Portraits

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Chavo Guerrero. Chavo Guerrero is a 20-year third generation veteran of the professionalwrestling industry who first debuted back in 1994 after having been trained by legendary family members Chavo Guerrero Sr., Eddie Guerrero, Hector Guerrero and Mando Guerrero. He started his career working in both Mexico and Japan and had a stint with New Japan Pro Wrestling prior to signing with World Championship Wrestling in 1996. During his 5-years with WCW Guerrero would both feud and team with his real life uncle Eddie Guerrero. He would become a 2-Time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and former 1-Time WCW Tag-Team Champion before the company closed in 2001. Guerrero's contract was one of 25 that were purchased by World Wrestling Entertainment in 2001 during the acquisition of WCW. He ended up spending a decade with the organization becoming one of the c

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Robinne Lee. Robinne Lee is the star of the new BET series "Being Mary Jane". She discusses working on the show and cast members. She also talks acting with Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Gabrielle Union and Don Cheadle. Robinne later tells her views on opportunities for African American actors in Hollywood, thoughts on "Selfies" and her love for photography and producing. This interview was recorded December 17th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Mel B. Melanie Brown has never been a shy one, which is evidenced by her vast and ever-expanding list of accomplishments. Best known as Mel B or “Scary Spice” of the Spice Girls, she can also add author, fashion leader, television personality, stage star, philanthropist, entrepreneur and mom to her list of ever expanding credits. From her early days growing up in Leeds, England, through her years in one of the most defining pop groups of this generation, and through such ventures as becoming a fan favorite on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2007, Mel B has earned her place in the entertainment lexicon. Doing the show earned her a vast and new American fan base with her cool, self-confident dancing style, finishing second in the contest. Mel B is always striving to do something different and always doing with a style that’s all her own. Currently, Me

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Taimak. Taimak grew up in New York City till he was seven years old.
Coming from an interracial background (African American and Italian) his parents chose to move his brother and two sisters to Europe.
That’s where he got his first taste of the entertainment business. At 11 years old, he had the privilege to meet legendary director and family friend Federico Fellini. Mr. Fellini took him on a tour of the set of “Roma” where he also met another film legend Vincent Minnelli. Taimak and his family eventually moved back to New York City where he delved deeper into martial arts training. He won the New York State kickboxing championship and the very next year he was cast by music mogul and Motown legend Berry Gordy to play the lead role in the cult classic film “The Last Dragon”. He was Bruce Leroy, the Bruce Lee wannabe in search of “The Glow”. Taim

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Bill Duke. Bill Duke recently received a Lifetime Achievement Tribute from the Directors Guild of America, as he joined the ranks of directors Stephen Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, and Clint Eastwood. What makes Bill Duke stand out from these other directors is the fact that he is a director who like Michael Shultz and Gordon Parks paved the way for African Americans in cinema beginning in the early 1970's. He is the founder and CEO of Duke Media, formerly Yagya Productions, which has been successfully producing film and television for over 30 years. Bill Duke formally served on the Board of Trustees of the American Film Institute and was appointed to the California State Film Commission Board by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bill Duke served as the Time Warner Endowed Chair of the Department of Radio Television and Film at

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Tommy 'Tiny' Lister. Tommy “Tiny” Lister is a highly recognizable actor, having worked in over 171 films in a 29-year span, with renowned directors such as Quentin Tarantino, John Singleton, Christopher Nolan, Hal Ashby, Roland Emmerich, F. Gary Gray, Renny Harlin, and Luc Besson. He joined Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando in the quirky Don Juan DeMarco, starred with Jon Voight in Runaway Train, and played the first black President in Luc Besson's sci-fi film The Fifth Element opposite Bruce Willis. Tiny is probably best known for his role as neighborhood bully “Deebo” opposite Chris Tucker and Ice Cube in the hit comedy Friday and reprising the role in the successful sequel Next Friday. Next year, New Line plans to make the fourth film, Last Friday. Tiny can next be seen in the horror cult classic The Human Centipede III, starring opposite Eric Roberts. In add

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Tahj Mowry. Tahj Mowry, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, is commonly known for playing the young prodigy on the Disney sitcom, Smart Guy. Tahj Mowry was born to Darlene Flowers, who eventually ended up managing the siblings early-career, and Timothy Mowry a police officer and a veteran of the war. Tahj Mowry made his acting debut at the age of four, in 1990 on the television series, Who's The Boss as a one-time guest star character,Greg. After that followed several other roles on memorable television sitcoms like Where I Live,Out All Night,Aladdin,Sonic The Hedge Hog, and his most memorable role in 1990 as Teddy on the hit-sitcom, Full House. Tahj Mowry had accomplished all these reprising guest and recurring roles before even reaching the age of ten! In 1994 Mowry joined his twin sisters, Tia and Tamera Mowry on their ABC hit-sitcom, Sister,Sister as the role of Co

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Cherie Johnson. Cherie Johnson (born November 21, 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA), is an American actress, author, columnist, executive producer, producer, and writer. She is of African American and Puerto Rican descent. Johnson first rose to fame at age six when she appeared on Punky Brewster as the fictional character Cherie and the show aired from 1984-1988 in first-run syndication on NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation). Punky Brewster later expanded into a cartoon series titled It's Punky Brewster, which she contributed her voice for Little Cherie and it aired from 1985-1987 on NBC. One of her most recognized acting roles is in Family Matters where she co-starred as the character Maxine and the show aired from 1989-1997 on ABC (American Broadcasting Corporation) and on CBS (ColumbiaBroadcasting System) from 1997-1998. With 215 episodes, Family Matters is the thi

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Alfonso Ribeiro. Alfonso Ribeiro was born in New York on September 21, 1971. Alfonso's family is from Trinidad & Tobago. Although rumor has been that he is of Dominican descent, he has stated in an interview that this is false. Neither he nor his family are from the Dominican Republic; they originate from Trinidad & Tobago. Ribeiro began his career when he debuted on the PBS show "Oye Ollie." After getting the starring role in the Broadway musical "The Tap Dance Kid" Ribeiro was spotted by Michael Jackson who cast him in one of the singer's many Pepsi commercials of that decade. At the age of 10 Ribeiro dabbled as a musician, releasing singles such as "Dance Baby," "Not Too Young (To Fall In Love)", "Sneak Away With Me" and "Time Bomb". It was about this time that he was cast as Ricky Schroder's best friend on the long-running series "Silver Spoons" (1982).

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Ruben Santiago Hudson. Ruben Santiago-Hudson is not only a Tony and Obie award-winning actor, but also an accomplished writer and director. He recently received the 2013 Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards for Best Direction of August Wilsons The Piano Lesson. Ruben stars in AMC’s gritty crime drama Low Winter Sun which films in Detroit and debuts on Sunday, August 11. Low Winter Sun about dark anitheros, boasts a stellar ensemble castwhich includes Mark Strong and is based on a 2006 British mini-series. Ruben starred on Broadway in Lydia Diamond’s play Stick Fly. Santiago-Hudson co-starred for three seasons as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery on the hit ABC series, Castle. His screenplay debut Lackawanna Blues for HBO, received the Humanitas Prize, a Christopher Award, National Board of Review Honors, a NAACP Image Award; and Emmy, Golden Globe and WGA nominations. Under

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Tim Story. Timothy Kevin Story was born on March 13, 1970 in Los Angeles, California. He began directing at the age of 12, making silent films with an 8mm camera he inherited from his older brother. His career aspirations expanded when he began producing talent shows at Westchester High School in Los Angeles. Tim was also voted student body president his senior year, enjoying his education there along with classmates like jazz pianist Eric Reed and actresses Regina King and Nia Long. While still in high school, Tim briefly flirted with the music industry as a rapper. He even performed with Ice T’s Rhyme Syndicate. However, just before signing a record deal with Warner Bros., Tim chose to no longer pursue performing, after learning his close friend and fellow performer had been fatally shot. Tim continued his career path at USC. He honed his storytelling sk

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Kristoff St. John. St. John portrayed a young Alex Haley in the ABC miniseries Roots: The Next Generations. He also made a small but notable appearance as Booker Brown on the ABC sitcom Happy Days, as well as a boyfriend of Denise Huxtable on an early episode of The Cosby Show. In his first major role, he appeared as Charlie Richmond, Jr. on the CBS sitcom Charlie & Co., along with Flip Wilson, Gladys Knight, and Jaleel White. St. John's first major soap role was Adam Marshall on the NBC soap opera Generations, the first daytime drama to feature a core African American family from its inception. After Generations was cancelled in 1991, he originated the role of Neil Winters on The Young and the Restless, where he continues to appear to this day. A cast member for 20 years, no African American actor has appeared on Y&R more frequently than St. John. In 1992, he won the

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Nadine Ellis. They discuss her upbringing in New York City, her dance background, getting started with the Pussycat Dolls, working with Carmen Electra, getting cast in Lifetime's Any Day Now, working with Eddie Murphy on Nutty Professor, her other roles in movies like Charlie's Angels, Gigli with JLo, Idlewood and Iron Man 2. They also go into her TV career with ER, Two & 1/2 Men, Bones and Touch. Later, they go discuss her role as Stacy on BET's Let's Stay Together and her "James Bond" like commercial for Toyota. Derrial, Jesse, and Courtney finish up with a round of fun games the leads to a dance off between Nadine and Derrial This interview was recorded May 10th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Quddus, a TV personality best known from his days as the host of MTV's Total Request Live and ABC's singing competition show Duets. Quddus' professional career in broadcasting began in 2000 as a host and co-writer of VOX, a groundbreaking youth culture show on TV Ontario which went on to win a Gemini Award (Canada's version of the Emmy®). This led to his big break - hosting Total Request Live on MTV. As host of MTV's biggest show, Quddus conducted daily interviews with stars such as Will Smith, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Jake Gyllenhaal, Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck and Denzel Washington, and his work on Total Request Live led to both Usher and Britney Spears requesting him to host their Showtime concert specials. Quddus won a 2003 Favorite TV Personality nomination at the Teen Choice Awards. In 2005, TV Guide named him one of TV's Hottest New Stars, USA Today featured him as a "you

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Joyful Drake. Joyful Drake was born in Milwaukee, WI, the second older girl. As a child, she exhibited a desire to pursue modeling and acting and possessed a quick wit. She is a former dancer for the Milwaukee Bucks Energie Dance team. She has had roles in Hair Show with Mo'nique as well as guest staring roles in such shows as "The Game" and "Cuts". She currently stars in BET's Let's Stay Together Series. This interview was recorded March 29th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Alia Kruz, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Boris Kodjoe, from such films as Resident Evil: Retribution, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Surrogates and Brown Sugar. In this interview Boris talks in depth about growing up in Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall, moving to the United States, how he got into modeling, his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, and family. Boris also discusses his role in the hit BET series, Real House Husbands of Hollywood. This interview was recorded March 19th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Alia Kruz, and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Damien Dante Wayans, from the second generation of the Wayans family. In this interview Damien talks in depth about "In Living Color", "Major Payne", "Dance Flick", "2nd Generations Wayans", what it's like to be part of the Wayans family, his upbringing, and his personal relationships as well as meeting Oprah. He also answers Alia's "none your business" questions. This interview was recorded March 1st, 2013.