The Love From ‘Hate’ “I’m extremely happy that America has responded the way they have,”
Terry Crews , who stars in the UPN hit series ‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ told Black Voices this weekend, “particularly Black America.” The 37-year-old Flint, Michigan native has starred in a string of comedic films including ‘The Longest Yard,’ ‘Soul Plane’ and most notably ‘White Chicks.’ But appearing on television every week has brought a much broader level of notoriety to the former professional football player. “The thing about movies is that I was always ‘that guy,’ … and now I’m on the street and people are like ‘Terry Crews’ and I’m thinking that they are old buddies but they are people who just know my name now. The power of television is amazing.”
‘Everybody Hates Chris,’ also starring
Tichina Arnold,
Tequan Richmond,
Imani Hakim and
Tyler James Williams -- is up for two major awards this season: the People’s Choice Award for ‘Favorite New TV Comedy’ and the Golden Globe Award for ‘Best Television Series: Musical or Comedy.’ “Let me tell you, it is just an honor to be nominated because as we all know there are not a lot of African American-themed shows around and to be considered in the same breath as a ‘Desperate Housewives’ or ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm.’ This is an honor.”
Power MovesThis month, BET CEO
Debra Lee officially became a member of the Board of Directors for Revlon Cosmetics. Last year, the core BET cable channel delivered its best-ever audience with households and viewers increasing by an impressive 17%, a spokesperson for the network confirmed. Within the past six months with Lee at the helm, BET celebrated its 25th anniversary, fine-tuned its business portfolio, and made executive moves focused on original programming. "The momentum we have gives us optimism heading into 2006,” Lee said in a statement issued last Thursday. “The thought of trying to match or surpass last year's performance is a challenge we certainly welcome." Ms. Lee already serves on the Board of Directors of Eastman Kodak Company, and Marriott International, Inc., among other organizations.
On Jan. 5,
Earl G. Graves Sr., founder of ‘Black Enterprise,’ named his son
Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. as the company's new Chief Executive Officer and President. The new appointment marks a milestone for the family-owned media company, whose flagship publication reportedly provides more than 3.7 million readers with information on African American business markets, financial management, entrepreneurship, and careers. “My mission is to build upon the success of what he established, while finding new media outlets that will grow our business and demonstrate all things possible to our core audience,” Butch Graves said.
‘Heartbeats,’ ‘Hustle’ At Home‘The Five Heartbeats,’
Robert Townsend’s beloved film about the rise and fall of a 1960s R&B group, returns to DVD form with a special 15th Anniversary Edition on Jan. 10. The new DVD package includes the complete CD soundtrack and bonus viewing options of never before seen footage. Directed, co-written by and starring Townsend, the film won a 1992 ASCAP Award for the song “Nights Like This.” Also starring
Michael Wright,
Leon,
Harry J. Lennix and
Tico Wells, ‘The Five Heartbeats’ was co-written by
Keenan Ivory Wayans, and reportedly based on the soul outfit
The Dells.
The critically acclaimed
John Singleton-produced ‘Hustle & Flow’ makes its debut on DVD Jan. 10.
Terence Dashon Howard –in his first lead role-- plays a Memphis-based pimp pursuing a career in hip hop. The
Craig Brewer-directed film –made for $8 million and grossed over $22 million-- also stars
Anthony Anderson,
Taraji P. Henson,
Ludacris,
Taryn Manning,
DJ Qualls and
Paula Jai Parker. The DVD package includes writer and director commentary and behind the scenes features, but no deleted scenes.
