Portraits

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Wilson Cruz.

Wilson Cruz, whose heritage is Puerto Rican, was born in New York City, the eldest of three brothers. Early on, his parents encouraged his interest in the theater. At age seven, Wilson began appearing in plays, among them

"Cradle of Fire," "Supporting Cast," "Becoming Memories," and "The Roar of the Greasepaint...," as well as in a number of Shakespearean productions on both coasts. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Wilson also performed across the country with Young Americans, and has been featured in shows seen at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Sea World/Orlando.

When the young actor was 10, he moved with his family to San Bernardino, California, where he grew up. A graduate of Eisenhower High School, he attended California State University at San Bernardino, where he was pursuing a double

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Keith Robinson.

Singer/songwriter/actor Keith Robinson (a.k.a. Black Keith) was born in Kentucky, where he discovered his love of the arts at a young age. Singing took center stage in high school in Augusta, Georgia, and he was signed to a contract while attending the University of Georgia. Robinson was picked up by Motown Records and went on to perform with several top artists.

To put his career in high gear, Robinson decided to make a transition and move out to Los Angeles to further his singing career and try his hand at his other love, acting. His very first audition landed him the role of Joel Rawlings, the Green Ranger on one of television's highest rated children's series, Fox's Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue. On the heels of Power Rangers came a lead role in the NBC television movie The Princess and the Marine

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Omari Hardwick.

Born "Omari Latif Hardwick," he grew up in Decatur, Georgia. Hardwick's parents gave him a name to set a precedent, "Omari" meaning "most high," and "Latif" meaning "gentle." He shares, "I in no way believe that I am the highest or most high, but I feel like my name gives me something to strive for." Growing up, sports were Hardwick's world, but early on he knew he had a passion for the arts. By the age of 14, Hardwick was writing poetry on a regular basis, a passion he would carry with him into adulthood. In high school, he excelled at basketball, baseball, and football, and went on to play football at the University of Georgia. Although a star on the field, Hardwick never gave up his passion for acting, and minored in theatre in college. He shares, "I hugely attribute sports to my success in entertainment business.

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Larenz Tate.

Larenz Tate stars as Dr. Alex , Rush’s (Tom Ellis, “Miranda”) best friend and a determined, high-ranking physician at one of Los Angeles’ top hospitals, in USA Network’s medical drama “Rush.”

Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Tate is recognized as an actor, writer and activist-- recently adding producer and director to his list of accomplishments.

Tate is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking role in the cult classic “Menace II Society.” His feature film credits include “Inkwell,” “Dead Presidents,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Love Jones,” “A Man Apart,” “Waist Deep” and “Biker Boyz,” among others. Tate co-starred in the three-time Academy Award-winning film “Crash,” as well as the film “Ray” opposite Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington.

His television credits include starring roles

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and DJ Jesse Janedy interview Eriq La Salle.

Actor/director Eriq La Salle is best known to worldwide television audiences for his award-winning portrayal of the commanding Dr. Peter Benton on the critically acclaimed and history-making medical drama E.R.

Educated at Juilliard and NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, his credits range from Broadway to film roles opposite Eddie Murphy in "Coming to America" and Robin Williams in "One Hour Photo." La Salle has maintained a prolific acting career while at the same time working steadily as a director, taking the helm for HBO and Showtime in addition to episodics such as Law & Order, CSI: New York and Under the Dome, to name a few.

La Salle published his debut novel, Laws of Depravity, to stunning reviews, including the coveted Kirkus Star, Reader's Choice Best Thriller of 2013 and overwhelm

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Kyla Pratt.

Since age eight, this young star has been radiating from our television sets. After getting her start in commercials for Nike, the California native soon became a popular face in the world of television. Having guest starred on numerous TV shows, Kyla got her biggest break in 2005 when she starred on two number one shows at the same time, Disney's The Proud Family & One on One alongside Flex Alexander. In addition to television, Kyla 's appeared in numerous films such as Dr. Doolittle, Fat Albert and the cult classic Love & Basketball. Currently, Kyla co-stars on the hit BET series Let's Stay Together, currently in it's fourth season. In August 2013, Kyla gave birth to her 2nd child and is currently balancing career and motherhood.

This interview was recorded on April 25th, 2014.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Nick Perdue and Megan Thomas interview special guest Terrence 'TC' Carson.

Born and raised in Chicago, T.C. was encouraged to follow his dreams to be a performer by his family since he was a young boy.

He began his career as a dancer and easily slid into performing in many plays and musicals such as "The Wiz," "Dreamgirls" and "Ain't Misbehavin." Carson also starred in the 90's comedy Living Large and is now part of the Star Wars universe as he has voiced the characters of Darth Vader and Mace Windu in animated series and video games.

Terrence is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and frequently moonlights as a jazz vocalist in several clubs. In 2002, he released his debut CD entitled, Truth

This interview was recorded on April 18th, 2014.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Ernest Thomas.

Mr. Ernest L. Thomas, President and CEO of Ernest Thomas Media Group 8 and Bravokid Management has over 30 years of achievement in Theatre, Television and films.

Ernest is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. The Academy boasts over 75 Academy Award nominees or winners. Previous graduates include, Robert Redford, Danny DeVito, Kim Cattrall, the late Spencer Tracey, Cecil B. DeMille and an impressive list too numerous to mention. Ernest also has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana State University in sociology and Psychology. Mr. Thomas's other professional and business accomplishments are the following:

Recipient of the LEGEND AWARD at the Peachtree Film Festival in Atlanta August

25th, 2013.

Recipient of BEST PRODUCER AWARD of a Reality show for "Kid J

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Erica Hubbard.

Talented and gorgeous actress Erica Hubbard has been lighting up the big and small screens with her contagious and enticing smile for the past seven years. She can currently be seen as one of the leads of the popular first original scripted comedy series for the BET Network, "Let's Stay Together," produced by Queen Latifah and her Flavor Unit Entertainment production company. In the romantic comedy, Erica plays "Kita Whitmore," a fun loving, genuine, outspoken person who has a sense of humor and loves fashion! The fourth season premieres Tuesday, March 4th, 2014.

In addition to the show, Erica recently wrapped production with a strong supporting role in the upcoming indie film, My Favorite Five (TBD 2014), opposite Rochelle Aytes ("Mistresses") and Brian White (The Cabin in the Woods). You can currently catch her starring as 'Mita,' a gol

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Richard Brooks.

Richard Brooks is an actor/director/singer-songwriter, best known for his powerful portrayal of ADA Paul Robinette in the original cast of the long running "Law and Order" television series franchise. His extensive acting credits include numerous substantial roles on television, film and stage that have shown his versatility to shine through any genre.

His notable performances include the notorious bounty hunter in Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the iconic Henry McNeil in the SyFy/USA network cult favorite "Good vs. Evil" and pivotal guest appearances on "NCIS," "NYPD Blue," and "Lie to Me."

Along with his impressive resume of television credits Brooks has also lit up the big screen with his unforgettable characters in "The Crow: City of Angels," "To Sleep with Anger," and the critically acclaimed Vietnam War saga,