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© Black Hollywood Live
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Portraits is BHL's flagship interview style series. Episodes deliver in-depth interviews with legendary entertainers in the African American community. The most respected actors, producers, directors, hosts, etc. discuss their journeys in this business. It's a rare opportunity to gleam into not only their histories, but Hollywood history as well.
37 Episodes
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BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts interview special guest Kym Whitley.
(born June 7, 1961) is an comedian and actress. She is best known for her roles on television sitcoms, such as "The Boondocks (TV series)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boondocks_(TV_series)">The Boondocks,Young & Hungry, and The Parkers. Whitley was nominated for a 2004 BET Comedy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Box Office Movie for her role as Ormandy in the 2003 comedy film Deliver Us From Eva.
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts DJ Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Jenifer Lewis.
In 1987, Lewis was hired as the Pre-Show announcer on the Star Tours ride at Disneyland. In 1988, Lewis relocated to Los Angeles. In 1992, she was cast as one of the back-up singers to Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. Goldberg sponsored several performances of The Diva Is Dismissed as a possible HBO series. In 1992 to 1993, she played Dean Davenport in the sixth and final season of A Different World. She also had a recurring role as Will Smith's Aunt Helen on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as stints on a few episodes of In Living Color, reprising several of her characters from her nightclub act. Also in 1993, she played the mother of Tupac Shakur's character in Poetic Justice.
In 1993, she played the role of Tina Turner’s mother in the biopic What's Love Got to Do With It. In 1994, she followed with other supporting role
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts DJ Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Jermaine Dupri.
Dupri got his start as a dancer for the hip hop group Whodini when he was twelve. He made an appearance in their music video for the song "Freaks Come Out At Night". In 1990, he produced his first act- the female hip hop trio Silk Tymes Leather. He later formed the teen duo Kris Kross (Chris Kelly and Chris Smith) after meeting the boys at a local mall in 1991. The group's first album, Totally Krossed Out, was released in 1992 and went multi-platinum due to their singles "Jump" and "It's a Shame". He established his own record label called So So Def Recordings in 1993. Shortly after, he discovered female R&B group Xscape at a festival in Atlanta and signed them to the label. Their first album,Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, went platinum. During the same year, on Yo! MTV Raps he met Da Brat through Kris Kross, signed her to his label So So Def
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Robert Richard.
Robert Ri'chard was born on January 7, 1983 in Los Angeles, California, USA as Robert Andrew Richard. He is an actor and producer, known for Coach Carter (2005), One on One (2001) and House of Wax (2005).
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest William Stanford Davis.
William Stanford Davis, born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, is no stranger to the stage. He got his start in an R&B band as a youngster and remained the front man throughout his college years. Soon to be bitten by the comedy bug, he spent the next few years working at many of the comedy clubs across the country." It was only then, he discovered his true passion Acting. "I love music and making people laugh but nothing feeds my soul like acting," he says.
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Salli Richardson-Whitfield.
Classy, graceful, & intelligent, Salli Elise Richardson is an American television and film actress.
She was born November 23, 1967, in Chicago, Illinois. Salli's acting career was first nurtured in
the theater and, ever since, she has been on a nonstop journey to success. Her first feature
performance was in 1991 as "Denise" in Up Against the Wall (1991). However, her breakthrough
role was in 1993's How U Like Me Now (1992), which received favorable reviews. Today, Salli is
widelyknown as the voice of "Elisa" in the cartoon series Gargoyles (1994). So, be sure to look
out for Salli in a variety of upcoming roles, because her presence & star quality will continue to
shine beyond Eureka (2006).
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Troy Byer.
Troy Byer began her career in show business at the ripe age of four as one of the original cast members on Sesame Street. Although Troy has worked most of her life as an actress (Dynasty, Murder One, The Cosby Show), writer (BAPS, Love Don't Cost A Thing, Soul Food) and director of major studio films she is also author of Amazon best seller, "Ex-Free: 9 Keys To Freedom After Heartbreak". After earning her Master's Degree in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Liberal, Eco and Community Psychology, Troy has dedicated her life to working with and teaching individuals and communities how to heal from pain caused by heartbreak. She is also the founder of Heartbreak Recovery Centers (HRC) a national organization dedicated to hosting free daily, transformational meetings for heartbreak sufferers. Troy has appeared on numerous s
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Will Packer.
Producer Will Packer has established himself as one of Hollywood’s blockbuster hit makers with seven of his films opening number one at the box office. In 2014, he accomplished the rare feat of producing two films in the top six at the box office and became one of the only African-American producers to have seven films debut at number one during opening weekend. Packer’s number one films include No Good Deed (2014), Think Like A Man Too (2014), Ride Along (2014), Think Like A Man (2012), Takers (2010), Obsessed (2008) and Stomp The Yard (2007). His next film, The Wedding Ringer, starring Kevin Hart and Josh Gad, debuts in theaters January 16, 2015.
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live host Stacy Ike interviews special guest Rick Fox.
Born in Toronto, Rick Fox moved to the Bahamas when he was very young. His father is Afro-Bahamian, and his mother, who is Canadian, is of Italian and Scottish descent. Rick went to Warsaw Indiana high school as an exchange student and played basketball there. A complaint was filed about his eligibility and it was ruled one of his earlier years in the Bahamas was equivalent to a year of high school. As a result, he was banned from playing his senior year. To keep himself sharp and in playing shape, he still practiced with the team every day. Majored in radio, television, and motion picture sciences and played college basketball at UNC, where he left as the all-time school steals leader and games played leader. Upon graduating, he was selected 24th overall in the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. After several seasons with the Celtics, he signed with the Los Angeles Lake
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, no new episodes this week.
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Wilson Cruz.
Wilson Cruz, whose heritage is Puerto Rican, was born in New York City, the eldest of three brothers. Early on, his parents encouraged his interest in the theater. At age seven, Wilson began appearing in plays, among them
"Cradle of Fire," "Supporting Cast," "Becoming Memories," and "The Roar of the Greasepaint...," as well as in a number of Shakespearean productions on both coasts. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Wilson also performed across the country with Young Americans, and has been featured in shows seen at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Sea World/Orlando.
When the young actor was 10, he moved with his family to San Bernardino, California, where he grew up. A graduate of Eisenhower High School, he attended California State University at San Bernardino, where he was pursuing a double
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Keith Robinson.
Singer/songwriter/actor Keith Robinson (a.k.a. Black Keith) was born in Kentucky, where he discovered his love of the arts at a young age. Singing took center stage in high school in Augusta, Georgia, and he was signed to a contract while attending the University of Georgia. Robinson was picked up by Motown Records and went on to perform with several top artists.
To put his career in high gear, Robinson decided to make a transition and move out to Los Angeles to further his singing career and try his hand at his other love, acting. His very first audition landed him the role of Joel Rawlings, the Green Ranger on one of television's highest rated children's series, Fox's Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue. On the heels of Power Rangers came a lead role in the NBC television movie The Princess and the Marine
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Omari Hardwick.
Born "Omari Latif Hardwick," he grew up in Decatur, Georgia. Hardwick's parents gave him a name to set a precedent, "Omari" meaning "most high," and "Latif" meaning "gentle." He shares, "I in no way believe that I am the highest or most high, but I feel like my name gives me something to strive for." Growing up, sports were Hardwick's world, but early on he knew he had a passion for the arts. By the age of 14, Hardwick was writing poetry on a regular basis, a passion he would carry with him into adulthood. In high school, he excelled at basketball, baseball, and football, and went on to play football at the University of Georgia. Although a star on the field, Hardwick never gave up his passion for acting, and minored in theatre in college. He shares, "I hugely attribute sports to my success in entertainment business.
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Larenz Tate.
Larenz Tate stars as Dr. Alex , Rush’s (Tom Ellis, “Miranda”) best friend and a determined, high-ranking physician at one of Los Angeles’ top hospitals, in USA Network’s medical drama “Rush.”
Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Tate is recognized as an actor, writer and activist-- recently adding producer and director to his list of accomplishments.
Tate is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking role in the cult classic “Menace II Society.” His feature film credits include “Inkwell,” “Dead Presidents,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Love Jones,” “A Man Apart,” “Waist Deep” and “Biker Boyz,” among others. Tate co-starred in the three-time Academy Award-winning film “Crash,” as well as the film “Ray” opposite Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington.
His television credits include starring roles
BHL: Portraits -- In this episode Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and DJ Jesse Janedy interview Eriq La Salle.
Actor/director Eriq La Salle is best known to worldwide television audiences for his award-winning portrayal of the commanding Dr. Peter Benton on the critically acclaimed and history-making medical drama E.R.
Educated at Juilliard and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, his credits range from Broadway to film roles opposite Eddie Murphy in "Coming to America" and Robin Williams in "One Hour Photo." La Salle has maintained a prolific acting career while at the same time working steadily as a director, taking the helm for HBO and Showtime in addition to episodics such as Law & Order, CSI: New York and Under the Dome, to name a few.
La Salle published his debut novel, Laws of Depravity, to stunning reviews, including the coveted Kirkus Star, Reader's Choice Best Thriller of 2013 and overwhelm
In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Kyla Pratt.
Since age eight, this young star has been radiating from our television sets. After getting her start in commercials for Nike, the California native soon became a popular face in the world of television. Having guest starred on numerous TV shows, Kyla got her biggest break in 2005 when she starred on two number one shows at the same time, Disney's The Proud Family & One on One alongside Flex Alexander. In addition to television, Kyla 's appeared in numerous films such as Dr. Doolittle, Fat Albert and the cult classic Love & Basketball. Currently, Kyla co-stars on the hit BET series Let's Stay Together, currently in it's fourth season. In August 2013, Kyla gave birth to her 2nd child and is currently balancing career and motherhood.
This interview was recorded on April 25th, 2014.
In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Nick Perdue and Megan Thomas interview special guest Terrence 'TC' Carson.
Born and raised in Chicago, T.C. was encouraged to follow his dreams to be a performer by his family since he was a young boy.
He began his career as a dancer and easily slid into performing in many plays and musicals such as "The Wiz," "Dreamgirls" and "Ain't Misbehavin." Carson also starred in the 90's comedy Living Large and is now part of the Star Wars universe as he has voiced the characters of Darth Vader and Mace Windu in animated series and video games.
Terrence is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and frequently moonlights as a jazz vocalist in several clubs. In 2002, he released his debut CD entitled, Truth
This interview was recorded on April 18th, 2014.
In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Ernest Thomas.
Mr. Ernest L. Thomas, President and CEO of Ernest Thomas Media Group 8 and Bravokid Management has over 30 years of achievement in Theatre, Television and films.
Ernest is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. The Academy boasts over 75 Academy Award nominees or winners. Previous graduates include, Robert Redford, Danny DeVito, Kim Cattrall, the late Spencer Tracey, Cecil B. DeMille and an impressive list too numerous to mention. Ernest also has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana State University in sociology and Psychology. Mr. Thomas's other professional and business accomplishments are the following:
Recipient of the LEGEND AWARD at the Peachtree Film Festival in Atlanta August
25th, 2013.
Recipient of BEST PRODUCER AWARD of a Reality show for "Kid J
In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Erica Hubbard.
Talented and gorgeous actress Erica Hubbard has been lighting up the big and small screens with her contagious and enticing smile for the past seven years. She can currently be seen as one of the leads of the popular first original scripted comedy series for the BET Network, "Let's Stay Together," produced by Queen Latifah and her Flavor Unit Entertainment production company. In the romantic comedy, Erica plays "Kita Whitmore," a fun loving, genuine, outspoken person who has a sense of humor and loves fashion! The fourth season premieres Tuesday, March 4th, 2014.
In addition to the show, Erica recently wrapped production with a strong supporting role in the upcoming indie film, My Favorite Five (TBD 2014), opposite Rochelle Aytes ("Mistresses") and Brian White (The Cabin in the Woods). You can currently catch her starring as 'Mita,' a gol
In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Richard Brooks.
Richard Brooks is an actor/director/singer-songwriter, best known for his powerful portrayal of ADA Paul Robinette in the original cast of the long running "Law and Order" television series franchise. His extensive acting credits include numerous substantial roles on television, film and stage that have shown his versatility to shine through any genre.
His notable performances include the notorious bounty hunter in Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the iconic Henry McNeil in the SyFy/USA network cult favorite "Good vs. Evil" and pivotal guest appearances on "NCIS," "NYPD Blue," and "Lie to Me."
Along with his impressive resume of television credits Brooks has also lit up the big screen with his unforgettable characters in "The Crow: City of Angels," "To Sleep with Anger," and the critically acclaimed Vietnam War saga,
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