In the last four years LARENZ TATE (Darius) has played a succession
of memorable characters ranging from the out-of-control, trigger-happy O-Dog
in the 1993 release Menace II Society to the teenage Drew, who battles his
own emotions in the coming-of-age drama, The Inkwell, and the aggrieved
Vietnam War veteran in the critically acclaimed 1995 hit Dead Presidents.
In addition to his feature film credits Tate has made television appearances
on "The New Twilight Zone," "Family Matters," "Matlock,"
"21 Jump Street," "The Wonder Years" and "Fresh
Prince of Bel Air." By 1991 he was a regular on the CBS series "Royal
Family," starring Redd Foxx and Della Reese.
Tate drew praise for his work on NBC's "New Attitude," and starred
in the Fox Television drama series "South Central." A Chicago
native, Tate was the ideal choice for the role of Darius Lovehall. In preparation
for the role, he visited local poetry readings and studied countless poets.
A working actress since age nine, NIA LONG (Nina) was most recently
seen in the smash hit comedy Friday, starring opposite Chris Tucker and
Ice Cube. Long established herself as an actress in the 1990 John Singleton
sensation Boyz `N the Hood. She also starred with Whoopi Goldberg, Ted
Danson and Will Smith in Made in America.
On television, Long has made guest appearances on such shows as "227,"
"Silver Spoon" and "My Two Dads." Her performance as
Katherine Speaks on the CBS daytime serial "Guiding Light" earned
her a 1993 Image Award nomination. And her recent role as Lisa, Will Smith's
fiancee on "Fresh Prince of Bel Air", has catapulted her to teen
idol status.
A recent host of the hit video/interview show "MTV Jams" and current
AT&T spokesman, BILL BELLAMY (Hollywood) was selected from a
pool of thousands to appear on the HBO 15th Annual Young Comedian Special
hosted by Dana Carvey. His popular Showtime Special "Booty Call"
was one of the network's highest rated specials.
Bellamy began performing by entering a series of amateur competitions while
he was studying economics at Rutgers University. This set the stage for
him to begin showcasing his talents at an impressive round of comedy clubs
including The Comic Strip, Catch a Rising Star and The Original Improvisation
in New York.
Bellamy made his national television debut as a featured guest on "Showtime
at the Apollo." It was this appearance that brought him to the attention
of Bernie Brillstein and Russell Simmons. Shortly after, he appeared on
the highly popular HBO special "Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam."
His love of music and winning personality landed him a spot as guest correspondent
for "Entertainment Tonight." As the "MTV Jams" host,
he scored a major coup by getting the first exclusive interview with Janet
Jackson for her "janet" release.
Bellamy made his feature film debut in New Line Cinema's Who's the Man and
will also be starring in How To Be A Player from Island Pictures.
ISAIAH WASHINGTON (Savon), is Darius' surrogate older brother. It
marks the second such association between Tate and Washington, who were
teamed as brothers in the critically acclaimed 1995 hit Dead Presidents.
Washington's film credits include four collaborations with Spike Lee: the
highly acclaimed Get on the Bus, the provocative Girl 6, the searing urban
drama Clockers, and the semi-autobiographical Crooklyn. He also played
roles in Strictly Business, Stonewall and Power: The Eddie Matos Story.
His television credits include "NYPD Blue," "Homicide,"
"Law and Order" and the daytime serial dramas "As the World
Turns" and "One Life to Live."
On stage, Washington has appeared at Chicago's Goodman Theatre in their
production of Skin of Our Teeth and in such regional theatre companies as
The Playwrights Horizon, The Crossroads Theatre Company, the Atlantic Company,
The Long Wharf Theatre, The National Black Theatre Festival and the Howard
University Theatre.
LISA NICOLE CARSON (Josie) followed her feature film debut in Jason's
Lyric with a co-starring role opposite Denzel Washington in Devil in a Blue
Dress. Currently appearing on television's number one drama "ER"
as the love interest of Eriq LaSalle's character Dr. Benton, Lisa's next
feature film appearance will be opposite Samuel L. Jackson in Eve's Bayou.
Theatre-trained, Carson has performed with the Negro Ensemble Company, the
Apollo Theatre, Collaborations Productions, Gateway Playhouse, West Beth
Theatre and the Young Playwright's Festival. For television, she starred
in the highly acclaimed Fox presentation "Divas," and she appeared
as a cast member on the syndicated comedy-sketch show "Apollo Comedy
Hour."
BERNADETTE CLARK (Sheila) is a versatile actress who has performed
in a number of theatre productions, including the Steppenwolf Theatre, the
Black Ensemble Theatre, Victory Gardens, the Illinois Theatre, the Chicago
Actors Ensemble, ETA Creative Arts and the Crossroads Theatre.
On television she has appeared in To Sir With Love II starring Sidney Poitier
and directed by Peter Bogdanovich; Face to Face and Blackout. Her film
credits include Robert and Rande, Steppin' and The Connection.
KHALIL KANE (Marvin) made his feature film debut playing the sensitive
Raheem in Ernest Dickerson's critically acclaimed Juice. He also played
a soldier in Penny Marshall's Renaissance Man. Kane's television appearances
include Fox-TV's "Living Single," the highly acclaimed drama "Divas"
and the title role in the production "Zooman."
A founding member of the Black Poets Group Production, REGGIE GIBSON,
whose poetry is used in the film, has produced and directed such works
as "Neptune's Reich" at the Herrenhauser Gardens in Germany.
He lectures and performs his original works throughout the United States
and Europe.
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