Black Man/Silver Screen | The Lover

Taye Diggs

He helped Stella get her groove back, bonded with Syd over hip-hop and had the skills to keep the Rent paid. Taye Diggs was introduced to audiences as the young lover of Angela Bassett in the romantic comedy, How Stella Got Her Groove Back. The following year, Diggs starred in two films with Sanaa Lathan, The Wood and The Best Man. The two would re-team in 2003 for an ode to hip-hop in Brown Sugar. After a couple of action films, Diggs returned to his roots in the theatre starring in the Oscar nominated film, Chicago and Rent. After a short lived TV show, “Kevin Hill,” Diggs returned with a new show, “Daybreak.” In addition, he has a recurring role on the popular medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Up Next: No big screen projects are on Diggs horizon as he continues to concentrate on television work.

Cinematic Forefather
Billy Dee Williams

In a history of sexy leading men, no actor has remained in the public consciousness as long as Billy Dee Williams. Although he has portrayed a variety of different characters in his forty-plus year career, for the ladies it always came down to his smooth, suave mannerisms. Williams had appeared in several films but when he portrayed Louis McKay in 1972’s Lady Sings the Blues opposite Diana Ross, a star truly was born. He and Ross recaptured the magic again in Mahogany. Williams’ appealed to a new audience when he was cast as the roguish Lando Calrissian, in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Williams played with his image in a popular set of ads for Colt 45 with the catch phrase, “don’t let the cool taste fool you.” After several forgettable films, Williams was cast as Mayor Harvey Dent in Batman. Since then, Williams has taken small roles in notable films such as The Visit, Undercover Brother, Constellation and a spoof of his sexy image in The Ladies Man.

Up Next: Williams will star in a “Star Wars” type film, Fanboys.

Next Generation
Michael Ealy

Known for his charming looks and deep personality, Michael Ealy has made quite an impression in a short amount of time. The Silver Spring, Maryland native first was noticed in the ensemble comedy, Barbershop, playing reformed thug Ricky Nash. He also starred in the sequel, Barbershop 2: Back in Business in 2004. Ealy piercing stare was also featured in Never Die Alone. He and Oscar winner Halle Berry heated up the small screen in the film, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” which led to a short off-screen relationship between the two. Ealy has continued to work on television starring in the Showtime series, “Sleeper Cell.” He received a nomination for his work on the series.