Entertainment: What Ever Happened To?


Where Are They Now

    Will Smith: William 'Will' Smith
    In the late 1980s Philadelphia native Will Smith began his career in the music industry by teaming up with his friend Jeff Townes to form the hip-hop group DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. A few years later, Smith landed a staring role in his very own TV sitcom, 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' During the show's six year run he played William 'Will' Smith, who was a street-savvy adolescent from West Philadelphia.

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    Will Smith: Mr. July
    Since the show ended in 1996, Smith has maintained a strong presence in Hollywood- now commanding a reported $20 million per film. In addition to marrying actress Jada-Pinkett Smith, he has starred in several blockbuster flicks such as, 'Bad Boys,' 'Independence Day,' 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' and 'I Am Legend.' On July 2, Smith will play the role of superhero John Hancock in his 16th feature film 'Hancock.'

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    Tyra Banks: Jackie Ames
    Before she became the force behind 'America's Next Top Model,' Tyra Banks began her television career on the fourth season of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' During her seven episode run on the sitcom, the Cover Girl cosmetics spokeswoman played Smith's longtime friend Jackie Ames. Her appearance on the sitcom was just the beginning of her journey through the Hollywood ranks.

    Warner Bros.

    Tyra Banks: America's Next Top Mogul
    Today, Banks is far from Bel-Air. In addition to starring in feature films 'Coyote Ugly' and 'Higher Learning,' the supermodel-turned-TV mogul is now an executive producer of her own CW Network shows 'America's Next Top Model' and 'The Tyra Banks Show.' On top of that, Banks recently added to her long list of accomplishments by receiving a Daytime Emmy Award for her nationally syndicated talk-show.

    Nia Long: Lisa Wilkes
    After making her second movie appearance in John Singleton's Academy Award nominated 'Boyz N The Hood,' Nia Long decided to bring her talent to 'Bel-Air.' Long played Will Smith's girlfriend turned fiancée Lisa Wilkes. Over the course of 16 episodes the two maintained a relationship that eventually evolved in the two getting engaged.

    Warner Bros.

    Nia Long: Bold & Beautiful
    Following her 'Fresh Prince' days, Long has managed to not only land roles in 'Soul Food' and 'The Best Man,' she has also achieved success based off of her physical assets. In 2000, 'People' magazine voted the Brooklyn siren as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in the world. During that same year, the 'Love Jones' actress took the last place spot on Black Men's Magazine's poll of "The 10 Sexiest Women of the Year." As for her acting skills, NAACP recognized Long in 2004 with their Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series for her role on 'Third Watch.' The former 'Dark & Lovely' hair care spokeswoman also starred in the first and only season of the ABC series 'Big Shots.'

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    Tatyana Ali: Ashley Banks
    Beginning a TV/music career at the tender age of five can only lead to a successful career at an early age. Tatyana Ali was first known to the public as Ashley Banks on the popular sitcom. Despite pursuing a career in acting, Ali still managed to incorporate her musical talents on some episodes. The multi-talented singer/actress showcased her skills by singing popular songs such Aretha Franklin's 'Respect.'

    Warner Bros.

    Tatyana Ali: Triple Threat Talent
    It was only a matter of time before the North Bellmore, Long Island native would pursue her childhood dream of being a singer. Her debut album 'Kiss The Sky,' which featured the singles 'Daydreamin' and 'Boy You Knock Me Out' with Will Smith, went gold in early 1999. Earlier this year she contributed to will.i.am's 'Yes We Can' song supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Her recent acting credits include 'Glory Road,' 'Nora's Hair Salon' and 'The Young and the Restless.' The 'Fresh Prince' beauty is also featured as a hostess of BlackVoices' 'Weekly Wire' show.

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    Alfonso Ribiero: Carlton Banks
    Most notably for his outrageous dancing to Tom Jones' 'It's Not Unusual,' Carlton Banks was definitely a stand out on the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' Unlike his cool cousin Will, Carlton was considered to be a nerd and uptight amongst Will and his friends. Alfonso's role on the hit show wasn't his first, the multitalented actor/singer made his acting debut many years earlier at age eight on the PBS series 'Oye Ollie.' He also starred in the Broadway musical 'The Tap Dance Kid' and appeared in popular Pepsi commercials with Michael Jackson during his 'Thriller' heyday.

    Warner Bros.

    Alfonso Ribiero: Host with the Most
    Following the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Ribeiro played the role of Dr. Maxwell Stanton on L.L. Cool J's sitcom 'In The House.' Most recently, the New York City native appeared in reality show competitions 'Celebrity Duets,' which he won, and 'The Singing Bee.' This summer, he makes his game show host debut as the host of GSN's newest game show 'Catch 21.'

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Black Entertainment News Blog: BV Newswire

Entertainment News

From fast breaking entertainment news updates, exclusive interviews with celebrity notables to off the cuff commentary and tongue-in-cheek prose, The BV Newswire prides itself on being the factual online source for all things entertainment -- as it pertains to African Americans and people of color, globally.
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Black Movies Blog: It's All Reel

Black Film Coverage

For up to the minute coverage of who's coming up and what's going down on the film circuit, BlackVoices.com contributor Wilson Morales delivers the goods with box-office figures, late breaking casting updates, and engaging interviews.
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Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment Coming out next month in limited theaters is 'Black Dynamite', which stars Michael Jai White. Directed by Scott Sanders, the films also features Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Obba Babatunde, Kym Whitley, Mykelti Williamson, Bokeem Woodbine, Kevin Chapman,... Read More

Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment While there's plenty of time before next summer, Paramount is releasing various posters of the cast from 'Star Trek', and today they put out a new poster of Uhura, who is the young communications officer on the USS Enterprise, and will be played by Zoe... Read More

Filed under: It's All Reel, EntertainmentAfter all the hype and magazine covers and endless talk amongst teens, the vampire flick 'Twilight' is finally in theaters. Is it worth seeing? Is it any good? Does it matter what's written or said? The answer is no to all, but it certainly leaves room... Read More

Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment Just released this week is 'Tropic Thunder' Unrated Director's Cut two-disc DVD and Blu-ray, as well as in a single-disc DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment. Directed by Ben Stiller, the cast includes himself, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Nick Nolte,... Read More

Filed under: It's All Reel, Entertainment Just when Eddie Murphy stated earlier this year that he may be ready to hang it up, especially after the dismal performance of his last film, 'Meet Dave', word from the trades is that Universal Pictures Imagine Entertainment is thinking of making a third... Read More

Black Entertainment Gossip Blog: BV Buzz

Black Entertainment Gossip

Jawn Murray is back and better than ever. With the new refashioned version of his wildly-popular BV Buzz column -- now a blog -- the Washington, D.C. based celebrity journalist is ready to deliver all the scoop we've grown to expect from him, as it revolves around Black Hollywood and beyond.
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Filed under: BV Buzz, EntertainmentBy Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com A rep for Katt Williams confirmed for the BV Buzz that the comic will take some time off to deal with his personal problems. "Following an arduous 300 shows and an 18-month touring schedule that... Read More

Filed under: BV Buzz, EntertainmentBy Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com 'The View's' Sherri Shepherd is one of the many talents whose voice can be heard in 'Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.' The 41-year-old, who was an actress on shows... Read More

Filed under: BV Buzz, Entertainment By Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com Soul crooner Chico DeBarge is readying his return to music scene. The youngest of the DeBarge family of singers, the 42-year-old vocalist (whose full name is Jonathan Arthur... Read More

Filed under: BV Buzz, EntertainmentBy Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com Most reality TV stars fade into oblivion shortly after their season airs. Not the case with Omarosa, the breakout star of 'The Apprentice' who has... Read More

Filed under: BV Buzz, EntertainmentBy Jawn Murray, BlackVoices.com Life is good for 19-year-old entertainer Corbin Bleu. His new movie 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' topped the box office with a whopping $42 million this past weekend. ... Read More

The BoomBox: Beats, Rhymes & Life

Nas

Are you interested in the latest news in Hip-Hop? Well pump up the volume and tune into The BoomBox for the latest in hip-hop news, videos, songs, exclusive interviews and more.
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Filed under: Busted, Say What!The Boombox Music Blog: Up-and-coming rapper Rico Todriquez Wright took "keeping it real" too far when he boasted about shooting Chad Blue on a song that has now landed him in jail. According to the Associated Press, Wright wrote and released a song in which... Read More

Filed under: Soul/R'n'B, R'n'B News, Tours and ConcertsThe Boombox Music Blog: Musicians Alicia Keys and John Legend are set to perform for the network's show 'CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute'. The show which will air globally on Thanksgiving will be televised from Hollywood's Kodak Theater. Hosted... Read More

Filed under: Hip-Hop, MoviesThe Boombox Music Blog: 50 Cent has joined the cast of a new hard-hitting British gangster movie titled 'Dead Man Running.' Set in London, 50 will play a ruthless loan shark who seeks $150,000 from an ex-con who is given 24 hours to pay or become "a dead man... Read More

Filed under: Photo of the WeekThe Boombox Music Blog: Who: Jay-ZWhat: The hip-hop mogul and partial owner of the New Jersey Nets supports his team as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.Where: East Rutherford, NJWhen: Nov. 18, 2008. Next Photo... Read more Read More

Filed under: Hip-Hop VideosThe Boombox Music Blog: Artist: Kanye West Song: 'Heartless'Why You Should Watch: The rapper/producer gets animated in the video for his new single off his upcoming album, '808s Heartbreak.' Buy 'Heartless' on iTunes. ... Read more Read More

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