You weren’t the only one clutching your pearls when this picture of “True Blood” hottie Mehcad Brooks, 28, surfaced earlier this week. ESSENCE.com caught up with Hollywood’s best-covered secret who dished exclusively to us about his ideal woman, his unlikely sex symbol status, and where you can find him next (coming to a big screen near you.) Ladies, meet the new leading man of your dreams.
By DEMETRIA L. LUCAS
Brooks has the brains (and talent) to back up his brawn. The 28-year-old Austin, Texas, native graduated from the University of Southern California film school with hopes of being behind the camera as a director. “I got my big break in acting when I snuck into an audition when I was 21 and I booked the lead,” says Brooks. “But the film never came out.”
“I can’t even believe that people even think I’m good looking,” says Brooks. “It’s not what I want to be known for, because it fades. I’d rather be known for being charming or funny or a great actor.” (He changed his stance when ESSENCE.com reminded him Denzel Washington started off as a sex symbol too.)
Just in case Brooks is single, ESSENCE.com got the lowdown on his type. How do you measure up?
“I like a woman who is intelligent, affectionate, and knows how to listen,” says Brooks. “I love to discuss current issues, politics, and the environment. Looks matter too, but they are secondary to me.”
Brooks has transitioned effortlessly between the small and big screens, landing TV roles on “Desperate Housewives,” “The Game,” and “True Blood,” of course. He’s also been seen on film in “Glory Road” and will return to the movies with “Fence Walker,” described as a coming-of-age, supernatural story, and “Just Wright,” which stars Common and Queen Latifah.