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1-50 of 63
- Music Artist
- Actress
- Composer
Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj on December 8, 1982 in St. James, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago and raised in Queens, New York City, New York. She grew up in a troubled family with a father that was a drug addict who later changed after he checked into rehab and started going to church. Minaj went to LaGaurdia High School and studied singing and acting.
She was first spotted by the CEO of Young Money, and was later recruited for The Carter Edition of Young Money's own "The Come Up" DVD series. Her rapping skills caught the eyes of Lil Wayne who later worked with her for many collaborations with his mixtapes.
In April 2007, Minaj released her first mixtape "Playtime Is Over". One year later she made another mixtape "Sucka Free" which made her Female Artist of the Year at the Underground Music Awards. In 2009 she made her third mixtape "Beam Me Up Scotty" which got positive reviews from BET and MTV.
To date, Nicki has released 3 platinum selling studio albums, Pink Friday, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, and the most recent The Pinkprint- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Costume Designer
Dancer, choreographer and actor Geoffrey Holder was born on August 1, 1930, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, into a middle-class family. One of four children, he was taught painting and dancing by his older brother Boscoe Holder, whose dance troupe, the Holder Dance Company, the young Geoffrey joined when he was seven years old. Geoffrey assumed direction of the company in the late 1940s after Boscoe moved to London.
Holder moved to the US in 1954, two years after being "discovered" by Agnes de Mille, the choreographer daughter of director-producer Cecil B. DeMille, after she saw the Holder Dance Company perform in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Holder, a talented painter, sold a score of his paintings to raise the funds to bring the Holder Dance Company to New York City in 1954 (in 1957 Holder won a Guggenheim Fellowship to study painting). He would appear with his dance company, now titled Geoffrey Holder and Company, in New York through 1960.
On December 30, 1954, Holder made his Broadway debut (as did Diahann Carroll) at the Alvin Theatre in the Caribbean-themed original musical "House of Flowers", with music by Harold Arlen, who also co-wrote the book with Truman Capote. The cast included Pearl Bailey and Alvin Ailey, and the show was directed by Peter Brook. Herbert Ross did the choreography but the "Banda Dance" was choreographed by Holder. The show ran for 165 total performances but, more importantly, Holder met and married fellow cast member 'Carmen DeLavallade', a dancer, and the two had a son together. From 1955 through 1956 Holder was a principal dancer with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet.
Holder played the role of Lucky in a revival of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" directed by Herbert Berghof on Broadway in January 1957. The all-black cast also included Geoff Searle as Vladimir, Rex Ingram as Pozzo and Mantan Moreland as Estragon. The show only lasted six performances, but it established Holder as an actor, and he made his film debut four years later in All Night Long (1962), a modern gloss on William Shakespeare's "Othello". His most famous role was as the heavy "Baron Samedi" in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die (1973), Roger Moore's first turn as 007.
Holder won the 1975 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his staging of the Broadway musical "The Wiz" (1975), the all-African American retelling of "The Wizard of Oz." He also won the Tony for best costume design (he would be nominated again for a Tony for best costume design for the original 1978 Broadway musical "Timbuktu!", which he also directed and choreographed). As a choreographer he has created dance pieces for many companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Holder has written two books, one on folklore and one on Caribbean cuisine. In the 1970s and 1980s, he put his striking 6'6" presence and bass voice to good use hawking various products in TV commercials, including soft drinks.- Actress
Martina Laird was born in 1971 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She is an actress, known for Blitz (2011), The Little Mermaid (2023) and Casualty @ Holby City (2005).- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Aki Aleong was born in Trinidad and Tobago. His distinguished career has spanned more than 60 years as an actor, singer, writer, producer, activist and martial arts and action film star.
Aki currently stars as Dr. Yuki Tano in Nico Santucci's feature film "Sarogeto" - a story revealing the complicated and emotional struggle that Japanese American Grace / Minami Stanton faces and the controversial decision she makes on this unorthodox journey of a woman's search to find peace for her family and spiritual enlightenment. It's a film filled with relevant and thought provoking subjects including depression, anxiety and suicide (accepted in Japanese culture versus Western). Sarogeto stars Ikumi Yoshimatsu, Eric Roberts, Winsor Harmon, Ruby Park, Koji Niiya, Aki Aleong, Angelica Bridges and Nikki Nikita. Much of this movie was shot in the Aokigahara Forest (Suicide Forest) in Japan and is partially subtitled in Japanese, with the majority in English. Additional locations include Tokyo, Laguna Beach, Marina del Rey and Newport Beach and the film is set for release in 2021.
Aki's career started on Broadway in "Teahouse of the August Moon" and "The Interview." He went on to star in more than 50 movies and 150 television shows and worked with such Academy Award-winners as Frank Sinatra Jr., Marlon Brando, Faye Dunaway, Joanne Woodward, Steve McQueen, Ben Kingsley, John Mills, Ernest Borgnine, Jennifer Connelly and Martin Landau. His career included working with such prominent writers and directors as William Wyler (3 time Oscar winner), John Sturges, Martin Ritt, John Milius, Lionel Chetwynd, Philip Yordan, Mark Rydell, and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Pearl S. Buck.
Aki has starred in features with the best martial artists in the world, including Cung Le in "Blizniy Boy: The Ultimate Fighter" (2007) and "Savage Dog" (2017); Bolo Yeoung in Blizniy Boy: The Ultimate Fighter"; and with Sammo Hung in "Martial Law" (1998). He worked with world-class female martial artists Cynthia Rothrock, in "Sci-Fighter" (2004). and Juju Chan, in "Savage Dog" (2017) and "Road to Hell" (2017). He worked with Scott Adkins in "Savage Dog" (2017); Darren Shahlavi in "Pound of Flesh" (2015); Gary Daniels, Al Leong and Ron Yuan in "Deadly Target" (1994); and with Gary Hudson, Jason Gedrick and Kim Delaney in "The Force" (1994).
Although he is a heroic rights activist in real life, Aki has often played villains in martial arts and action films. In "Braddock: Missing in Action III" (1988), Chuck Norris' character of Braddock, his wife and son are captured by soldiers of the sadistic Vietnamese General Quoc, played by Aki. Quoc kills Braddock's wife on the spot, and tortures Braddock and his son until he meets his death at the end of the film. Aki's numerous memorable roles include Senator Hidoshi during the first season of "Babylon 5"; Mr. Chiang in the weekly series of "V: The Series"; the Dalai Lama in "Superhero Movie" (2008); and the character of Colonel Mitamura in "Farewell to the King" with Nick Nolte.
Aki's musical talent was discovered by Frank Sinatra when they were filming together on the film "Lover's So Few". Sinatra signed Aki to his Reprise Records Label. Aki is the first Asian American to have a Top 100 record "Trade Winds", which he wrote and co-produced, on the National Charts in the US. Aki has served as a record executive and chaired the Fraternity of Recording Executives and was President of the Pan World Records and Golden Dragon publishing companies. He was the National Director of Black Promotion for Polydor/Polygram Records and also worked with Liberty/UA Records and Capitol Records. He also produced records for Columbia Records, Capitol, Liberty/UA, Arista and other prominent labels.
Aki served on the National Board of the Screen Actors Guild; was appointed National Chair of SAG'S EEOC, and was a member of the President's Diversity/Affirmative Action Task Force. He has also been Executive Director of AIM (Asians in Media), Vice President of The Media Coalition of Los Angeles and President of Media Action Network for Asian-Americans (MANAA). He received an Honorary Doctorate from New Dimensions University in 2013. Aki is the President and CEO of Mustard Seed Media Group and the Senior Advisor to Ace Studios in Hong Kong.- Ken Renard was born on 19 November 1905 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was an actor, known for True Grit (1969), Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977) and Something of Value (1957). He died on 16 November 1993 in Los Angeles County, California, USA.
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Gino Justin Hudson McKoy is a Trinidadian-born Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, record producer, actor and screenwriter. He was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and moved to Canada when he was three and a half years old. He graduated from the University of Toronto with an honours degree in World Religion and Political Science. During McKoy's university years, he was the founder and president of various cultural groups and successfully maintained leadership roles in various sports. Born into a family of bankers, he shifted away from political science after graduation and decided to follow his family's footsteps in the financial sector. He attained a well-paid position at a bank and things started to fall into place. After some time, McKoy realized something was missing as his days seemed short of excitement. Ever since he was young, Gino has had a strong passion for music. His creativity and passion for music grew after he made the decision to leave the bank and follow his dream. He attended the Mississauga School of Music and took vocal lessons. While at school, Gino was trained by Marat Maxutov, a classically-trained Russian musician who studied and taught in Kazakhstan. From then on, doors to the music industry began to open up. In 2005, at the Musical Classical Steel Drums Competition in the United Kingdom, McKoy's song Steelpan Music placed third in a youth competition. At the 2006 World Cup Soccer Tournament in Germany, The New York Times rated his original song Soca Warriors Anthem as a favorite. A third original song titled West Indies Forever was played on the first day of the opening match of the World Cup of Cricket in Jamaica in 2007. In all three instances, McKoy's music was well received by the international media including accolades from The New York Times and BBC. Even with little to no marketing budget, his songs were able to gain international attention. In late 2008, McKoy met Canadian sound engineer/producer, Nick Blagona at the Metalworks Studio in Mississauga while mastering one of his songs. Soon after they commenced work on his commercial debut pop rock album. The project was taken over in 2010 by legendary Hollywood producer David Kershenbaum. McKoy completed his debut album "Step Forward" in March 2010 after deciding to move to Los Angeles, California. He is working with the legendary producer David Kershenbaum to re-mix and re-master the debut album for release in the fall of this year. He has also started working on his two speculative screenplays for feature films, while also launching a merchandising line, called Lydgio Fashions, co-founded by McKoy and his mother, Lynda. In his spare time, he has taken small acting roles for the T.V. series America's Court and has plans to act in feature films as his career progresses. Even with his success in the music, movie and fashion industries, McKoy is also working hard at building his multimedia corporation Goldove Entertainment Inc., which started in Canada and has now been expanded to include an office in Los Angeles. The corporation started in 2004 and continues to grow as negotiations with producers in L.A. Combining all three of McKoy's loves-music, film and fashion-the new company stands poised to become an entertainment force in Hollywood as well as worldwide in the near future.- Actress
- Casting Department
Tarita Virtue was born on 16 February 1970 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. She is an actress, known for Bar Starz (2008), Rude Boy: The Jamaican Don (2003) and Living the Dream (2006).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Rita Christiani was born on 22 December 1917 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She was an actress, known for Happy Go Lucky (1943), Ritual in Transfigured Time (1946) and Im Spiegel der Maya Deren (2001). She died on 23 May 2008 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.- Writer
- Script and Continuity Department
Steven Pressfield was born in September 1943 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies [now Trinidad and Tobago]. He is a writer, known for Above the Law (1988), The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) and Freejack (1992).- Stokely Carmichael was born on 29 January 1941 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies [now Trinidad and Tobago]. He was married to Marlyatou Barry and Miriam Makeba. He died on 15 November 1998 in Conakry, Guinea.
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Horace Ové was born on 3 December 1936 in Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He was a director and writer, known for Pressure (1976), Reggae (1971) and Play for Today (1970). He was married to Annabelle Alcazar, Mary Irvine and Jean Balosingh. He died on 16 September 2023 in London, England, UK.- Writer
- Actor
- Composer
Christopher Wong Won (Fresh Kid Ice) is the first Asian American rapper, a Miami Bass pioneer, and a music producer. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, he and his family moved to New York when he was 12. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force for a four-year stint. While stationed in Riverside, California, in 1984, he got together with fellow rapper Amazing Vee and Dj Mr. Mixx to form the rap group 2 Live Crew. That year they released their first single, "Revelation". It became popular in Florida and local promoter Luther Campbell invited them to perform. Around this time Amazing Vee left. For their next two singles, "What I Like" and "Throw the D" Fresh Kid Ice was the only MC featured. "Throw the D", released in 1986, is considered to be the blueprint of the Miami bass genre.
Luther Campbell and Brother Marquis joined the group and the four of them became its most well-known line-up. Their 1986 debut album, "2 Live Crew is what we are", is certified Gold. A year later, their second release "Move Somethin'" also went gold. In 1989, the group released, "As Nasty As They Wanna" Be, which also became the group's most successful album. A large part of its success was due to the single "Me So Horny". The album went Platinum. The American Family Association (AFA) did not think the presence of a "Parental Advisory" sticker was enough to adequately warn listeners of what was inside the case. Jack Thompson, a lawyer affiliated with the AFA, met with Florida Governor Bob Martinez and convinced him to look into the album to see if it met the legal classification of obscenity. Legal action was taken at the local level and Nick Navarro, Broward County sheriff, received a ruling from County Circuit Court and warned record store owners that selling the album might be prosecutable. As a result of the controversy, "As Nasty As They Wanna" sold over two million copies. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The original line-up would go on to make two more successful albums "Banned in the U.S.A." (1990), and "Sports Weekend: As Nasty as They Wanna Be, Pt. 2"(1991).
Fresh Kid Ice released his first solo album "The Chinaman" in 1992. The album sold over 200,000 copies. On the Billboard charts, the album peaked at No. 38 and stayed two weeks on the Heatseekers Albums chart and at No. 56 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for ten weeks. In 1994, with Luther Campbell and Verb (a new recruit), they formed The New 2 Live Crew and released the album ''Back at Your Ass for the Nine-4''. It is the sole release of that formation. The album peaked at #52 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. In 1996, he returned to 2 Live Crew with Mr. Mixx and Brother Marquis to make "Shake a "Lil' Somethin'" who went to #145 on the Billboard 200 and #33 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. "The Real One" in 1998 is the final 2 Live Crew album. It peaked at #59 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. In 2000, he released his second solo album "Still Nasty" on his label Chinaman Records. In 2003, he followed up with "Stop Playin'". For his tours, he hired a then-unknown Flo Rida as a hype man, who was a featured guest in his fourth solo "Freaky Chinese" in 2004. In 2008, he reunited with Brother Marquis and restarted touring with the 2 Live Crew banner again. In 2014, the group announced their new album "Turn Me On" with guest stars Trick Daddy, Trina, Too Short, Insane Clown Posse, E-40, and Mannie Fresh. The album was never released and Wong Won continued touring with the 2 Live Crew until 2016.
Separately from his group Wong Won published his memoirs "My rise 2 fame" in 2015. After his departure from the group he released the compilation "Breaking Glass Ceilings Volume 1". Wong Won passed away in 2017 due to complicated health issues. He is the only 2 Live Crew member to appear on all of their releases, furthermore, he is the first Miami bass rapper and prominent Asian in hip-hop.- Frank Singuineau was a Trinidadian actor of stage and screen who worked in Britain, where he moved from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1940s.
Employed by the Shell Company, he took an active interest in Amateur Dramatics. Just after the Second World War he gave up his job with Shell, traveled to London and became an actor, acting with the Unity Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic. His London stage debut was in 1948 in Richard Wright's Native Son, and Singuineau's acting career spanned the subsequent decades until his last roles in Lillian Hellman's Watch on the Rhine at the Royal National Theatre and Mustapha Matura's Playboy of the West Indies at the Tricycle Theatre in 1984.
Singuineau also appeared in such films as The Pumpkin Eater (1964), Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964), Pressure (1976) and An American Werewolf in London (1981), and in several television series including Z Cars (1962), Crane (1963), and Doomwatch (1970).
Singuineau retired in the late 1980s. He died on 11 September 1992 in London, England at the age of 79. - Actor
- Additional Crew
- Soundtrack
Boscoe Holder was born on 16 July 1921 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was an actor, known for The Love Lottery (1954), Beast of Morocco (1968) and Secret Agent (1964). He was married to Sheila Clarke. He died on 21 April 2007 in Newtown, Trinidad.- Actor
- Writer
Errol John began his professional career as a journalist and commercial artist in his native Trinidad. In 1946, he co-founded an amateur theatre group with Errol Hill called the Whitehall Players (also known as the Company of Players). While there, John worked in a number of different capacities including as a playwright. In 1950, he relocated to Britain, where he began acting in local stage productions. Work in film and television productions soon followed, but mostly in bit parts. A career breakthrough occurred when he was cast in a major role A Man from the Sun (1956) for the BBC in 1956.
The following year, his play, "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl," won the Observer Drama Competition. It was subsequently adapted for radio as "Small Island Moon," then staged as a play starring Earle Hyman at the Royal Court Theatre. While the initial stage production was not well-received, the television adaptation with John in the role was. It appeared as a segment of ITV Play of the Week (1955) in 1960. "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl" was brought to the United States in an off-Broadway production that was directed by George Roy Hill. This production featured James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, and Vinnette Carroll in the cast and received favorable reviews.
Meanwhile, John continued to work as an actor in television, film, and theatre. At London's Old Vic, John appeared as the Prince of Morocco in "The Merchant of Venice" and "Othello" in the title role.
On television, he wrote and appeared in "The Dawn," as an episode of the BBC series, First Night (1963). John did the same thing with "The Exiles" for BBC1's The Wednesday Play (1964) in 1969.
In the 1960s and 1970s, John appeared in supporting and bit roles in Hollywood films such as Assault on a Queen (1966) and Buck and the Preacher (1972). Previously, he had appeared in the critically acclaimed The Nun's Story (1959).
While Errol John achieved some recognition during his career, in his later years, he became increasingly frustrated by the entertainment industry and the lack of opportunities for him as an actor, director and writer.
Shortly, after the closing of a production of "Moon on a Rainbow Shawl" that was staged by Maya Angelou, Errol John was found dead in his London home on July 10, 1988.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Susan Moonsie was born on 21 January 1964 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago. She is an actress, known for Purple Rain (1984), Vanity 6: Nasty Girl (1982) and Vanity 6: Drive Me Wild (1982).- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Joseph Morder was born on 5 October 1949 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies [now Trinidad and Tobago]. He is a director and writer, known for Les sorties de Charlerine Dupas I: L'été (1982), El cantor (2005) and Assoud le buffle (2002).- Producer
- Writer
- Actor
Title: The Pioneering Journey of Sheldon F. Robins (Director Sir Francis Michael)
Early Life and Dance Brilliance: Born in the vibrant city of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Sheldon F. Robins, also known as Director Sir Francis Michael, began his artistic voyage with an inherent passion for dance. His magnetic performances on the dance floor allowed him to share the stage with music legends like Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and many other celebrated artists. As a regular on iconic television dance shows, Sheldon's captivating moves on Soul Train and MTV Grind kept audiences entranced.
A Multifaceted Creator and Writer's Storyteller: Beyond his dance prowess, Sheldon embraced a versatile creative journey. His love for storytelling led him to become a prolific writer and creator. Notable works such as "Eyes of Faith" and the captivating "Murder 101," which he co-directed, showcase his exceptional ability to craft compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Innovative Director and Producer: As Director Sir Francis Michael, Sheldon's visionary approach and dedication to the art of filmmaking earned him acclaim in the world of directing. His debut directorial venture, "Eyes of Faith," featuring esteemed artists Gwen Stefani, Nigel Lythgoe, and Wayne Brady, displayed his profound understanding of cinematic storytelling. Co-directing "Murder 101" further solidified his reputation as a directorial force, leaving an indelible mark on the film.
A Stellar Acting Career: Sheldon's artistic flair extended to his acting career, with remarkable performances in productions like "Murder 101," "Christmas Chronicles 2," "Singing Detective," "Ali," "Sparks," "In Living Color," "ER," and more. His on-screen presence and versatile portrayal of characters showcased his remarkable talent as a performer.
Education and Academic Pursuits: Sheldon's dedication to continuous learning and academic growth is evident in his educational achievements. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Saint Mary's College in Moraga, California, where he laid the foundation for his creative journey. He further honed his skills by attaining a Master of Arts in Film from National University in San Diego, California, delving deeper into the art of filmmaking.
Undeterred by the demands of his thriving career, Sheldon is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Film at National University. His commitment to academic excellence and film scholarship demonstrates his unwavering passion for storytelling and the cinematic arts.
Philanthropy and Leadership: Sheldon's dedication to giving back to the community extends beyond his creative pursuits. As the founder of DEAR, a nonprofit organization supporting dancers in need, he exemplifies his commitment to uplifting and empowering those around him.
Conclusion: Sheldon F. Robins, aka Director Sir Francis Michael, is an artistic trailblazer with a passion for dance, storytelling, and cinematic brilliance. From his dance origins in Trinidad and Tobago to his educational achievements and groundbreaking contributions in film direction and writing, Sheldon's journey is marked by dedication, innovation, and creativity. As he continues to redefine boundaries in the entertainment industry, Sheldon's impact on audiences and aspiring artists alike will continue to resonate, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of film and storytelling.- Roy den Burger was born on 31 July 1975 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. He is an actor, known for Vengaboys: We Like to Party (The Vengabus) (1998), Vengaboys: Parada de Tettas (1997) and Vengaboys: To Brazil! (1998).
- Director
- Writer
- Camera and Electrical Department
Roger McTair was born on 7 October 1943 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies [now Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago]. He was a director and writer, known for Of Cod and Rum: The Newfoundland Connection (2019), Journey to Justice (2000) and Jennifer Hodge: The Glory and the Pain (1992). He died on 8 April 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.- Ian Hanomansing was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago.
- Actor
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Pete DeFreitas was born on 2 August 1961 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies [now Trinidad and Tobago]. He was an actor and composer, known for Donnie Darko (2001), Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) and I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017). He died on 14 June 1989 in London, England, UK.- Frank Crichlow was born on 13 July 1932 in Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. He died on 15 September 2010 in Hammersmith, London, England, UK.
- Janelle Commissiong was born in 1953 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
- Additional Crew
- Producer
- Actress
Mercedes LeAnza was born on 12 November 1981 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She was a producer and actress, known for Fancy Article Presents (2014), Chaperones (2015) and The Real Housewives of America: Political Spoof Parody (2013). She died on 10 April 2022 in California, USA.