Ryan Mack: Remembering Medgar Evers: A Lesson of Civic…
HIV Awareness Billboard Criticized For Accepting Gay Men
While audiences across the nation are glued to their television sets for Bravo's hit series 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta,' FOX Reality TV has decided to garner some attention of its own.
Beginning Aug. 15, former 'Cosby Show' and 'A Different World' stars Tempestt Bledsoe and Darryl M. Bell will be featured in the network's all-new reality series, 'Househusbands of Hollywood.'
The show will highlight husbands juggling the household duties of cooking dinner, planning parties and chauffeuring kids around Los Angeles. The men, who also have career aspirations of their own, will share stories with each other about their money-making wives.
Despite the show's title, Bledsoe and Bell have been together for 16 years and are not married with children. Their relationship attracted executive producer Marilyn Wilson, who saw a test reel for the show and thought the couple was entertaining.
"We have actually worked on projects with Marilyn Wilson. We have gone out to pitch projects," the former 'Cosby' star said in an interview with 'Entertainment Tonight.' "So when they came to us with this ... Marilyn is probably the only person in the world who could have gotten us to do a reality show."
Though it was a big deal when it first premiered on the NBC network on Sept. 20, 1984, no one could've expected that the groundbreaking sitcom 'The Cosby Show,' would resonate so well with national audiences and make history as one of the most successful TV shows in history. But it did. Revolving around the life and times of The Huxtables, an upper-middle class African-American family living in a brownstone building in Brooklyn, New York, the Bill Cosby-helmed series was TV's biggest hit in the 1980s, according to TV Guide. Blackvoices.com takes a look at the cast members then and now. (Photo: Everett Collection)
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
"I think the thing that most people will be surprised about is that we are on the show," said the Chicago native, who became a household name when she played Vanessa Huxtable. "Not only do we not talk about our private life, we don't do this type of show. We don't fit into the mold of show, so I constantly get that question. I hope people will get past the title and see what these men are doing: pursuing their careers, taking care of their children. I have nothing but respect for that."
Respect indeed.
Although the new series may appear to be just another commodity among today's prime-time lineup, show producers wanted to open up a timely dialogue. The increasing trend of husbands staying at home and raising families due to the current economic crisis is a demographic shift that has hit men harder then women.
Reuters reports that according to U.S. labor statistics, unemployment rates among men grew at nearly double the pace of women in 2008, to 7.9 percent from 5.0 percent for men and to 6.4 percent from 4.8 percent for women. This is the fact that Bledsoe thinks will benefit the show's potential success.
"I think this [program] shows in a very positive and realistic light what it is for a man to take over the role [of child raising], and I have a lot of admiration for them," she said during a presentation to TV critics. "It is easy to cast these men as something not very manly. ...I think that's a real disservice. The time is good to look at this show and see these men for what they really are."
"The fact that there are men who are raising their children should enable stay-at-home dads," said Bell. "Hopefully, we are looking at it from the humorous point of view and everyone enjoys that and enjoys the dynamic between all of the guys."
Also featured on 'House Husbands of Hollywood' are former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley, whose wife, Lisa, is a celebrity makeup artist; former Marine sniper Grant Reynolds, who is married to FOX 11 morning news show host Jillian Reynolds; and aspiring actor Danny Barclay, whose wife, Katherine, is a high-powered LA lawyer.
BlackVoices.com takes a look at famous and infamous reality TV show stars of the past and present. Come on in.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (88)
Add a comment
By: t on 8/13/2009 10:57PM
have you ever seen a black person on Friends, Sienfield, Everybody loves Raymond, Brothers and Sister or Desperate housewife, my bad, on desperate housewife the black family had two sons one was a thief the other was crazy.
Report This
By: Derrel on 8/12/2009 2:12PM
Darryl Bell is an idiot. After Different World ended, his daddy died. His dad was Founder of Bell & Daniels, a Black wall street firm. He was the only heir. Hundreds of millions of dollars he went through. FRivilous buying and stupid investments. It was so bad, the Wall Street Journal did a story on this mess. What a maroon. And Tempset Bledsoe is no great catch either!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: David on 8/12/2009 3:36PM
Wow, I had no idea. That's a damn shame about his dad's firm and blowing all the cash. Makes you think of the Will Smith movie "The Pursuit of Happiness" ... imagine if the guy went through all that to win his success and then the little kid grows up and pisses it all away ... what a drag. No wonder Tempestt is the bradwinner!
Report This
By: xmen606 on 8/13/2009 9:38PM
Where is this article? I didn't know this. Can you find it. If it's true, then that's sad. All the time that people work to be able to make a name for themselves and their children and the children just mess it up.
Report This
By: moni on 8/14/2009 1:43AM
Yeah well he obviously he thinks Tempestt is a catch so wtf was that statement about????
Report This
By: Mike on 8/15/2009 9:21AM
Derrel. Some things are best not said.
Report This
By: eyoung0820 on 9/18/2009 11:24AM
I remember reading about that. Wasn't his father's firm the only minority firm on Wall St.?
Report This
By: Rev Annie on 8/17/2009 12:08AM
Stop it! How do you know so much??????
Report This
By: Rosalind on 11/12/2010 3:28AM
It was not hundreds of millions of dollars, it was 14 million. Still not pocket change, but it wasn't as bad (relative to losing hundreds of millions) as you made it out to be. If you're going to criticize someone, the least you could do is have your facts straight. And, if you're going to make claims about people, you should at least provide a link to back yourself up.
For anyone who cares about the truth, Google this phrase - "Darryl Bell Jet Magazine 1993" (without the quotes) - and it's the first result in the list. It's the full article from the May 31, 1993 issue of Jet Magazine.
Report This
By: Mandi on 8/12/2009 3:47PM
For the love of goodness, just stop it, and people just say no to these shows. House husbands..of what...??? Wanna be 'star' wives? Tempestt & Darrel (sad about the investments though for him) is the only one listed who has a career anyone WOULD give two craps about that's why the producer is SCRAMBLING. The rest are 'who knows not one or the other'. Andy Warhol was right, now its time to stop the madness.
Reply to this Comment | Report This