Black Celebrity Men

(pic spotted on AOL's BV Buzz with Jawn Murray)

Check out Lamman Rucker in the new off-Broadway production of Black Angels over Tuskegee. It opened last month in New York City and is based on true events of six men who explored their collective struggle with Jim Crow, their intelligence, patriotism, dreams of an inclusive fair society, and brotherhood as they become the first African American fighter pilots in the U.S. Army Air Forces. Black Angels Over Tuskegee goes beyond the headlines of the popular stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and exposes the men who exhibited the courage to excel in spite of all the overwhelming odds against them.

Those featured in the cast alongside Lamman include Demetrius Gross, Thom Scott II, Antonio Charity, Layon Gray, David Wendell Boykins, Derek Shaun, Jay Jones, and Rich Skidmore. In addition to being an official selection of the 2009 National Black Theater Festival, the play recently won a 2009 NAACP Award for Best Ensemble and a 2009 Artistic Director Achievement Award for Best Play.

Check out pics form the guys' rehearsal before opening night.


SEE MORE PICS WHEN YOU CLICK THE LINK BELOW!

Tyler Perry kicked off his latest tour Madea's Big Happy Family last week in El Paso, Texas and will run through May. And after reading fans' comments on Tyler's Facebook page, the play is a instant hit! A lot of readers have been asking me what the play is about and who else stars is in it. For a while I couldn't find anything...until today. I can now tell you Cassi Davis (who plays Aunt Ella on House of Payne), Palmer Williams Jr. (who plays Floyd on House of Payne), singer Cheryl Pepsi Riley, Chandra Currelley, Tamar Davis and Donnie Sykes (he also starred in Tyler's stage play The Marriage Counselor) all star alongside Tyler, who of course plays Madea. Tyler also cast a couple of guys he found on Youtube (and I am too lazy to look their names up). I know, I know, I know. Some of yall may be wondering, 'Where's the eye candy?' The hell if I know! I'm wondering too!

Here's the play's synopsis (may include spoilers so read at your own discretion):

The family matriarch, Shirley, has experienced a recurrence of her unnamed cancer and the muscular, hunky doc gives her four- to six-weeks to live. She tries to convene the family - including her three warring daughters, two struggling sons and a crack-addled brother - to break the news. But they are so busy bickering and worrying about their own agendas - one's a real estate agent in overdrive, another a frumpy "old maid" at 32, another resorts to selling drugs to please his brand-name addicted girlfriend - that mom can't get a word in edgewise. When the family finally finds out her fate, it's too late to clean up their acts.

After Shirley's death, depicted in a lengthy scene that features one of the show's most inspirational songs (performed by actress Chandra Currelley as Shirley) and a hokey video showing her ascension into a cloud-filled heaven, it's up to Madea to set things straight, which she does with typically no-nonsense clarity and a lot of nostalgia for '70s R&B music.

I also found the following review written by Doug Pullen (of the El Paso Times) from Tyler's opening night and it had me hollering out loud in laughter. He said:

The key, of course, is Perry himself. He's literally a big, towering presence onstage, something his fans have been missing for half a decade now, and it's obvious who's in charge from all the self-inflicted humor. He manages to direct the play while onstage, fully acknowledging the performance's occasionally unpolished, dress rehearsal quality of the some moments in an otherwise inspired performance. The tall, 40-year-old, funny and religious Perry - who infuses a strong dose of old-time religion into his narrative - also paused the show to tie back a curtain so the audience on far stage right could see better, picked on cast members for rushing scenes or missing lines, not delivering a line with enough conviction, and, apparently, eating Doritos when off stage.

He often kept the audience, cast members and himself in stitches over his occasional interruption - in character, no less - for self-deprecating remarks about his own inability to remember his lines and his desire to "pop, pop, pop" a gum-chewing fan in the front row who was distracting him.

Now can you just picture Tyler in his Madea costume doing all of that? You can check Tyler's official website TylerPerry.com to see if your city (or a city near you) has been added to the tour. But remember to keep checking though because he's adds new cities periodically. My only problem is trying to decide if I want to attend a Jacksonville show or wait (hope and pray) to see if he adds Tallahassee to the list.
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Here's a handsome face we haven't seen in a while. And after 42 years it still looks just about the same. Christopher Williams and his cousin Al B. Sure! were just a couple of reasons why beige brothers became so sought after back in the late 80s/early 90s. Christopher was more like a triple threat though. Dude could sing (I still groove to Dreamin' and Promises) act and look good doing it! Oh, and don't think because we haven't seen or heard much from Christopher that he isn't still doing his thing. Over the past several years or so Christopher has gone from being the victim of a death hoax to starring in several stage plays including Men Cry in the Dark, A Good Man is Hard to Find, A House is Not a Home, The Clean Up Woman (where he played the main character), Guilty Until Proven Innocent, starring K-Ci and JoJo, and The Man of Her Dreams. These days Christopher spends his time writing lyrics, performing, producing, editing, collaborating with numerous singers and musicians.

Although Christopher is a gifted singer and actor, most of us tend to remember more details about Christopher's personal life than his professional life. Like the fact that he has a 19-year-old son with Stacey Dash and that he had a much talked about relationship and public break-up with Halle Berry. After Halle revealed in an interview that she'd suffered physical abuse (and became partially deaf in one ear because of it) at the hands of an ex-boyfriend who was well known in the entertainment industry, a nasty rumor implicating Christopher as the culprit spread like wildfire. Christopher never spoke about the allegations publicly until a couple of years ago in an interview with eurweb.com. He made it known that it wasn't him who burst Halle's eardrum, it was actorWesley Snipes who'd done the dirty domestic deed.

“The stuff they wrote about Halle Berry was totally false! They said something like I busted her eardrum and I’m tired of it. I never said it [before] but I’m so tired of people thinking that I’m the guy [who did it]. Wesley Snipes busted her eardrum, not me!...I have men come up to me like, 'How could you just leave Halle Berry?' I'm like, how could you just leave the last relationship you was in? They would probably crucify Jesus again just to get with her. It's funny because the stars that get all of the good write-ups, you go and meet them and they are total assholes. She is just a woman, but because her name is in lights, people are damned near ready to bare their souls."

LMAO!!

In the meantime and in between time, check out this recent photo shoot Christopher did with HM magazine a couple of months ago.

Remember to click on each pic to see its full image.

PICTURES COURTESY OF HM MAGAZINE!
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Hellurr! She's back! Gun-toting, no-bra-wearing, fry-pan-wielding, dropping-it-like-it's-hot, criminal-record-having, grit-ball-playing, curse-you-out-and-hurt-your-feelings-in-a-minute Madea will return to a stage near you for the first time in over five years!

After producing and starring in several film versions of his plays featuring Madea, Tyler Perry is bringing his signature character back to the stage in a new production set to tour in 2010. Tyler posted a message on his Web site Saturday (December 26) that said he had taken some time off in the past few months "so I could spend my mother's final days at her side." His mother, Willie Maxine Perry, died Dec. 8 at age 64.

“You can’t imagine how much I need to be in front of the people right now,” Perry said on his Web site. “To get that give-and-take, I am so looking forward to it. Can you believe it’s been 5 years since I’ve toured? So I’m coming to make you hurt yourself in a good way. This is truly my BIGGEST and BEST PLAY EVER! Trust me when I tell you, I need to laugh and make you laugh even harder. All I want to say is that if you have not seen 'MADEA' live on stage you haven't seen Madea at all. In the movies, I'm limited but on stage...FREEEEEEDDOMMMM!! LOL. I’ve done some things in this show that have never been seen in a play before. The show is hilarious! I mean, it’s so funny that we can’t get through rehearsals. We’re trying to get it all out now. And the music! The music is off the chain. So come on out, I’d love to see you there. It’s bigger and better than anything I’ve ever done. I’m excited about it, I really am.”

Tyler says he will begin touring with his new play, Madea's Big Happy Family, on Jan. 4 in El Paso, Texas. The first leg then goes on to Phoenix, San Diego, Seattle and Portland, Ore, reports the Associated Press.

Hopefully, he'll add Tallahassee, Florida to his tour. I swear on everything I know and own, I'mma do my best to be get a first row seat. I refuse to relive my last Tyler Perry stage play experience again. Click here to see the complete list of tour dates.
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Natosha, a new (and hopefully permanent!)reader of mine emailed (see email below) me a few days ago after visiting my site and noticing that I have featured just about every popular piece of eye candy Tyler Perry has cast in his stage plays and movies except her favorite: Mike Storm. She said:

"I understand that you have your site geared towards men in the industry and I notice that you have almost every man that has been in the Tyler Perry Plays and movies but how could you possibly not have the sexiest one of all on your site? You don't have Mike Storm anywhere on there.. He was the most popular character. Ronnie best known as "Puerta Rifa" from the play Madea's Family Reunion who was the abusive fiance that was marrying Madea's grandaughter..I have some hot pics of him girl and I can email them to you cuz im his biggest fan and I been waiting to see when u were gonna do a feature on him. He is 6'2 , 220lbs and nothing but pure fineness so please get him up on the site!! Email me back when ur gonna do a feature on him and I can give u his upcoming projects and stuff. Thanks gurl, hope to see my boo up on ya site soon!!"

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hearing from and receiving positive and negative feedback and requests from my readers. Her email just screamed excitement! LOL! I just had to post this feature. I also had to admit to her the fact that I had never heard of him because when it comes to Tyler's male leads, there's just so many, and after a while I stop trying to figure out who's who and just enjoy the view. So I told her to send me some background info and pictures (how gorgeous is this man?) on Mike and I would make sure to feature him on Black Celebrity Men because he is definitely up and coming. I said the same thing about Lamman Rucker 3 years ago on my other blog and now everybody and their mama (including mine) love themselves some Sheriff Troy! But I digress.

Mike (real name Christian Michael Storm), 33, is a rock solid 6 foot 2, 220 pounds of pure African-American/Indian ancestry. Born in Ohio and now living in New Jersey, Mike wears many hats but he is probably better known in the entertainment industry and among his biggest fans as the trifling, insecure Ronnie from Tyler's hit stage play Madea's Family Reunion. However, acting isn't his only forte. Mike is also a model who has appeared in dozens of national print ads and television commercials for major corporations such as Proctor & Gamble, Delta Airlines, Nike and Adidas. He has also been a body double for Deion Sanders. Mike's other straight-to-dvd acting credits include Get Right or Get Left, Our Father, Who You Gonna Serve? and I Used to be a Church Girl. According to his number one fan, Mr. Storm is also a screen writer as well as singer. He's currently working on his debut album.

And there you have it. If any of you out there would like to see any other Black Celebrity Man featured on this site, just let me know by clicking the 'CONTACT' icon at the top of page!
Thank You Natosha!
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I heard a throwback from Silk the other day. I believe it was Lose Control (I loved John-John's voice! He was my favorite member until I heard him refer to his children as his very own 'rainbow coalition.' No sir. Needless to say, that crush died with the quickness!). I love that song! Of course, after listening to the song, I couldn't help but finish listening to the rest of the cd. I wondered what the members of Silk were up to these days so my nosy-by-nature self checked their myspace accounts and learned that the group still perform together very often, which is a good look. Lil G. left the group in 2002 to release his debut solo album. Soon after he began performing in several stage plays, but it looks like he's back for good.

On ajc.com, I found pics of the guys performing at the Delta Classic Chastain Concert Series last August in Atlanta. En Vogue and Tony, Toni Tone also performed.

Looks like I've been sleeping on Silk for the past couple of years because according to their Myspace page:

In 2006 the group returned with their sixth album "Always And Forever" this time on well known R&B/Soul, Contemporary, and Jazz label Shanachie Records. The album featured covers of classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B. The songs on the album included remakes of Adore by Prince, Don't Disturb This Groove by The System, Always And Forever by Heatwave, Nite And Day by Al B. Sure, Secret Garden (Seduction Suite) by Quincey Jones, The Lady In My Life by Michael Jackson, Two Occasions by The Deele, and Side Show by Blue Magic also appeared on this album. Secret Garden was the first single for which a video was also released.

I think I may have to go cop that. And you best believe if they f-ed up my man's song, which also happens to be my favorite song from the Thriller album, I will be back to blog and bitch about it. Trust and believe.
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Please say it ain't so. Do you know how many women hearts broke (or will break) at the sight of these pictures? That's of course, if this is indeed you. The alleged pic of Terrell Carter, who has starred in several of Tyler Perry's stage plays and movies was anonymously posted on the infamous Lipstick Alley message boards. Word around the web is that Alex Cortez, the light dude (in the pic with Terrell) allegedly and initially posted these pics on a gay website as well as his Twitter page to seek revenge against Terrell. Messy, scorned or bitter much, Lexi? Click HERE to read Alex's Twitter page screencap.

And obviously I'm tardy to the party because these pics of Terrell at what appears to be a gay pride beach party in Brazil were posted on Flickr over a year and a half ago!

We adore you T.C., on BlackCelerbityMen.blogspot.com. So just in case you want to explain what this is all about, deny it, or confirm it, please hit me up via email. I'll be more than happy (matter of fact, I'd risk busting my ass) to post a quick retraction in an effort to clear your name because personally, I desperately want to believe the person in these pics is just a carbon copy of you...even down to the tattoos. Lord knows I've dealt with enough heartache in the past week and a half. First my Michael, and now this? July 2009 is not being kind to me at all. I'm also hearing Christian Keyes, another actor/model who has starred in Tyler's plays, allegedly bats for the other team.

Yall, gon' send me to an early grave. And my mama will NOT be happy about that!
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Scenes from Tyler Perry's latest stageplay The Marriage Counselor starring Tony Grant, Palmer Williams, Timon Kyle Durrett, Tamar Davis, Alltrinna Grayson and Jermaine Sellers.

With the comedic craftsmanship of his amazing talent, Tyler Perry presents different segments that identify the quality of marriage. Roger Jackson (Grant), and his wife Judith ( Davis) the marriage counselor would appear to have the perfect marriage. Roger's father, Floyd (Williams, Jr.) and Judith's mom, T.T. (Grayson) are temporary house guests post Katrina. Judith, the professional Ivy league-educated marriage counselor gives marital advice to couples who are confused and bewildered. However, what about her own marriage? Who can counsel the counselor when she turns to a certain college friend? The surprise elements of this adult-themed production is unpredictable yet very delightful.

If it comes to a city near your town, go see it. You won't regret it.

MORE PICS WHEN YOU CLICK THE LINK BELOW!

Hi, everyone and welcome to BlackCelebrityMen.blogspot.com. Thanks for visiting.

Nearly a month ago, my 'big sister' Nikki dragged me and my sister to see Tyler Perry's stageplay The Marriage Counselor at the Tallahassee Civic Center. I griped to my sister about attending because no matter how many times I tried to sit and watch a Tyler Perry screenplay, I'd always seem to lose interest once someone broke out into song! Something about someone holding a conversation then all of a sudden breaking out into a song freaked me out. I also never seemed to get past those gaudy stage sets. So when I decided to attend Tyler's play, I made sure to pack at least 2 books and 3 magazines to read once those people started singing. We get to the venue, go to our seats which were waaaaaaaaay up at the very top. I'm a little over five feet tall and I swear I could have touched the concrete beams above me if I stretched far enough!! I became a bit perturbed because although the folks on the stage looked like ants from where I was sitting, the section we were in was also very dim.... which meant I wouldn't be able to read my books and mags once the singing started. So I'm sitting there like, 'Seriously, Jesus?! For real? This is how You gonna do me?' I guess He got mad at me for questioning Him because the next thing I knew, some girl and her date came and sat in the seats next to me. Five seconds later, all I hear is 'CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH, SLURP, SLURP, SLURP, CRUNCH, CRUNNNCH, CRUUUUUUNCH!' This heffa and her man both going to town on some damn nachos and sodas! Eventually, the lights go down and show starts. Long story short, I LOVED it! Like I said before, I could barely see the actors, but their performances were so full of energy, I felt as if I had no other choice but to sit back and enjoy the show. I honestly don't remember laughing my ass off the way I did that night. I didn't want the show to end. Actor Palmer Williams, Jr. (who also co-stars on Tyler's House of Payne sitcom): I will never look at him the same again. He gained a new hardcore fan that night in Tallahassee. Timon Kyle Durrett. Yes, sir! The Marriage Counselor marks his stageplay debut. He has also had roles on Girlfriends, CSI NY, CSI Miami, Las Vegas and Heroes (thanks for the added info, Cherry. I had no idea). He gained a new fan in me too....and then some! Eye candy like you wouldn't believe is what he is. Yall might want to keep an eye on him. I see him doing big things in the near future. If you look at my banner on the homepage, he's the guy in between The Rock and Idris Elba. Fine, ain't he? Told ya. Needless to say, I never once reached in my purse to pull out a magazine or book! I told Nikki, 'We have to see this play again!'

That brings me to another reason as to why I started this site. I noticed Tyler cast the most fineness men in his films and plays: Terrell Carter, Lamman Rucker, Christian Keys, Boris Kodjoe, Allen Payne, Henry Simmons, Shemar Moore, Michael Jai White, Richard T. Jones, the aforementioned Timon Kyle Durrett, Blair Underwood, Rick Fox and Lance Gross....just to name a few. Then it hit me. A blog which features nothing but black male celebrities. There's BlackCelebKids.com, a website dedicated to the offspring of black celebrities. There's also a website which celebrates the beauty, style and accomplishments of Black and Brown women in Hollywood; and Pigskin Loving Lady, a blog which features only Black NFL players.

Before launching BlackCelebrityMen, I searched the web high and low in hopes of finding a website dedicated to our Black men in the entertainment and sports industry and came up with nothing. My first thought was to only shed light on the media's sexiest black men. Then I thought to myself, 'That's not fair. What if JoJo (of K-Ci & JoJo) fall and bust his ass again? Or what if 50-leven year old Flavor Flav scores another buffoonery of a reality show? Or Kanye West throws another bitch-fit over the pettiest thing just because he feels the urge to?' Surely I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge those events!

All of the explanations above are my primary reasons for creating this blog. Actors, pro athletes, singers, rappers, authors, up-and-coming authors...if they're black men in the the media industry...even the has-beens and the D-list, chances are sooner or later you'll find a post about them here. So take a look around. Hopefully, you'll like what you see and come back for more; and please don't hesitate to tell me what you think of the site. I'm open to any suggestions you all may have that will make this a better blog. Also, I'm still working on adding more blog links as well as a better looking banner for the site as well as an official logo. So if anyone has any suggestions, tips or want to provide assistance, just drop me an email at BlackCelebrityMen@gmail.com.

Once again, I thank you all ever so kindly for visiting BlackCelebrityMen.blogspot.com.
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