FINE BLACK ACTORS

At the top of the pack, Will Smith is that rare box office star, like Tom Cruise, that crosses racial boundaries. Multi talented with a sure finger on what his own strengths are and also what the public wants he has been on a winning streak that, with the exception of Cruise, is unmatched in the industry.

Still attractive, Larenz Tate is still looking for that elusive role that will separate him from the pack. A strong work ethic and pure talent have kept him in the public eye for over two decades.

While the High School Musical (2006) franchise thrust Corbin Bleu into the spotlight, the jury is still out on the depth of his talent or his career intentions. While the rest of the world was fawning over Zac Efron, Bleu, in what may have seemed like a good idea at the time, concentrated on his musical career. Making matters worse is a slew of new sure footed talent that has swooped in and isn't afraid of taking those sexuality questionable roles. An ill fated turn in The Beautiful Life: TBL (2009) did little damage to his reputation which to his credit is still scandal free.

If ever there was entertainment royalty, Evan Ross is in that line. Diana Ross is considered to be and is one of the most successful entertainers ever. Evan has her looks, her style and so far has shown that he inherited her talent also. Exhibiting a class that only his mother could have given him Ross is in the position to pick and choose the roles he wants. A slew of projects seem to be on his plate but the one everyone seems to be waiting for is his role in Prep School directed by none other than Jerome Elston Scott (also on this list). The status of that project is unknown but if Scott can get half the performance out of Evan that he got out of Michael Warren in Anderson's Cross (2010), Ross may be following his mother into Oscar nomination territory.

Actor, writer, director seems to be the path young black actors have to take but few have debuted so strongly. An African American from the Judd Apatow stable(!) Jerome Elston Scott demonstrated a knack for storytelling, and directing with his debut film Anderson's Cross (2010). While simultaneously pulling career defining performances from such veteran actors as Michael Warren and Joanna Cassidy, Scott also showed a knowing restraint in his self directed turn as Nick Anderson. His understated award winning performance in that film has many hoping that, unlike some, he will stay in front of the camera as well as behind.