Whenever you talk about great movies and hot hunks, there is no question that Denzel’s name will come up. Washington has not only set the standard for good looks, but has also set the bar high for flawless talent. With movies like “John Q,” “Training Day,” “The Preacher’s Wife,” and “Devil in a Blue Dress” under his belt, his impressive range and down-to-earth charm appeals to women of all ages.
Idris Elba is tall, dark, handsome and so much more. If it’s not the authentic English accent that gets us going, you can bet his edgy charm will. We’ve seen his softer side in “Daddy’s Little Girls” and admirable habits as Stringer on “The Wire.” Hopefully he’ll give us another reason to swoon if chosen as the next James Bond.
We loved “Madea’s Family Reunion” and “Brown Sugar,” but we can’t help to notice that Boris Kodjoe’s stunning good looks can always make for a good movie. We must admit that his acting chops exponentially add to his success, but the appeal runs even deeper because of the “Soul Food” star’s family man status.
Even in traumatic films like “Amistad” and “Blood Diamond,” Djimon Hounsou is breathtaking on-screen with his smoldering eyes and endearing accent. Kimora Lee Simmons definitely snagged a keeper as he took our breath away in Calvin Klein underwear ads and made a perfect match with Queen Latifah in “Beauty Shop.”
Morris Chestnut’s killer smile alone makes the ladies go wild, but there’s more to this star than just a pretty face. Chestnut has grown a lot since he played the slain high school football star in “Boyz ’N the Hood,” and whether he’s a reformed player in “Two Can Play That Game” or a devout Christian in “The Best Man” we always feel a deep connection and unapologetic sympathy for the character he plays. We don’t only attribute that charm to a fine-looking man, but a gifted actor.
Go behind the scenes of Morris Chestnut’s new movie “Not Easily Broken” »
Whether driving us to tears in films like “Hotel Rwanda” or making us blush in those like “Boogie Nights,” Don Cheadle never fails to get—and keep—our attention. There is no question that the 44-year-old is passionate about his craft. Perhaps it is that sincere passion that makes us swoon over the “Ocean” series star but that surely isn’t all. This Kansas City native is an active philanthropist as well, helping to raise awareness to the genocide in Darfur. Doing good never looked so sexy.
As Ricky Nash, he was the sexy bad boy barber with good intentions, and with eyes like those, we can see how Halle Berry couldn’t resist a stud like Michael Ealy on the set of “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” He carries himself well in “Miracle at St. Anna,” and offscreen he offers that same appeal.
Lamman Rucker stole our hearts as Officer Troy in Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” and sizzled as one of ESSENCE’s 2008 Do Right Men.
“Stomp the Yard” and “This Christmas” star Columbus Short has quickly moved from the background as a dancer to the main stage as a talented actor and on-screen cutie. We dare say he stole every scene he was in as Little Walter in “Cadillac Records.”
Our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., holds the moniker Chocolate City for good reason. Cutie pie Laz Alonso was born and bred in The District. This Howard University alum worked on Wall Street before deciding to flex his acting muscles. Although the thirtysomething Los Angeles resident might still be considered a rookie by some, he has already appeared in period pieces like Spike Lee’s drama “Miracle at St. Anna” and the holiday family film “This Christmas.”
Chiwetel Ejiofor has had a string of hit films and has made us big fans in the process. And his confidence and smile in “Talk to Me” and “American Gangster” keep us wanting more.
We loved his innocence in “Juice,” admired his practical personality in “The Wood” and forgave his aloof nature in “Love & Basketball.” Now, Omar Epps is all grown up and as Dr. Eric Foreman, the intelligent neurologist on “House M.D,” he certainly gets our heart racing.
Hollywood knows Will Smith as king of the box office, but we fell in love with the actor long ago as the Philly rapper with the bright wardrobe and slick rhymes. A new generation of Will fans grows as the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” airs in syndication around the world.
View our exclusive photos of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith »
Dennis Haysbert made the idea of a Black president very possible on “24” before Obama even started his campaign. And the actor’s smoldering presence keeps us riveted on the screen, whether he’s stringing Whitney Houston along on “Waiting to Exhale” or promoting insurance with Allstate.
It takes a special guy to go toe to toe with Denzel Washington for his first role, and Derek Luke seemed to pull it off with ease, captivating us in “Antoine Fisher.” The sexy actor is ready for a big start to 2009 starring in “Notorious” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea Goes to Jail.” Here’s looking at you, kid.
He first caught our attention as Quentin in “The Best Man” and those hazels have had us mesmerized ever since. Terrence Howard, the 39-year-old Oscar-nominated actor has been a favorite with the ladies for more than a decade now, and has kept us glued to the big screen in films like “Hustle & Flow,” “Crash” and “Ray.” Last year, the seasoned thespian caused quite a buzz with his portrayal as Butch in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on Broadway. With talent like his, we’re sure this Cleveland-raised bad boy isn’t leaving the scene anytime soon.
It’s safe to say it takes an enticing man to play Darius Lovehall in “Love Jones” and a suave brother to play ladies’ man Frankie Lymon in “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” so it goes without saying Larenz Tate was a sure fit on our list. “The Inkwell” actor is no stranger when it comes to love scenes, as his were among some of the best in the 1990’s.
Blair Underwood lights up the screen with his intense gaze and passion. His character in “Set It Off” seduced us all as he romanced Jada Pinkett Smith. The veteran actor was recently nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his work on the HBO miniseries “In Treatment.” He’s surely a winner in our book.