenure, Universal celebrated four years of record profit, and the two most profitable years in the studio's 107-year history with titles from some of its biggest franchises such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic World and Illumination's Despicable Me. With Shell's oversight, Universal Brand Development's portfolio grew extensively to include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, and Live Entertainment. Fandango's portfolio expanded to include a global suite of ticketing properties, including MovieTickets.com, Flixster, Ingresso.com and Fandango Latin America. Additionally, the company acquired DreamWorks Animation in 2016, and under Shell's leadership, the global family entertainment company and its feature film and television brands became an integral part of UFEG.
Prior to joining UFEG, Shell served as Chairman of NBCUniversal International. In this role, he managed all aspects of NBCUniversal's international businesses including International TV Distribution, Global Television Networks and International Television Production. He also oversaw, in partnership with their domestic leaders, CNBC International, International Theatrical Marketing and Distribution, International Home Entertainment and International Theme Parks Operations.
Prior to joining NBCUniversal, Shell served as President of Comcast Programming Group where he was responsible for managing Comcast's national and regional television networks including E! Entertainment Network, the Golf Channel, International Channel Networks, and Comcast Sports Group, just to name a few. Under his leadership, Comcast's networks grew significantly in distribution, viewership and profitability during his six-year tenure.
Before Comcast, Shell was CEO of Gemstar TV Guide International leading the business through a number of legal and operational challenges. Previous to Gemstar, he held several positions at News Corporation including President, FOX Cable Networks Group. He also held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company and Salomon Brothers prior to joining News Corporation.
Shell serves on the board of several non-profit organizations including the National Constitution Center and organizations focused on public school reform.
Shell received his Master's Degree in Business Administration from Harvard University and his Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Applied Mathematics from University of California, Berkeley. - Producer
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As Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG), Donna Langley is responsible for the global creative strategy and business operations for the motion picture group. In this role, she oversees the production, marketing and distribution for film and television content across Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation (DWA), Focus Features, Universal Pictures International and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
Under Langley's strategic vision, Universal has been a consistent leader in the theatrical marketplace as the studio has successfully expanded and reinvigorated its core franchises including Fast & Furious, DWA's How to Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World, the Bourne series, Pitch Perfect, Illumination's Despicable Me as well as Fifty Shades, Mamma Mia, Ride Along, and The Purge. Through her stewardship in building a franchise business and securing long-term filmmaker partnerships with Amblin Entertainment, Blumhouse Productions, Illumination, and Monkeypaw Productions, she has positioned Universal a key content supplier to the broader NBCU portfolio including Universal Brand Development, Peacock and Theme Parks. Langley has also distinguished the studio a creative home to a generation of emerging filmmakers and content creators who champion original and inclusive storytelling.
Prior to being named sole Chairman, UFEG, in 2019, Langley served as Chairman of Universal Pictures since 2013 where she engineered a strategic slate of all-audience tentpoles, breakthrough comedies, and pop-culture hit horror films that resulted in four years of record global profit, and the two most profitable years in the studio's 107-year history. During her tenure, Langley led Focus Features' global realignment with Universal Pictures International; oversaw the studio's successful integration of DreamWorks Animation; and launched the Global Talent Development & Inclusion group, making Universal the first major feature studio to have a department working with both production and workforce to build on the company's commitment to progressing diversity and inclusion.
The studio has received numerous awards under Langley's leadership. Most recently, Sam Mendes' highly-acclaimed 1917 won the Golden Globes Awards for Best Picture and Best Director; in 2019, Universal Pictures and Focus Features took home five Academy Awards® including the Best Picture Oscar® for Green Book and the Best Adapted Screenplay award for BlacKkKlansman; and in 2018, Get Out took home an Academy Award ® for Best Original Screenplay.
Additional commercial and critical hits Langley has presided over include Hobbs & Shaw, Us, Downton Abbey, Harriet, Queen & Slim, Good Boys, Yesterday, Glass, Night School, Halloween, Illumination's Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, and The Secret Life of Pets 1 & 2, Girls Trip, Split, Straight Outta Compton, Atomic Blonde, Ride Along, Bridesmaids, Neighbors, Unbroken, Trainwreck, Les Misérables, The Theory of Everything, The Danish Girl and Ray, among many others. She first joined Universal in 2001 as Senior Vice President of Production, and subsequently served as President of Production, Co-Chairman, Universal Pictures. She began her career at New Line Cinema, where she worked on hit Austin Powers franchise, as well as The Cell and Drop Dead Gorgeous.
Over the years, Langley has been recognized for her impact on the film and entertainment industry. A native of the United Kingdom, she is the first British female to run a major Hollywood studio, and was recently awarded a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) title by the Queen in her 2020 New Year's Honour List. The honour recognizes Langley's many accomplishments in redefining popular culture and her efforts to expand networks and opportunities for women and people of color in the entertainment industry, while also championing organizations dedicated to providing access, networks and pathways to success, for all people. She is also a recipient of 2018 Producers Guild of America's Milestone Award; the 2016 Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation Pioneer of the Year Award; and the 2014 Women in Film's Crystal Award for Excellence in Film.
A passionate advocate for mentorship and female empowerment, Langley is an Ambassador for Vital Voices Global Ambassadors Program and has served on the organization's Board of Directors since 2013. She was also a key founder of The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Film Mentorship program.
A voting member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Langley serves on the Board of Trustees for the American Film Institute, Motion Picture Association (MPA), USC's School of Cinematic Arts Board of Councilors, and SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Entertainment Industry Council.- An industry veteran with over 50 years of experience in Hollywood, Ron Meyer's tenure at NBCUniversal included a consistent stream of worldwide box office hits. During his time as President and Chief Operating Officer, nine of the studio's films were nominated at the Oscars for Best Picture, landing three wins for the 2001 film "A Beautiful Mind," "Gladiator" in 2000, and 1998's "Shakespeare in Love." Meyer also oversaw the development of "Erin Brockovich," "8 Mile," "Meet the Parents," "The Fast and the Furious," "Ted," and "Despicable Me 1 and 2." Among Meyer's many accomplishments during his time at NBCUniversal, he spearheaded worldwide operations of the studio's theme parks, making strides by bringing in the world's largest IPs and convincing Warner Bros. to license the "Harry Potter'' franchise with Universal parks, leading to one of its most successful and lucrative attractions, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." After being promoted to Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal in 2013, Meyer oversaw the successful evolution of the multi-faceted global media brand where he strategically guided its portfolio of film and television assets and brokered deals with top-tier talent for both roles and production deals. Prior to Meyer's time at NBCUniversal, he co-founded the prestigious Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and acted as President for 20 years where he worked alongside four fellow agents to build one of the most prominent talent representation agencies in the world. Meyer was also a television agent at William Morris Agency for five years in the early 1970s. Currently, Ron Meyer along with Sophie Jordan are CEO and Co-CEO of Wild Bunch AG, the independent film distribution and production services company. Wild Bunch, is the pan-European company known for award-winning films and a growing distribution network. Meyer also serves as an advisor to the Doha Film Institute (DFI) as Qatar continues to grow in the film business.
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Xzibit was born in Detroit, where he lived until his mother passed away when he was only nine years old. At the age of ten, he began to rap, very personally because of the loss of his mother. At the age of 14, he got into trouble and was removed from his home for two years after his father refused to have him there. Xzibit was released from the state on his own recognizance as an adult at 17. He did a little slangin' to get some money together and jumped into his jeep and headed toward LA, California. In 1992, Xzibit met with producer Broadway, through the group, Madcap. His first songs were "Freestyle Ghetto" on "King Tee IV Life", and after that he got on the Liks' "Coast ][ Coast" on the joints, "Hit and Run". He points to his mother, who was a writer, as his source of creativity. Xzibit's rhymes resonate because he speaks from the heart as an individual, rather than trying to portray a phony hip hop persona. He has lived through many dramatic times in his life, so he raps primarily about his own life experiences, and is not afraid to reveal himself on a track. Xzibit eventually found himself working with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, and helped on Dre's 2001. Through that work he became good friends with Dre, Snoop, Eminem, and others on the Aftermath staff. He is now a father, too.- Actor
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Wesley Trent Snipes was born in Orlando, Florida, to Marian (Long), a teacher's assistant, and SMSGT Wesley Rudolph Snipes, an aircraft engineer. He grew up on the streets of the South Bronx in New York City, where he very early decided that dance and the theatre were to be his career. He attended the High School for the Performing Arts (popularized in Fame (1980)). But dreams of the musical theater (and maybe a few commercials) faded when his mother moved to Orlando, Florida before he could graduate. Fortune would have it that he along with two friends and his "Drama class" teachers Mr. S Porro and K. Rugerio, would start a bus-n-truck theatre company (Struttin Street Stuff) be instrumental in his high schools (Jones High) induction into the International Thespian Society, Orlando Chapter and help lay the foundation for what would become Dr. Phillips High Schools theatre arts program. Musical theatre rooted Snipes performed song-n-dance, puppetry, and acrobatics in city parks, dinner clubs, and performing arts centers around central Florida. As a recipient of a Victor Borge Scholarship, Snipes left Orlando and entered the world-renowned professional theatre arts program at SUNY Purchase in New York, now Purchase College, where he honed his theatrical performance and martial arts skills. Graduating with a BFA, he went on to co-star in a few soap operas and nighttime dramas, peppered in between critical acclaim performances Broadway. It was there in a Broadway theater An agent saw him on stage and invited him to audition for his first feature film role.
Goldie Hawn Wildcats (1986). Athletic roles such as that gave way to dramatic roles such as that gave way to tough guy roles as in New Jack City (1991), and to the action hero in Passenger 57 (1992). Wesley feels that at least with the Hollywood heavyweights he must be doing something right - Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Dennis Hopper and Sean Connery all had veto power over casting and all approved his role. Wesley also founded Amen Ra Films Production Company, and is a Multi System Combat Arts Black Belt Holder IT Technologist & VC.- Actor
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Stefan Gordy was born on 3 September 1975 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for Skyline (2010), The Happytime Murders (2018) and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016).- Music Department
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Berry Gordy was born on 28 November 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is a composer and producer, known for Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Charlie's Angels (2000) and Wild Card (2015). He was previously married to Grace Easton, Raynoma Singleton and Thelma Louise Coleman.- Actress
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Aeriél Miranda (better known as "ARI" - a name of endearment given to her by friends, followers and industry professionals) is a Dallas, Texas native, born and raised, having seasonally lived in Boston and New Orleans. Brought up by youthful parents, her mother is an African American woman hailing from Louisiana and her father, a music deejay from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Her paternal family origins are rooted in Cape Verde. She is of West African, Portuguese, French, German and Jewish descent.
Ms. Miranda's profound passion for entertainment was inspired by her Nana who introduced cinematic classics such as "The Sound of Music", "West Side Story", "Oliver Twist", "E.T." and tons of Disney animated films to her at an impressionably sweet age. Thus, her interest in the performing arts was born. She studied ballet at Etgen-Atkinson Ballet School and began her theatrical journey by joining and performing in plays for the Dallas Children's Theatre. At an early age, she also adopted an affinity for music, learning to play the piano and violin. With the combination of her family's multi-faceted background and exposure to phenomenal works, she was raised to have exquisite taste in the humanities and fine arts. Her upbringing fostered a fierce understanding of people, culture and the world.
In her teens she also competed in pageants across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis and sang in her school and church choir. She credits James Belushi and Robert Townsend-both of whom she met at a young age-for inspiring her to become a devoted actress.
Miranda made her television debut on the ABC Family series The Nine Lives of Chloe King. She then went on to appear in various television shows including The CW science fiction series The Tomorrow People and TV Land's Jennifer Falls. Fans all over the world have recognized her from her breakout role on Freeform's "Pretty Little Liars". Other roles include Universal Pictures Straight Outta Compton and The Oprah Winfrey Network's For Better Or Worse.
In addition to her theatricals, Miranda has modeled for numerous companies such as; Nike, Sprite, Old Navy, TJ Max, Harley Davidson, and Bed Head by TIGI.- Music Artist
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Kendrick Lamar is a hip-hop artist from Compton, California. He's signed with Dr. Dre's label, Aftermath. Kendrick also has his own label, known as 'Top Dawg Entertainment', with includes artists such as Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q and Ab Soul. Kendrick's major label debut album, 'good kid m.A.A.d city' is already known as a classic and was only released in late 2012. His Music is influenced by the great artists such as Snoop Dogg, 2 pac, Lil wayne and many more.- Music Artist
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Snoop Dogg is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, media personality, entrepreneur, and actor.
His music career began in 1992 when he was discovered by Dr. Dre and featured on Dre's solo debut, "Deep Cover", and then on Dre's solo debut album, The Chronic. He has since sold over 23 million albums in the United States and 35 million albums worldwide.
Snoop's debut album, Doggystyle, produced by Dr. Dre, was released in 1993 by Death Row Records. Bolstered by excitement driven by Snoop's featuring on The Chronic, the album debuted at number one on both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Selling almost a million copies in the first week of its release, Doggystyle became certified quadruple platinum in 1994 and spawned several hit singles, including "What's My Name?" and "Gin & Juice". In 1994 Snoop released a soundtrack on Death Row Records for the short film Murder Was the Case, starring himself. His second album, Tha Doggfather (1996), also debuted at number one on both charts, with "Snoop's Upside Ya Head" as the lead single. The album was certified double platinum in 1997.
After leaving Death Row Records, Snoop signed with No Limit Records, where he recorded his next three albums, Da Game Is to Be Sold, Not to Be Told (1998), No Limit Top Dogg (1999), and Tha Last Meal (2000). Snoop then signed with Priority/Capitol/EMI Records in 2002, where he released Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss. He then signed with Geffen Records in 2004 for his next three albums, R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, and Ego Trippin'. Malice 'n Wonderland (2009), and Doggumentary (2011) were released on Priority. Snoop Dogg has starred in motion pictures and hosted several television shows. He also coaches a youth football league and high school football team.
Snoop has 17 Grammy nominations without a win. In March 2016, the night before WrestleMania 32 in Arlington, Texas, he was inducted into the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame, having made several appearances for the company, including as Master of Ceremonies during a match at WrestleMania XXIV. On November 19, 2018, Snoop Dogg was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He released his seventeenth solo album, I Wanna Thank Me in 2019.- Nick Young was born on 1 June 1985 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Black Jesus (2014), Sneakerheads (2020) and Thru the Lens (2013).
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- Music Department
Zayn Malik was born in Bradford, England, to Tricia (Brannan) and Yaser Malik, and is of Pakistani (father) and English-Irish (mother) descent. He had an early love for singing and performing, and at the age of 17 he competed in the television competition The X Factor. After judges Nicole Scherzinger and Simon Cowell grouped him with fellow competitors Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson to form a new act, One Direction became one of the most popular finalists in their season of The X Factor.
Following the band's massive success, Malik left the group in 2015 to pursue a solo career. ZAYN signed with RCA Records and moved to Los Angeles, where he began working on his solo effort with James "Malay" Ho (Frank Ocean, Big Boi). His debut single, "Pillowtalk," was released in late January 2016 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts and his full-length debut album Mind of Mine was released on March 25, 2016.
ZAYN entered the fashion world in 2016 with his shoe collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti and began working on his Versus Versace link (to be released May 2017). In August of 2016, Malik also signed on to executive produce the new television series BOYS with Law & Order creator Dick Wolf and Universal Pictures. The series is set to follow a boy band as they go through the waves of huge success similar to that of One Direction.
In late 2016, ZAYN re-entered the music world with the Taylor Swift assisted single, "I Don't Want To Live Forever" from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack. The song dominated debuted at #1 on the Digital Songs chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Malik followed the single up in March of 2017 with "Still Got Time" featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR which is the first official single off ZAYN's upcoming sophomore album.- Actress
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Teyonah Parris was born on 22 September 1987 in Hopkins, South Carolina, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Dear White People (2014), Chi-Raq (2015) and If Beale Street Could Talk (2018). She is married to James Parris.- Costume Designer
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
- Actress
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- Actor
- Music Department
- Actress
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Candice Pillay is known for Avant Feat. Lil Wayne: You Know What (2005).- Composer
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Dwayne Abernathy is known for Men in Black: International (2019), Uncle Drew (2018) and Runaways (2017).- Actor
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Sheldon A. Smith is an up-and-coming star in entertainment, making his feature debut playing Warren G. in Straight Outta Compton (2015), a Universal Studios picture produced by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. As an actor-producer with his own production company, Deadfish Productions, Sheldon has caught the attention of award-winning Director F. Gary Gray.
In 2011, Sheldon co-produced and played the lead role in the widely-distributed short film Brotherly Love (2011), which won Best Short Film at the 2012 San Diego Black Film Festival. The film also plays an important role in Sheldon's life and career. Having just lost his older brother in a fatal car accident, Sheldon poured his heart into the film's production, aiding the project with financing through Deadfish Productions and showing steadfast dedication and commitment to the art.
Teaming up with Director Choice Skinner and Darkan Entertainment, Sheldon was given the opportunity to pursue his dark side by producing and acting in the faith-based drama Keep the Faith (2015).
Always seeking to produce new art, Sheldon is already preparing to produce and star in his second feature film, Man in the Truck, beginning this October.
Sheldon is a California native born in Pasadena who attended Gardena High School and El Camino Compton College. He played basketball with some of the top current NBA players throughout school. After receiving multiple athletic-scholarship offers to play basketball in different states, Sheldon stayed in Los Angeles to pursue his true passion in acting. Sheldon has undergone extensive training under Choice Skinner and currently trains with acting coach Bobbie Chance at Expressions Unlimited. Sheldon younger brother is child actor Shamari Berkley turn Socialite Shamari Maurice.- Darris Love was born on 26 April 1980 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994), Gang Tapes (2001) and Waist Deep (2006).
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Renown playwright, filmmaker, author, and influencer, David E. Talbert has contributed indelibly to the landscape of the performing and visual arts for nearly three decades. Characterized by a faith-inspired spirit, Talbert's work champions diverse creative advocacy, serving as an inspiration to communities around the world, especially those of color.
As a playwright, Talbert was awarded the NAACP Trailblazer award for his monumental career on the live stage. Transitioning beyond the theater, Talbert's film debut "First Sunday," starring Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan, and Katt Williams became the #1 Comedy in America, rocking the US box office. His following two films, "Baggage Claim" and "Almost Christmas" kept the streak going, cementing Talbert as one the industry's most sought-after content creators across all platforms.
Talbert's most recent film, the groundbreaking musical fantasy "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey," skyrocketed him to global acclaim, premiering in over 200 countries and translated into 32 languages. The visual spectacle was dubbed by the Hollywood Reporter as a "Top 25 Holiday Film of All Time" and shortlisted by the Oscars in three categories.
This achievement led to Talbert securing a multi-year first-look deal with Netflix and the launch of Golden Alchemy Entertainment in partnership with his wife and producing partner, Lyn Sisson-Talbert. Talbert is an alumnus of Morgan State University and later attended New York University's accelerated film program.
Expanding his influence and commitment to education and mentorship, Talbert founded "HBCU Next", an initiative partnering with USC and Historically Black Colleges and Universities to offer students training and career opportunities in entertainment. This program highlights Talbert's commitment to empowering creatives of color by providing a platform for their stories, reinforcing his impact in both the creative and educational fields.
Talbert and his wife and producing partner, Lyn Sisson-Talbert, reside in Southern California with their son, Elias.- Actor
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Tom Arnold was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Linda (Graham) and Jack Arnold. After his parents divorced, he was raised by his father. In 1983, he got his first taste of stand-up comedy when he performed at open microphone nights at the University of Iowa. Tom's comedy career had its ups and downs over the next several years until 1988, when he entered the Minneapolis Comedy Competition and won first place. With this victory in hand, he decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a stand-up comedy career. Once he hit Los Angeles, things happened fast. That same year, he was hired as a staff writer for Roseanne Barr's TV sitcom Roseanne (1988) and began to appear regularly on the show as "Arnie Thomas". He and Roseanne Barr were married in 1990, with Arnold converting to Judaism prior to the marriage. They formed Rapello County Productions to develop projects for themselves.
The couple's marriage, together with their sometimes outrageous behavior, attracted media attention - and especially that of the tabloids - like a magnet. In 1994 conditions between the two deteriorated and they went through a very public, and acrimonious, divorce. Tom has been married twice since then and is the co-host of Fox Sports Net's talk show The Best Damn Sports Show Period (2001). He also does voiceover work, and provides the voice for the "Oven Mitt" character in the TV commercials for the Arby's restaurant chain.- Actress
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Gabrielle Union was born on October 29, 1972, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Theresa (Glass), who managed a phone company, and Sylvester E. Union, a military sergeant and business executive. When she was eight, her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended high school. There, Union was an all-star point guard and a year-round athlete participating in soccer, basketball, and track. She graduated from Foothill High School (Class of 1991).
After high school, Gabrielle attended college at University of Nebraska, where she played on the soccer team; and then later transferred to Cuesta College. Eventually, she ended up at UCLA. On her way to law school, just planning on being a working stiff, things started to happen during her senior year. Gabrielle had a college internship at a L.A. modeling agency, she thought it would be an easy way to pick up some extra credits. Little did she know that clients were eyeing the help. Upon the completion of the internship, she was asked to become a client with the agency. Gabby thought of it as a great way to pay off a stack of college loans, and modeled until her agent found that she could actually act. Her first audition/job was landed without any headshots, on Saved by the Bell (1989). Since then, she has gone on to have many small but substantial film roles and has guest-starred on several hit TV shows, all before landing the role of "Dr. Courtney Ellis", on CBS' short-lived medical drama City of Angels (2000).
Although she plays parts that are opinionated and strong, Gabrielle believes that, "Hollywood needs to recognize all shades of African-American beauty." Gabrielle is a 1996 graduate of UCLA with honors in sociology.- Producer
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Gloria appeared on the VH1 series Basketball Wives and Basketball Wives LA before departing the show to focus her attention on acting, hosting and content development. Since leaving reality TV, Gloria has hosted the Trump Awards red carpet, starred in a commercial with UFC champion Anderson Silva, appeared in several movies and sitcoms including Family Time with Omar Gooding, and produced her first film with Mike Epps, Meet the Blacks.
This Oakland native remains busy as a mother to her twin boys while pursuing an entertainment career. When not seen on-camera, Govan spends her remaining sleepless hours focusing on philanthropic efforts and entrepreneurial endeavors, including charitable work in LA and content development for her production company Tabula Rasa.- Actress
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Named one of People Magazine's highly coveted 50 Most Beautiful in 2014, Haitian-born actress Garcelle Beauvais immigrated to the United States at the age of seven with her mother and sisters, and has since charmed audiences with her dramatic and comedic abilities. A seasoned actress, Garcelle Beauvais starred in the indie film, "A Girl Like Grace," from executive producer Dan Garcia.
Garcelle was also seen as the host of "Window Warriors," a store front skill-based design reality series on GSN. Her latest film role includes starring alongside Michael Keaton in "Spider-Man: Homecoming."
In addition to all of the above, Garcelle served as host on Fox's daytime talk-show, Hollywood Today Live, where she breaks down the latest in entertainment, pop culture, and celebrity news. Above all, Garcelle's most important job is being a mother. She has been inspired by motherhood to write a children's book series entitled 'I AM,' addressing identity issues relevant to many children today.
Garcelle got her start when she began modeling at the age of seventeen and easily transitioned to acting in the Aaron Spelling series "Models, Inc." After that, she co-starred opposite Jamie Foxx for five years on the popular WB sitcom "The Jamie Foxx Show." For four seasons she also starred on the highly rated Emmy© Award-winning series "NYPD Blue." In between her acting projects, she also co-hosts for shows like E!'s "Fashion Police" and "Access Hollywood Live" on NBC.
Garcelle supports the Step Up Women's Network, a national non-profit that empowers women and girls to be strong and reach their full potential. She is also active with March of Dimes and Fonkoze. She resides in Los Angeles and has three sons, Oliver, Jax and Jaid.- Producer
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Dwyane Wade was born on 17 January 1982 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012), Shot in the Dark (2017) and Relentless. He has been married to Gabrielle Union since 30 August 2014. They have one child. He was previously married to Siohvaughn Wade.- Cleavon McClendon was born on 19 November 1984 in Los Angeles County, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Justified (2010), Straight Outta Compton (2015) and Law & Order: LA (2010).
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Stephen C. Bishop is an American actor and retired baseball player. Bishop attended the University of California, Riverside, where he played baseball for the Highlanders from 1991-1992. After college he signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves and played in 20 games for Atlanta's affiliate in the Pioneer League in 1993. In 1994, he played for the Sioux Falls Canaries and the St. Paul Saints of the Northern League, and in 1995 he played for the High Desert Mavericks, the advanced A ball affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles.- Composer
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Amil Gibbs is known for The Ties That Bind (2006), The What Goes Around Short Film 2009 (2009) and 227 (1985).- Actress
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Armed with an acid dry wit and a full arsenal of sarcasm and sass, African-American character comedienne Marla Gibbs showed up on 1970s television with a bang in middle age (44). Landing the feisty maid role on the popular ground-breaking CBS sitcom The Jeffersons (1975), eventually led to her very own sitcom 227 (1985) a decade later and international celebrity. A divorced mother with three children (Angela Elayne Gibbs, Dorian Gibbs, Joseph Gibbs) at the time of her initial success, it was a job transfer from Detroit to Los Angeles, while working as a United Airlines reservation clerk, that set up this more-than-welcome surprise and change of destiny.
Born in Chicago on June 14, 1931, Marla attended Peters Business School (1950-1952) following high school and toiled for a time as a receptionist and switchboard operator in the Detroit area. Eventually, she secured work with United Airlines. After moving to Southern California on a transfer, Marla gave acting a try and initially studied at the Mafundi Institute and Watts Writers Workshop, located in the Watts area of L.A.
Bitten hard by the acting bug, Marla went on to appear in a number of local productions, including "Medea", "The Amen Corner" and "The Gingerbread Lady". After only a couple of minor film roles, including the blaxploitation film, Black Belt Jones (1974), she nabbed the role of Florence Johnston and television stardom.
On The Jeffersons (1975), the role of Florence, the maid, was initially set up as a mere one-shot guest role but Marla showed the character's potential. And, so it came to be that Florence Johnston became THE scene-stealing foil to Sherman Hemsley's equally mouthy, money-minded George Jefferson. Until the sitcom became a certified hit, Marla cautiously kept her job with the Airlines. However, with wisecracks and Emmy Award nominations (totaling 5) a plenty, Marla never really had to look back. The role of Florence was a natural for a spin-off series and it happened with the sitcom, Checking In (1981), in which the character becomes a housekeeper for a very swanky hotel. However, the sitcom was harmed by a writer's strike before it could gain a core audience. Fortunately for Marla, she was ushered right back into the Jefferson household following its quick demise (four episodes). Two months after the last "Jeffersons" episode aired in July 1985, 227 (1985) was included in that year's fall schedule.
Daughter Angela Elayne Gibbs produced an award-winning play by Christine Houston entitled "227", with Marla as the lead, at Marla's own local Crossroads Theatre, which the actress founded in 1981. The award-winning play was a solid hit and Marla wisely purchased the television rights. Once "The Jeffersons" was over, she pushed for "227" as a sitcom vehicle. Producer Norman Lear gave it the green light and Marla settled right back in for another popular series ride (for NBC), this time as resident gossip Mary Jenkins, whose demeanor was warmer and more approachable than the feisty Florence Johnson. This sitcom, which featured spitfire Jackée Harry as vampish neighbor Sandra Clark, ran for five years.
An eight-time NAACP Image Award winner, Marla has received several honors over the years, including Essence Woman of the Year. She has not carried a series since "227", but has been seen from time to time on other popular shows, including ER (1994), Cold Case (2003), Chappelle's Show (2003), Judging Amy (1999), Touched by an Angel (1994), The King of Queens (1998) and Dawson's Creek (1998). She has also had recurring roles on daytime (Passions (1999)) as well as prime-time (Pryor's Place (1984), The Hughleys (1998)) and gave a knowing portrayal as Natalie Cole's mother in the heart-warming television movie, Lily in Winter (1994).
In later years, Marla turned up again on the big screen with plucky roles in Up Against the Wall (1991), The Meteor Man (1993), Lost & Found (1999), Foolish (1999), Border to Border (1998), The Brothers (2001), and standout roles in The Visit (2000) and Stanley's Gig (2000).
Elsewhere, Marla's voice has been heard on the animated series 101 Dalmatians: The Series (1997) and, in addition to acting, sang the theme song to the film Stanley's Gig (2000), "In the Memory of You", which will be included on a CD, entitled "Scenes In Jazz". Marla owned a jazz club for some time in South Central L.A. called "Marla's Memory Lane, a jazz and supper club that ran from 1981 to 1999. She released her own CD of music, "It's Never Too Late", in May 2006, and co-wrote with Ray Colcord, the theme song to her starring series "227".
Into the millennium, Marla suffered both personal and professional setbacks. Her older sister, Susie Garrett, who co-starred on the hit sitcom Punky Brewster (1984), died of cancer in 2002. A few years later, in 2006, Marla suffered a small aneurysm followed by a stroke. She recovered and made a gradual comeback as a guest on such TV shows as Lincoln Heights (2006), House of Payne (2006), Mr. Box Office (2012), Scandal (2012), Hot in Cleveland (2010), The Blexicans (2015), American Horror Story (2011), This Is Us (2016), Black-ish (2014), NCIS (2003), Bless This Mess (2019) and the revamped One Day at a Time (2017). At one point, she played the recurring role of Grandma Eddy on the comedy series The First Family (2012) which starred her old "227" castmate Jackée Harry. On stage, Marla appeared in such comedies as "Boeing, Boeing" and was featured in such comedy films as C'mon Man (2012), Madea's Witness Protection (2012), Grantham & Rose (2014), Lemon (2017), Please Stand By (2017), Love Jacked (2018) and She Ball (2020).- Angela Gibbs is known for House of Lies (2012) and Robot Wars (1998).
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Bre-Z was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. She is known for Empire (2015), All American (2018) and 16 Bars (2020).- Actor
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Edwin Hodge can currently be seen on Kurt Sutter's new FX series, "Mayans Mc." He is also in the upcoming Paramount feature, "Bumblebee" and "If Not Now, When?" opposite Mekia Cox. Most recently, he could be seen in the second season of The History Channel's hit series, Six, opposite Olivia Munn, Walton Goggins and Barry Sloane. Edwin Hodge also recurred last season as 'Benjamin Banneker' on Fox's "Sleepy Hollow."
His film credits include the popular Purge franchise of films, including "The Purge: Election Year", "The Purge: Anarchy" and "The Purge. He can also be seen opposite James Caan in "The Good Neighbor", which premiered at South by Southwest, and in "Red Dawn" with Chris Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson.
On the small screen he has worked on "Chicago Fire," "As Above, So Below," "Boston Public" and "NCIS: Los Angeles," and guest starred as 'Kai Ashe' in "NCIS: Red," a two-episode spin off pilot of NCIS: Los Angeles. Edwin recurred as 'Wade' on the hit TBS comedy Cougar Town and has had roles on many other television shows including The Mentalist, Heroes, Ghost Whisperer and One Tree Hill.
Edwin currently resides in Los Angeles. In his spare time, he is an avid sportsman with interests specifically in basketball and golf.
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An acting chameleon who can easily lose himself in the life of his film and television characters, Clifton Collins Jr. is a native Angeleno who grew up destined to become a part of the Latino entertainment industry. His great-grandparents on his mother's side were a Mexican trumpet player and Spanish dancer who formed a traveling family act, and his grandfather was well-known character actor Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, most famous for his humorous sidekick roles in 1950s/1960s John Wayne westerns (he played the excitable hotel keeper in Rio Bravo (1959)) and in sitcoms. His uncle and aunt dabbled in the business at one point as well. While his famous grandfather was unable to break out of the old unflattering Latino stereotypes, Collins Jr. has done Pedro proud in the new millennium. Playing everything from policemen to boxers to serial killers, he has managed to transcend the typical racial trappings of his grandfather's era and play flesh-and-blood, three-dimensional characters. It was not always that way.
Born short, lean and mean on June 16, 1970, he started his career in 1988 using his real name of Collins, but two years later began billing himself as "Clifton Gonzales-Gonzales" as a tribute to his aged grandfather and his early accomplishments. Pedro, who died in 2006, lived long enough to witness his grandson's achievements. Toiling in typical "barrio" roles at the beginning of his career, Collins Jr. found himself stuck in bit parts either as a struggling blue-collar worker or urban thug. In the mid-1990s, he began to search out and wing standout roles that enabled him to break the confines of the Latino stereotype. He slowly moved up in billing, even in mediocre material such as the futuristic prison film Fortress (1992) and the mindless 1970s rock-era comedy The Stöned Age (1994). His breakout role as Cesar, the vicious student and gangbanger in One Eight Seven (1997) opposite Los Angeles substitute teacher Samuel L. Jackson, set him on the right path. This led to a mesmerizing collection of other portrayals, both good-guy and bad-guy, in such films as The Replacement Killers (1998), The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit (1998) and Tigerland (2000). His versatility finally tested, he played everything from a gay Mexican hitman in the critically acclaimed Traffic (2000) to a psychological profiler for the FBI in the mainstream actioner Mindhunters (2004). A number of top guest appearances came his way on such series as NYPD Blue (1993) and The Twilight Zone (2002) and he had recurring roles on Resurrection Blvd. (2000) and Alias (2001).
A monumental shift forward in his career happened recently with his hypnotic portrayal of killer Perry Smith, the object of writer Truman Capote's obsession, in the art-house favorite Capote (2005). Decades ago, Robert Blake played the same part in the gripping Capote book-to-film In Cold Blood (1967). This heralded achievement has enabled Collins to move into the co-producer's chair of late, notably for Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murders (2006), in which he inhabits the role of serial killer Kenneth Bianchi. Obviously, there is plenty more in the works for this major talent.
More recent millennium work includes potent performances in Road Dogz (2002); Tom Cool (2009), which he produced; Dirty (2005); For Your Own Good (1996), which he co-produced; Star Trek (2009); Freeloaders (2012); The Vault (2017); and the Oscar-winning Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019).- Actor
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Jacob Vargas began his acting career when he was discovered breakdancing in a schoolyard at age 12. His introduction to acting came with a bit part as a breakdancer on the hit TV show Diff'rent Strokes (1978). In 1995 he won the very first ALMA Award (for Emerging Artist of the Year) for his work in both Allison Anders' My Crazy Life (1993) and Gregory Nava's My Family/Mi familia (1995). He later starred in films such as Selena (1997), Get Shorty (1995), American Me (1992), Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997) and the cult favorite Next Friday (2000) as Ice Cube's nemesis, Joker. He later shined as Tijuana cop Manolo, 'Benicio del Toro''s partner in Steven Soderbergh's Academy Award- winning film Traffic (2000), which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and another ALMA Award. He then made us laugh as Sammy the chef in John Moore's Flight of the Phoenix (2004) and brought depth to Marine sniper Cortez in Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes' war drama Jarhead (2005). In 2006 he starred as a straight-arrow DEA agent opposite Laurence Fishburne and Paul Walker in the action drama _Death and Life of Bobby Z, The (2006)_ and joined an all-star cast as a politically charged busboy in Emilio Estevez's historical drama Bobby (2006) and played a psychologically tortured drone pilot in Alex Rivera's sci-fi political love story _Sleep Dealer, The (2006)_. Not satisfied with just being labeled as an actor, he has also been focusing his talents on writing and producing through his production company, Third Son Productions. In 2001 he executive produced and starred in the independent film Road Dogz (2002). He also co-produced and starred in the stage play "Latinologues", which ran on Broadway in 2005 and is available on DVD. Through Third Son Productions, he is currently developing several feature film and television projects.- Actress
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Sevyn Streeter was born on 7 July 1986 in Haines City, Florida, USA. She is an actress and composer, known for Furious 7 (2015), Black Lightning (2018) and Sevyn Streeter: Watchusay (2019).- Actress
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Born in Mexico City, Fernanda Romero started her career participating in the sensational youth group Fryzzby (BMG). After walking away from music to study Fashion Design, Fernanda knew her destiny was always to be in front of the camera. Fernanda was spotted by a modeling agency after she was photographed in her own denim line for a marketing campaign. Almost immediately she was used to advertise big commercial brands such as Levi's, Ray-Ban, and Clean and clear to name a few.
More opportunities lead Fernanda to transition from commercial advertisement to TV with networks such as Univision, Telemundo, TV Azteca and NBC all vying for her to appear in popular television soap operas.
Soon enough, Fernanda's positive performances attracted the calling of the big screen where she starred alongside Hollywood favorites Jessica Alba in the 2008 feature film the Eye; and Charlize Theron in The Burning Plain directed by Guillermo Arrriaga. More success followed in the form of Drag me to hell, under the direction of Sam Rami; which proved a gateway for roles in comedies such as Without Men with Eva Longoria and Christian Slater. Fernanda then headed the cast in comedy film Ghost Team One which was publicized as "most acclaimed" at Slamdance Film Festival.
Fernanda also appeared in the film 3 Geezers which sees her next to renowned actors J.K. Simmons, Tim Allen and Scott Caan. Furthering her foray into comedy, she recently joined the series Chamacas on Hispanic channel Nuevon, run by actress Sofia Vergara. Fernanda has recently finished a new pilot comedy Is That a Gun in your Pocket playing opposite Horatio Sanz.
Fernanda played the lead role in the short film, 40 Love, in which she won the Silver Lion Award at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Other recent projects include the drama Honeyglue and sci-F feature 400 days that sees Fernanda work with Dane Cook, Brandon Routh and Caity Lotz. 2016 also sees the release of El Hotel showcasing Fernanda as the leading actress in the Mexican production, playing alongside Damian Alcazar and Dolores Heredia among others.
Fernanda recently wrapped up the single camera satire pilot, Trucked up, directed by David Arquette. Aside from acting, Fernanda is an ambassador for brands in the health and beauty market that closely relate to her personality and style. Keeping up with her passion for music, Fernanda also sings and produces for her band The White Cherries.- Actor
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Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an African-American comedian, producer, writer, director and actor. He is known for his roles in the Bad Boys trilogy, Martin, Def Comedy Jam, Big Momma's House, Open Season, House Party, Boomerang, Wild Hogs, What's Happening Now!!, Nothing to Lose, Life and Blue Streak. He has three daughters.- Actor
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Terrence Jenkins was born on 21 April 1982 in Queens, New York City, New York, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Think Like a Man (2012), Burlesque (2010) and Entourage (2015).- Actress
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Arielle Kebbel is quickly emerging as one of Hollywood's most sought after talents. With her combination of raw talent and natural charm, Arielle is poised to become one of the most dynamic and versatile actresses of her generation. Kebbel plays the lead role of "Amelia" in the NBC series "Lincoln" opposite Russell Hornsby. The series is based on the highly popular Jeffrey Deaver crimes novel, The Bone Collector.
Recently, Kebbel starred on the NBC series, "Midnight, Texas," based on the bestselling supernatural trilogy by Charlaine Harris of the same name and ABC's "Grand Hotel," for producer Eva Longoria.
On the big screen, Kebbel played Gia Matteo in the final installment of the Fifty Shades of Grey saga, Fifty Shades Freed, which premiered in February 2018 breaking box office records.
On the small screen, Kebbel starred opposite Dwayne Johnson on HBO's hit series, "Ballers," which focuses on a group of young athletes working on making a name for themselves with the misguided advice of their agents and financial advisors. Kebbel caught the attention of critics and audiences alike in her scene stealing turn as the villainous Britney in Lifetime's critically acclaimed series, "UnREAL", a performance which Entertainment Weekly sited as one of the "Best of 2015".
Kebbel is perhaps most familiar to television audiences from her role on the CW's "The Vampire Diaries" in which she played the charismatic and wise beyond her 300 years, Lexi Branson. In addition to her role on the hit show, Kebbel hosted the CW's "The Vampire Diaries: Rehash," an interactive weekly recap of the show.
Additional television credits include recurring roles on "Gilmore Girls", "Life Unexpected", "Grounded for Life", "The League", "The Grinder", CW's "90210", as well as guest starring roles on "True Blood", "Hawaii 5 0," and "Law & Order: SVU".
Over the years, Kebbel has starred in a number of films which made their debuts at prestigious film festivals such as Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Best, directed by Ryan O'Nan which premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival; I Melt with You, starring Rob Lowe and Jeremy Piven which premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival; and Supporting Characters, directed by Daniel Schecter and also starring Lena Dunham, which premiered at the 2012 Tribeca International Film Festival. Her other film credits include John Tucker Must Die, The Uninvited, The Grudge 2, Think Like a Man, and Aquamarine.
Kebbel currently resides in Los Angele- Actor
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Anderson .Paak is known for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), Men in Black: International (2019) and Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018). He has been married to Jae Line since 2011. They have one child.- Actor
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First known as a rapper who became one of the more prominent voices in hip-hop's new millennium renaissance, Common later transitioned into acting. He was born in Chicago, and is the son of educator Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines and Lonnie Lynn, an ABA basketball player turned youth counselor.
On October 6, 1992, Common released his first LP, "Can I Borrow A Dollar?" under the Common Sense moniker. Tracks like "Charm's Alarm" and "Breaker 1-9" established him as a lyricist with wit, street-smarts, and love for extended similes, while tracks like "Heidi Hoe" would touch on the misogyny that would surface sparingly on future work.
In 1994 he released "Resurrection", notable for the smooth 'Large Professor' produced title cut as well as "I Used To Love H.E.R.", an ode to hip-hop. This album further increased his underground reputation while giving the hip-hop nation a new solid conscientious voice in a year that was excellent for underground artists (Nas, Jeru the Damaja, Digable Planet, et al.)
After a name change brought on by a lawsuit, Common reemerged in 1997 with "One Day It'll All Make Sense". With guests ranging from Erykah Badu to Canibus to De La Soul and production help from mainstays No I.D. and Dug Infinite, the album had a distinctly underground flair. His big mainstream breakthrough album was yet to come.
After an appearance on The Roots smash 1999 album, "Things Fall Apart," Common moved to MCA Records. He soon was in the studio collaborating with the Okayplayer collective and with help from the forward-thinking production troupe Questlove (aka Questlove), J Dilla, James Poyser, et al), he released his fourth album, "Like Water For Chocolate" in the spring of 2000. With its varied sonic plateau (Afrobeat, funk, and old-school soul) it was much different from previous outings. On the strength of tracks like the 'DJ Premier' produced banger "The 6th Sense", the album was a success, becoming a worthy addition to "The Next Movement".
In 2003 he released "Electric Circus". The album, a hip-hop/funk/soul/rock/psychedelia hybrid, polarized hip-hop fans like no other album has in recent memory. Common has also chosen to redefine himself, swearing off the alcohol, marijuana, and fornication that he had once indulged in.
Also in 2003 he appeared in a TV sitcom episode. With only a couple minor roles between 2003 and 2004, in January of 2007 he made his big screen debut.- Actress
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Antonique is an acclaimed actor and a 2015 Grammy nominated singer and writer. She is most famous for her starring role of Faith Evans in "Notorious" where she received rave reviews and was praised by critics, including Jeffery Lyons who called her "one to watch".
Antonique is one of the new stars of season 2 of Marvel's Luke Cage which debuted on Netflix to amazing reviews. Antonique has a 8 episode arc as Detective Nandi Tyler.
Antonique first garnered attention in her buzz-worthy leading role in "Rent" on Broadway as Mimi Marquez. She became the international poster girl for the show. Antonique played CIA agent Sandra Burns in "Abduction" opposite Taylor Lautner and Alfred Molina, and in "Yelling To The Sky", playing the starring role of Ola O'Hara, opposite Zoe Kravitz, Gabourey Sidibe and Jason Clarke. Antonique recently starred in the TV One romantic comedy Stock Option, which premiered to record ratings for the network and she has a lead role in the Netflix film "Deuces". She has also guest starred and recurred on numerous hit TV shows including "Law & Order", HBO's "Bored To Death", the Sidney Lumet directed "100 Centre Street" on A&E and she has a role in the hit 2017 FOX drama series "Shots Fired".
Antonique shocked the world in 2015 with the release of her first body of work, her EP "Love Is Everything", stemming from her successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012 where Smith raised over $50,000 in 30 days from her fans. 'Hold Up Wait A Minute (Woo Woo)' is the Grammy nominated, edgy, uptempo, future meets retro, soul pleaser that is rising up the charts!
Antonique is also an accomplished songwriter. Having co-written her Grammy nominated single, she has also written songs for several television shows including Shots Fired, where she co-wrote the show's theme song along with several other original songs featured in the show and composed a piece of the score with great Terrance Blanchard.
Having just completed a 20 city "Act On Climate" tour with the Hip Hop Caucus and also singing for the Pope's climate rally for over 100,000 people on the National Mall in D.C., Antonique is a serious advocate for climate justice and human rights.
Sidney Lumet gave Antonique her first job. She played a teen drug addict. He heralded her as "an amazing actress with a great career ahead of her".
Antonique is following the career path of Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston; pursuing a career in film and television while also continuing to make her dream of a Grammy-winning recording career into the most amazing of realities.- Actor
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If you ever wanted a 6' 5", musclebound, broad-shouldered, shaved-head actor to play a terrifying bodyguard, a soldier of fortune or a fearsome gangster, then Tommy "Tiny" Lister Jr. was your man. The basketball player turned actor, who notched up appearances in roughly 132 films, first popped up in roles such as a prison guard in Runaway Train (1985), Andy Garcia's bodyguard in 8 Million Ways to Die (1986) and Powers Boothe's bodyguard in Extreme Prejudice (1987). Hardly diminutive, 6' 5" Lister was not just a recognizable figure on screen, but also a highly accomplished actor. Originally a professional wrestler known by the names "Zeus" and "ZGangsta" for the WWE (Formerly WWF), Tiny left wrestling in the mid 1980s to pursue an acting career. He worked with some of the best actors and directors, in a wide net of genres - from thriller to science fiction and drama to comedy.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister grew up in Compton, California, but chose to break the curses of his generation at an early age. He stayed away from gang life, choosing instead to stay at home and watch westerns. He chose religion over wrongdoing, and developed an interest in films and television early. Growing up watching Gary Cooper, Jimmy Stewart, Charlton Heston and Errol Flynn allowed Tiny a chance to dream, and he envisioned his own life on film and television, creating characters on celluloid that transcended gender and color. With his will set in stone, Tiny went out to make it possible. Tiny made his feature film debut in Runaway Train (1985) with Jon Voight, and spent the next few years learning the craft and appearing in films heavy in action and in talent: 8 Million Ways to Die (1986) with Andy Garcia, Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) with Eddie Murphy, and No Holds Barred (1989) with fellow WWE (WWF at the time) wrestler Hulk Hogan.
In the 1990s, Tiny expanded his resume, continuing to make his mark in films with the best in the business. He joined Johnny Depp and the legendary Marlon Brando in the quirky Don Juan DeMarco (1994) and worked with director Quentin Tarantino and actor Andy Garcia in Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995). He would later work again with Tarantino in Jackie Brown (1997). Lister's 1990s career benefited from the decade's surge in African-American filmmaking, beginning with his starring role in Mario Van Peebles's western Posse (1993), in which he was thrilled to star with his childhood idol Woody Strode. In a move that was sure to cement his popularity with young audiences across the country, Tiny went on to star as neighborhood bully "Deebo" opposite Ice Cube in the cult comedy Friday (1995), reprising the role for the successful sequel Next Friday (2000). After appearing in comedian Martin Lawrence's A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Lister played a supporting role in Ice Cube's directorial debut The Players Club (1998) and appeared in Master P's I Got the Hook Up (1998). He also starred in a slew of B-horror films including Soulkeeper (2001), Hellborn (2003) and Dracula 3000 (2004).
Tiny continued with his wide, often eclectic range of roles, and expanded on his original "fierce bodyguard" roles to include comedic and rather quirky performances. He played the President in director Luc Besson's science fiction epic The Fifth Element (1997) opposite Bruce Willis and worked with Adam Sandler in Little Nicky (2000), as well as Mike Meyers and Mike Myers in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002). He joined Dustin Hoffman, Andy Garcia and Rachel Weisz in the crime thriller Confidence (2003). Tiny worked with some of the greatest directors (Quentin Tarantino, Luc Besson, John Frankenheimer), many of our most noted actors (Marlon Brando, Samuel L. Jackson, Johnny Depp, Peter O'Toole) and a good share of the top talent in wrestling and rap (Hulk Hogan, 50 Cent and Tupac Shakur, respectively). His wrestling exploits can be seen on Summerslam (1989), Survivor Series (1989) and WWF Superstars (1986).
However, it was Tiny's devotion to ministry and public speaking that made the biggest impression. Along with his wife Felicia, Tiny ministered across the country, reaching out to troubled youth, and sharing his powerful testimony and inspiration in churches and schools.
Tommy "Tiny" Lister may not have been an A list star, but he was certainly one of Hollywood's most instantly recognizable and busiest character actors, until his death on December 10, 2020, in Marina del Rey, California. He was 62.- Actor
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Wish Bone was born on 17 February 1975 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He is an actor and composer, known for Small Soldiers (1998), Pineapple Express (2008) and Lady Bird (2017).- Catrina Robinson Brown is known for Fear Itself (2007) and Black Love (2017). She has been married to Neil Brown Jr. since 23 April 2000. They have two children.
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Lance Gross was born on 8 July 1981 in Oakland, California, USA. He is an actor and writer, known for House of Payne (2006), Sleepy Hollow (2013) and Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013). He has been married to Rebecca Mamie Jefferson since 23 May 2015. They have two children.- Eddie Francis' performance career has included radio, theater, stand-up comedy, motivational speaking, his 1997 appearance in "The Big Easy" and local television appearances. The New Orleans native is also a public speaking coach who earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University New Orleans in Mass Communication with a minor in Theater. Eddie was born to late opera singer and music teacher Nelson Francis and late high school math teacher Juanita Francis. One of Nelson's pupils was late singer "Lady B.J." Crosby and he was the godfather of actress Francesca P. Roberts.
Eddie's passion for performance developed during his teen years. As a student at St. Augustine High School, he joined the speech and debate team where he was an award-winning competitor on the district and state levels. As a college student, Eddie played the lead in the Loyola's production of Y. York's quirky "Rain. Some Fish. No Elephants.". He later when on to star in James Morehead's "Shades of Gray" with the University Theatre at Dillard. In 1996, Eddie broke into sketch comedy and he later went on to form and co-direct Loose Cannons: The Comedy Troupe which appeared in several New Orleans theater festivals.
It was stand-up comedy and radio where Eddie earned recognition throughout the Crescent City. He became known to local hip hop and old school R&B radio listeners as "Fast Eddie" while building his stand-up resume on local stages which included opening for a then up-and-coming Kevin Hart. He later added motivational speaking to his resume, which earned him a place on New Orleans Magazine's "30 People to Watch" list in 2000. Eddie added the Press Club of New Orleans' "Best Radio Entertainment Feature" award in 2011 for his talk show interview with a Rwandan genocide survivor. Eddie now hosts the HBCU Lifestyle Podcast and well as his own while still booking speaking engagements. - Writer
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Mark (DJ Pooh) Jordan has produced records for LL Cool J, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and many others. In the mid-1980's, DJ Pooh co-produced LL Cool J's "Bigger and Deffer" album with his producing partner DJ Bobcat. In 1992, Pooh founded the Bomb Record label, and in only two shot years went on to become an in-demand producer.
Pooh then transitioned into writing, directing, and acting. Utilizing his relationships within the Hip Hop community, Pooh was able to seamlessly integrate the Hip Hop culture into film by writing the hit film "Friday," "3 Strikes," and "The Wash." Pooh was also co-writer and producer on the video game phenomenon "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," and most recently served as the creative consultant on "Grand Theft Auto V" and co-writer of "Grand Theft Auto Online."
Pooh will be writing and directing the film "The Grow House" -- a full-length Urban comedy based on the world of Marijuana.- Actress
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Auti Angel was born on 15 October 1969 in San Diego, California, USA. She was an actress, known for Only Human (2019), Musical Chairs (2011) and Hollywood Sex Wars (2011). She was married to Eric 'Stretch Boogie' Rivera. She died on 23 March 2022 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Actress
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Xosha Roquemore was born on 11 December 1984 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is an actress and writer, known for Precious (2009), G.B.F. (2013) and The Disaster Artist (2017).- Writer
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Damien Dante Wayans was born on 15 April 1980 in New York City, New York, USA. He is a writer and producer, known for My Wife and Kids (2000), Dance Flick (2009) and Malibu's Most Wanted (2003).- Producer
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Baron Davis was born on 13 April 1979 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for The Drew: No Excuse, Just Produce (2015), That's My Boy (2012) and DOMINO: Battle of the Bones (2021). He has been married to Isabella Brewster since 30 January 2014. They have two children.- Actor
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Emilio Rivera has discovered that turning your life around is the key to making dreams come true. His acting credentials have allowed him to top the list of successful Latino actors. His resume continues to grow with starring roles in films such as High Crimes (2002) with Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman and the much anticipated film Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) starring George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Emilio was born in San Antonio, Texas as the oldest child of four brothers and three sisters. When Emilio was a young boy his family moved to an area of Los Angeles nicknamed Frog Town and Emilio continued to seek the attention of those around him. His first experience with acting was in his third grade production of "Rumpelstiltskin". Emilio admits his childhood was not easy growing up as a minority in a poor section of town.
Underneath the exterior Emilio's passion for acting thrived and after much soul searching Emilio decided to take his biggest risk and pursue acting. The training, discipline and extensive hours of studying changed Emilio life forever. Those around him were amazed at the positive yet radical change in Emilio and realized he had found his true passion in life. In between his time studying Emilio worked as a mechanical engineer.
His first feature role was in the TV series Renegade (1992) with Lorenzo Lamas. He left his day job behind after he landed a role in the feature film Con Air (1997) co-starring Nicolas Cage. Emilio has appeared in countless commercials, television programs and feature films including Traffic (2000), The Cable Guy (1996), NYPD Blue (1993), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990), Walker, Texas Ranger (1993), JAG (1995), and ER (1994).- Music Artist
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American rapper from Manhattan, New York City. Rakim is a member of the hip hop collective A$AP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker. Rocky released his debut mix-tape Live. Love. A$AP, in 2011. The success of his mix-tape led to a record deal with Polo Grounds Music, RCA Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. He subsequently recorded his 2013 debut album Long. Live. A$AP His father was from Barbados. He also has a younger sister. Mayers was named after the hip hop legend Rakim, one half of the Eric B. & Rakim duo. His cousin is a fellow ASAP Mob member, ASAP Nast. Rocky started rapping at age eight. He learned how to rap from his older brother, who also wore the French braids hairdo that Mayers later adopted. When Mayers was 12 years old, his father went to jail in connection with selling drugs; he died in 2012. When Mayers was 13, his brother was killed in Harlem. The death inspired Rocky to take rapping more seriously.- Darrell Jackson is known for Straight Outta Compton (2015).
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Marsha Ambrosius is known for Guess Who (2005), The Birth of a Nation (2016) and Floetry Feat. Common: SupaStar (2005). She has been married to Dez Billups since 2012. They have one child.- Actress
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Thaila Ayala was born on 14 April 1986 in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil. She is an actress and writer, known for A Touch of Aurora (2018), Inverno (2022) and Zeroville (2019). She has been married to Renato Góes since 5 October 2019. They have two children. She was previously married to Paulo Vilhena.- Producer
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Thomas Tull was born on 9 June 1970 in Endwell, New York, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for 42 (2013), Inception (2010) and Watchmen (2009).- Actress
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Blanca Blanco, is a multiple award-winning and nominated American-Mexican actress, and bestselling author. Blanca is known for her iconic beauty, talent, style, and authentic charisma.
Blanca has played a wide range of roles in film and television. Her work as an actress has been recognized at the Television Academy level, earning her first Emmy contender in 2022, for the role of Lola, in Tale of Tails. Blanca won Best Actress for her role in Eye For Eye, a western film. And also won Best Supporting Actress for her villain role, in Betrayed (distributed by Sony Entertainment) playing opposite John Savage.
Blanca started taking acting lessons at a young age. She organized theater performances between her studies. Blanca's academic accomplishments, a bachelor's and master's degree with honors in Psychology and Social Work, demonstrate her commitment to knowledge and personal growth. She values education and believes in continuous learning and self-improvement. Moving to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career shows her willingness to take risks and follow her dreams. Training under respected industry professionals like Gordon Hunt, Helen Hunt, Sally Kirkland, and Bruce Glover, as well as enrolling in prestigious programs like UCLA's acting program and The Groundlings, have undoubtedly helped her hone her craft and skills as an actress.
Notable on-screen credits include Torch (alongside Rita Moreno), Fake News (opposite Eric Roberts), 6 Children & 1 Grandparent (opposite Oscar nominee Burt Young), Woman on the Edge (alongside Rumer Willis), Hold On (alongside Luis Guzmán), and American Romance (alongside Nolan Gerard Funk). Anatomy of Deception (Lifetime), Crimes of the Mind (Lifetime), Defending Santa (ION), and Bermuda Tentacles (SyFy)
She is a regular guest and trendsetter at high-profile award shows such as the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, and Grammys. The actress is frequently invited to prestigious film festivals and events, such as the Cannes Film Festival (France), Marrakech International Film Festival (Morocco), and the Cesar Award Show.
Blanca has been featured in top editorial campaigns and magazines such as Vogue, ELLE, Forbes, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper Bazaar, Dailymail, Vanity Fair, Gala, Glamour, Grazia, Hola!, People, Marie Claire, Hollywood Reporter, OK!, E!, Variety, Allure, and many more.
A multi-talented individual, excelling in different creative fields, she wrote a bestselling book called, "Breaking the Mold," (Briton Publishing) and went on an international book tour to promote her well-received memoir. This experience proved to be very rewarding, allowing her to connect with readers worldwide and share her story on a global platform. The bestselling book won the Literature Award in 2021 and is a testament to the quality and impact of her writing.
Philanthropy: Blanca supports the LA Mission, the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, and Step Up.- Actress
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Bai Ling is recognized for unbridled freedom and creativity, Bai Ling has become undoubtedly one of the world's most diverse and captivating actresses! Born in the city of Cheng Du in southern China, Bai Ling began her career at age of 14. She enlisted In the Chinese People's Liberation Army, where she spent three years in a performance troupe entertaining soldiers stationed in Tibet. She first gained the attention of audiences and critics alike when she won the coveted lead role opposite Richard Gere in Jon Avnet's Red Corner (1997). She received numerous accolades including the prestigious Breakthrough Performance Award from the National Board of Review. She also garnered the Discovery Star awarded by the Hollywood Women's Press Club for their Golden Apple Awards. While developing her remarkable facility with the English language, she has worked with such prestigious filmmakers as Oliver Stone in Nixon (1995), George Lucas in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), Barry Sonnenfeld in Wild Wild West (1999), Spike Lee in She Hate Me (2004), Andy Tennant in Anna and the King (1999), Ang Lee in The Wedding Banquet (1993), Alex Proyas in The Crow (1994) and Luc Besson' in )Taxi 3 (2003)_, in which she spoke French. She also starred in Terrence Malick's Broadway production of "Sansho the Bailiff". She dazzled audiences with her portrayal of the sexy, mysterious Achara in the hit TV series Lost (2004), and intrigued viewers with her seductive yet exhilarating role in HBO's Entourage (2004).
Bai Ling was awarded the Asian Oscar for her brilliant performance in her first Hong Kong film Three... Extremes (2004). It also earned her an additional three major awards in the Far East. She received the Spirit Diversity Award by The Hollywood Motion Picture Association. Her film Southland Tales (2006), directed by Richard Kelly was in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Bai starred in and executive-produced Shanghai Baby (2007). She has worked with Taylor Hackford in Love Ranch (2010), co-starring with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, and had a leading role in the Jason Statham action comedy Crank: High Voltage (2009) with costar with Jason Statham.- Actress
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Beverly Johnson was born on 13 October 1952 in Buffalo, New York, USA. She is an actress and producer, known for Loaded Weapon 1 (1993), Martin (1992) and Crossroads (2002). She has been married to Brian Maillian since 15 October 2023. She was previously married to Danny Sims and Billy Potter.