Ready For Her Close UpKerry Washington has taken on her biggest role to date -- as the newest face of L'Oreal Paris. The cosmetic giant made the announcement late last week that the Bronx, New York born actress has signed an exclusive worldwide contract to serve as a spokesperson for the company and its brands.
The 'She Hate Me' star will first appear in a print ad campaign for L'Oreal Paris' HIP High Intensity Pigments, described as a new cosmetic collection for women who love color. "It's really exciting for me to be one of the faces of L'Oreal and to be working with a company that has historically represented so many different kinds of women with different kinds of skin color," said Washington, 29. Ads will debut later this year and L'Oreal brass are excited about the new association. "[She's] a rising star with acknowledged talent, who has won the admiration of many women with her acting ability," declared
Youcef Nabi, International General Manager of L'Oreal Paris. "We can't wait to see her magnificent eyes light up our newest ad campaigns." L'Oreal Paris President
Carol J. Hamilton added, "Kerry has proven to be one of Hollywood's most exciting new actresses, and she has truly shined opposite some of the biggest names in the film industry. We know that she will bring that same spirit and spark, as well as her incredible natural beauty, to all her work with L'Oreal."
Making her cinematic debut in 2000's award winning indie release, 'Our Song,' the George Washington University alum has starred in a string of successful films including 'Ray', 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' and last summer's blockbuster, 'Fantastic Four.' The L'Oreal campaign puts her in elite company. Other celebrity spokespersons for the L'Oreal brands have included
Beyonce Knowles,
Eva Longoria, and
Jennifer Lopez. "One of the main reasons I was so attracted to working with L'Oreal is because of their slogan, 'Because I'm Worth It'. L'Oreal is so much about supporting women, helping women feel good about themselves, and it's great to feel like I can be a part of that."
Winner of the 2005 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress, Washington just wrapped the historical drama 'The Last King of Scotland,' and is currently shooting the
Keenan Ivory Wayans-directed 'Little Man.' She will appear at a special presentation of
Eve Ensler's award winning play 'The Vagina Monologues' on March 27, at the Apollo Theater.
Major Apollo MissionBlack Voices has learned that the Apollo Theater will feature a star-studded line-up of shows this June, which is widely recognized as Black Music Month. According to a rep for the hallowed venue, concerts featuring rock & roll pioneer
Little Richard, Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin,
Gladys Knight & the Pips and a reunion of
Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, are planned. A special June 19 (Juneteenth), benefit performance is in the pipe line to raise funds for the Harlem Mecca -- which will cease performances through the summer to finish its final stage restoration.
Brown Gets DownPlatinum-selling R&B newcomer
Chris Brown will make his acting debut on the UPN sitcom 'One on One.' According to a network spokesperson, the hip-hop crooner --who graced the cover of the February issue of 'Vibe' magazine-- will perform his latest hit single 'Yo (Excuse Me Mss)' during the episode titled "Recipe for Disaster." The recent Soul Train Award and NAACP Image Award winner will also display his acting chops, on the show, during a Hollywood party scene where he expresses interest in the show's lead character Breanna, played by
Kyla Pratt. The episode will air March 27, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
'Crash' For Free'Crash' will be available for home viewing --free of charge -- on April 2 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) as part of Showtime Network's free preview weekend. The racially-charged
Paul Haggis-directed drama was winner of the Best Picture Oscar during the 78th Annual Academy Awards. Starring
Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Terrence Howard, Sandra Bullock, Thandie Newton, Jennifer Esposito, Larenz Tate and
Ludacris, the Los Angeles-based film garnered rave reviews upon its release last spring. The Showtime airing represents the cable television premiere of the movie.
Righteous Rap Pioneer PassesAccording to allhiphop.com,
Professor X of the rap group
X-Clan, died last week, in a New York-area hospital after a bout with meningitis. The artist, born
Lumumba Carson, was the son of
Sonny Carson, a Brooklyn community activist who produced the 1974 film 'The Education of Sonny Carson,' based on his autobiography. X-Clan burst onto the scene in 1990 with the album “To the East, Blackwards,” followed by “Xodus” in 1992. Professor X was also known as 'The Overseer' and released two solo albums: 1991's 'Years of the 9, On the Blackhand Side' and 1993's 'Puss 'N Boots (The Struggle Still Continues…).' While the Brooklyn-based group parted ways shortly after, the group reportedly announced plans for a reunion last December.
