
"No matter how successful you get, it's really difficult to shake your mind-set. I still have a poor-person mentality. I can't shake it, and it gets really detrimental. ... When I go to sleep at night right now, I'm as financially nervous as I was 20 years ago."
--Academy Award-nominated actor-producer Will Smith on dealing with his insecurities in spite of success. ('The Oprah Winfrey Show')
Top 30 Sexiest Actors
30. Nick Cannon
Age: 28
Hometown: San Diego, California
His Story: Having started out with a sitcom on Nickelodeon, Cannon broke through with his performance in 'Drumline' and since has gone on to star in movies such as 'Love Don't Cost A Thing' and 'Bobby.'
Why Him? Any guy who can get sexy pop diva Mariah Carey to marry him within a matter of months has to have it going on. Before that, the small-framed, boyish charmer was privately known as a lady-slayer in Hollywood circles, having previous romantic links to Hollywood hottie Christina Milan and Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks. Who said big things don't come in small packages?
29. Don Cheadle
Age: 44
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
His Story: Cheadle made his bones as an actor when he appeared alongside Denzel Washington as his buddy Mouse in 'Devil in a Blue Dress.' Since then, he has become one of Hollywood's most respected actors with roles in the 'Ocean's 11' films, 'Rush Hour' and his Academy nominated turn as Rwandan hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina in the film 'Hotel Rwanda'. Watch for his stock to rise even higher now that he's replaced Terrence Howard in the sequel to 'Iron Man.'
Why Him? There's no role he can't play, and Cheadle's dark skin tone makes him stand out in a sea of Café Au Lait. His range of smart and quiet characters creates a sort of alluring aura that is very attractive.
28. Jesse L. Martin
Age: 35
Hometown: Rocky Mount, Virginia
His Story: A well respected theater, film and television actor, Martin is best known for originating the role of Tom Collins in the Broadway musical, 'Rent,' and as Detective Ed Green in the long running NBC series 'Law & Order', which he did for nine seasons until 2008. Martin, who also starred in the movie version of 'Rent,' is slated to play Marvin Gaye in the upcoming biopic 'Sexual Healing'.
Why Him? He's tall, handsome and can sing his heart out. He proved it playing a guy who fell in love with a HIV positive drag-queen in 'Rent' warming the hearts and souls of millions.
27. Richard T. Jones
Age: 36
Hometown: Kobe, Japan
His Story: Here's a guy who can go back and forth between the TV and film world with much ease. Whether it's supporting work on various TV shows, including his latest series, 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles' or doing films such as his incredible performance as the cheating husband in Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married,' Jones gives his best at all times.
Why Him? Jones secured the key to many hearts when he played Joan Clayton's last boyfriend on the hit sitcom, 'Girlfriends.' The tall, dark and debonair actor also brought heat to the courtroom as Court Services Officer Bruce Van Exel on the CBS drama series, 'Judging Amy.'
26. Philip Michael Thomas
Age: 59
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
His Story: Most famous role for his role as detective Ricardo Tubbs on the hit 1980s TV series 'Miami Vice,' Thomas first showed off his sex appeal as the love interest opposite Irene Cara in the 1976 film 'Sparkle'.
Why Him? Back in the days of 'Miami Vice,' Thomas brought a new level of cool to being a detective. He and Don Johnson rocked the white pants and blue blazer look to the top of the fashion world -- and in the process brought on their own meeting to "Miami heat."
25. Common
Age: 36
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
His Story: Following in the footsteps of fellow rappers Will Smith, LL Cool J, and Queen Latifah, Common (nee Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr.) has been on the low and steady road to success in 2007, after a near 15 year career in hip-hop, he made his film debut in 'Smokin' Aces' along with Alicia Keys and Taraji P. Henson. Showing much potential, he was later cast opposite Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie in the hit film 'Wanted' and will be seen in the potential blockbuster 'Terminator: Salvation' with Christian Bale.
Why Him? For always doing his own thing. With his piercing eyes, light complexion and bald head, Common never fit the mold of an average rapper. With his serious stance and understated presence, Common is much more of a man than his moniker implies.
23. Hill Harper
Age: 42
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
His Story: Before landing a coveted spot on TV's 'CSI: NY,' Harper appeared in many films such as 'Get On The Bus,' and 'He Got Game.' He even got to play the leading man in Jordan Walker Pearlman's 'Constellation,' opposite his good friend Gabrielle Union.
Why Him? This well educated actor, with degrees from Brown and Harvard universities, has written two best-selling books. With smoldering good looks, Barack Obama's former schoolmate is always easy on the eyes.
20. Taye Diggs
Age: 36
Hometown: Rochester, New York
His Story: Another actor who starred in the original production of 'Rent' and went on to become a major player in Hollywood, Diggs got women hot under the collar with his debut movie role in 1998's 'How Stella Got Her Groove.' Starring roles in 'The Best Man', and 'Brown Sugar' kept up his sexy momentum. After a couple of misses in the TV world with two failed series, Diggs has found a home as part of the ensemble group of ABC's Private Practice.
Why Him? His tightly packed physique and sophisticated style leaves his female fans breathless.
18. Leon
Age: 46
Hometown: New York, New York
His Story: Bred on the streets of New York, Leon went straight from playing college basketball at Loyola Marymount University to the world of acting -- quickly landing small roles. He turned heads as the memorable J. T. Matthews in Robert Townsend's 'Five Heartbeats,' and stole scenes as Shep in 'Above The Rim.' The tall, dark and debonair actor doesn't mind getting dirty as the bad boy either. Remember Russell in 'Waiting To Exhale'? He even got "down low" for Bill Duke's latest drama, 'Cover.'
Why Him? Like Prince, Madonna and Cher, Leon's one-name moniker makes him stand out from his contemporaries. Looks-wise, his luscious lips, mocha complexion and sinister eyes help seal the deal.
17. Terrence Howard
Age: 39
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
His Story: After starring in many films and TV series, Howard's breakthrough came just a few years ago when Craig Brewer took a chance and cast him as the lead in 'Hustle and Flow'. Not only did Howard flourish in the role, he received an Academy Award nomination for it and has since starred opposite many of today's biggest stars, including his most recent stint as Jim Rhodes in the blockbuster film, 'Iron Man'.
Why Him? With light skin, light eyes, a street savvy drawl and hip style, Howard always comes across as the bad boy that's good to you but not good for you.


Comments: (7)
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By: poetrysez on 5/17/2010 11:48PM
Much respect for Will And Jada Pinckett Smith for making positive moves in the movie business and doing a darn good job with raising their children. Education and empowerment.
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By: Dayna on 5/18/2010 12:55AM
Great interview. The Smiths are a lovely family who is about keeping the family strong, healthy and wise. Did you get how Will and Jada are training their young ones to earn money together !!! LOVE THAT!
Also, I'd say Will has definetly earned the title ' BIG WILLIE ' for how smoothly has family operates as a SINGLE UNIT - - - including his oldest son Trey and his ex-wife. BLACK PEOPLE: Do you see what you can accomplish if we would cut out the foolishness and dedicate the best of ourselves to creating STRONG FAMILIES ?!? Got it? Good!
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By: Keep it Real on 5/19/2010 5:09PM
When we're given the opportunity. Hey let's just hope he doesn't teach him to get a part like Six Degrees of Separation or how to swing. So speak for yourself. Get it right keep it tight. Peace
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By: Justifyed on 5/18/2010 10:20AM
LOVE LOVE LOVE, Will and Jada!!
But I will have to question your choice of 'sexiest actors'....I, personally, would not have chosen Nick Cannon, Philip M. Thomas, or Terrence Howrd.
Nick...is still a baby, Philip is too pretty for his own good, and ever since Terrence joined the "slap a hoe" tribe, sexiest left him.
"I'm Just Saying"
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By: Jaye Harding on 5/22/2010 8:39AM
I thought the Will & Jada interview on Oprah was inspiring, and I'm sure many would definitely like to see more positive airings of icons espousing virtues of family cohesion, education, positive behavior, and wisdom. How about featuring other young (25-40), Black folk as well as other people in general promoting like values? It is you the media moguls with your producers and directors who have chosen to highlight and sensationalize the negative in society for those who are not intelligent to see through your agenda!
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By: BETTYEJ on 6/26/2010 12:11AM
It is good how Will Smith still think like a poor man because one should never forget where you come from. Here today, gone tomorrow.
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By: KAYSIE on 11/22/2010 9:25PM
its better than being like me- a poor person with a rich person mentality... ok ok i lie... not poor... but not will smith rich...
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