Wednesday, September 10, 2008

open thread (9.10.2008)


Thought amnesty. u dont have to think - let me entertain u.


Had something else to put up, really a few things. But someone had the audacity to tell me that Taye Diggs was one of the best black male actors since 2000. I wrote about Jones when he stayed next to me in a suite at the Rose bank Hyatt in Johannesburg. Any who All though I don't go to movies, here are my top 5 (in order).

1 (Tie) - Forest Whitaker & Don Cheadle – Consummate actors in line of Sidney Poitier and Oscar Micheaux

2- Samuel Jackson – No Comment

3 - Terrance Jackson – No Comment

4 - Jeffrey Wright – another one movie did it (Basquiat).

3 - Djimon Hounsou – one movie made it for me on a flight to South Africa (Le Boulet).



What says you? And don't pick folk cause think the look good or fine ( ladies). LOL
Look for CANT BE FADED 2morrow

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

You mention Mr Micheaux and Mr Poitier yet other than that your list is very contemporary. Was that the idea? Not much of a movie or television watcher myself however, others like the consummate James Earl Jones and stage actor Avery Brooks come to mind. And Mr Washington, Denzel that is, absent from the list???

Anonymous said...

I do agree with your Samuel Jackson pick. It seems you think so much of your fellow Morehouse man that you carried his last name over onto Terrance. LOL!

Lina said...

I would agree with you on all of those and I would add:

Tupac: He was brilliant, but he doesn't have the list of movies everyone else has, cause he wasn't around long enough.

Denzel Washington: I say that because the man has such a slew of different movies that show his range...although he can be a bit one-dimensional at times, but so can Samuel L.

Morgan Freeman: self explanatory...the man is wonderful.

Don Cheadle: There is no other actor that can play so many diverse roles as him...from an sudanese former U.S. army man playing both sides (his current movie Traitor) to a loud-mouth DJ (Talk to Me), the man is it.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Nicki Nicki Tembo
dont know about contemporary but I did say SINCE 2000

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

and i meant to put Don second thanks for the reminder - so much for Number 5 - will correct now

KaNisa said...

Didn't you know? Taye Diggs does not like Black people.

Anonymous said...

Loved Mr Cheadle performance as "Mouse" in 'Devil Wears a Blue Dress'. He's top-notch, thorough! Looking forward to tomorrow's "FADED". You're wonderful at both entertaining and informing. Keep bringin' it jones! LOL, I laugh everytime you write that word.

no_slappz said...

I've always liked James Earl Jones and Lou Gossett.

southpeezy said...

aaaah, the infamous female dog gluteous maximus negro article...i remember reading that in RO and knowing exactly who it was.

Miz Cheekz said...

omar epps
ice cube
bill cosby
tupac
dmx


LOL

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

KaNisa
do tell lol, i will never forget that day

Slappz
They are two great ones, and Louy is in the period as well as JEJ - thanks folk, im slipping

peezy
when u stopy by the shop again folk

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Big Cheekz
lol whats up nwith u and rappers- groupie love LOL im gone tell your husband

Ann Brock said...

Great pick, but I would at least add Will Smith he has proven himself. Also, Samuel L Jackson.

Sista GP said...

In addition to many of the great ones listed already.

Will Smith
Danny Glover
Charles S. Dutton

Some women do prefer versatility over looks in actors.

Anonymous said...

I know, I know, you put in that "2000", but I'm saying Morgan Freeman...love him! As for Taye, do really like him, and especially like remembering him playing on one of my soaps (Guiding Light), and love the RENT connection since it's one of my favorite musicals.

James Earl Jones...does a voice GET any better than that? I think not. My memory is a bit fuzzy (hey, the memory is from the 90's ;)), but I believe it was Mr. Jones' voice booming throughout the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum when 90,000 of us packed it to greet Nelson Mandela. Love. That. Voice.

Sidenote, thanks for the blog comments Torrance. Yes, back with a vengeance (when I have time ;)) because this ridiculous ticket of McSame/Failin' is giving me MORE than enough to vent about. And could they PLEASE get a new stump speech? It's the same damn speech (word for lie-filled word!) each day...and their followers lap it up like they don't know any better...sigh.

Take care. :)

4GOTTEN1 said...

I would have to go with Don Cheadle I feel like he is such an underated actor and he makes great movies...powerful movies.

MP said...

that is actually a pretty solid list of blackk actors. Tyae Diggs doesn't even compare not to mention the fact that he thinks black women are the reason for his lack of any real success.

KELSO'S NUTS said...

(1) FOREST WHITAKER: I think he's the best actor in the world of any ethnicity. His range is remarkable. He has played every type of character imaginable and is completely believable every time. His ear is perfect. There's a guy who can play Idi Amin, the single nerdiest insurance adjuster in Minneapolis, a futuristic White man, and a Royalist soldier in Belfast? It bends the mind. I also think that he's the finest physical actor I've ever seen. Not in the sense of action and movement, but in the sense of conveying emotion and though without using words. His cameo in THE COLOR OF MONEY is a clinic in devlivering a brilliant performance while saying all of 3 words. He did it all with subtle gestures. I've read that he developed that talent because he has to this day and overwhelming fear of public speaking.

(2) Jeffrey Wright: Brilliant range. As he's gotten older and fatter he gets more of the senior dignified roles (although outstanding on Bway with Mos Def in TopDog/Underdog) but back in the 90's he tore it up in the gangster movies.

(3) Don Cheadle. He's run away with all of the cornball action movies he's been in and when he's serious, he's probably the most intense screen presence since early Al Pacino.

(4) Harold Perrineaux. One of those unfortunate guys like Paul Calderon who will always do good work in good movies and TV shows but doesn't have the looks to ever get him even a big supporting role. Always lends a bit of class and a lot of talent to even the worst shit he's in.

(5) Bokeem Woodbine. Another pain in the ass Hollywood story of a guy who has never and will never get a big shot because he can't keep his weight down. Talent-wise, he can do anything.

I was looking for more esoteric actors with impressive gifts, but I could just as easily put Samuel L. Jackson and Laurence Fishburne in the top 5. Denzel Washington is always good but always the same. Firm grip. Steely eye. TRAINING DAY and INSIDE MAN, I think, were his two best because he got to do show some different looks. The rest of his stuff all blends into a haze. Even MALCOLM X (too hard to do the figure justice, though). Another real actor is Lance Reddick. He could have made my list as well.

Anonymous said...

Jesse Martin - can't wait to see him as Marvin Gaye.

Ving Rhames - Loved him in "I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry".

Forest Whitaker - Last King of Scotland was my favorite of his.

NoRegrets said...

I must say, I like Will Smith - he's not in the top five, but I've always liked him since seeing him in Seven Degrees of Separation - an old old movie when he was very young and did a great job.

I was going to say Eddie Murphy to yank your chain, but thought you might think I was serious.

NoRegrets said...

Oops, make that Six Degrees. With no Kevin Bacon on the side.

The Flyyest said...

its crazy because don cheadle is is my favorite actor of all time since i was like 10!!! LOL

then its denzel...i dont think he is cute.. he can play the hell out of any part to me..... and he walks so damn smoove!!!!! LOL

i think tupac was a good actor... i mean he played a thug but he also had his sensitive (crying) side in poetic justice!!!

on the comedy side... no one out plays martin and eddie murphy!!!!!


im sorry but i dont too much care for taye diggs... i love the movies he plays in but i jus feel if your gonna be a brooklyn born dude in a movie... you shouldnt have a jamaican accent (brown sugar)!!!!! LOL but thats jus my opinion!!

Tafari said...

Terrence gets on my nerves but he can act his ass off. I saw him in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" this summer in NYC.

He was awesome.

Forrest is good but Don gets the prize in my book.

Bygbaby

Tafari said...

BTW, Taye Diggs sucks!

uglyblackjohn said...

My picks;
Don Cheadle - good in every movie
Lawrence Fishburn - better before he became a "movie star".
Sam Jackson - Even makes being a crack-head look cool
Terrence Howard - I didn't realize how many movies he was in.
Forrest Whitiker - has come a long way since Fast Times at Ridgemont High

The Socialite said...

I would say hands down Forest Whitaker! I think that it is amazing how he is able to play each role that he gets, and i am immediately convinced that he is that character. He is so different in every role. I also am able to see past his eye...which could be a major distraction for someone who couldn't act. Dont beat me up, im telling the truth.

Also Denzel Washington should have made the list. Some of his movies I felt like I was watching the same smooth Denzel...but he is still great!

Anonymous said...

morgan freeman- brings something to the screen
and that voice!

Roger Guenveur Smith- saw his one man interpretation of Huey P. Newton. Then he came to my class and spoke.
He must have thought I was the crazy girl in the back because I couldn't stop staring. Was trying to separate the man from the character and I know how my face gets when I start thinking real hard. Lol.

blackstar said...

waaaaaaaait! Morehouse Man? What's up, your Spelman Sister is here!

I'd have to say Samuel is on my top list too - I love the guy!

I'd like to add - Wood Harris - he is up and coming, but he's one of my favs.

Bria said...

Hey Raw...i don't know who Terrance Jackson is...but I love the intensity of Terrance Howard-i LOVE his old work. and what's the name of that cable movie...was it lackawanna blues? loved it.

and he was good in Best Man (with Taye Diggs). I think an underrated actor is the brother who plays in the TV show Lost (saw it once, and I was lost) He was in the wheelchair on HBO's Oz, and he was in Best Man too, with Taye & Terrance.
I sent u a direct message on Twitter (briabria)

Bria said...

ohhhhh yeah i still get shivers from Tupac's crazy butt in Juice!

And jeffrey Wright (didn't he and his co-stars just get in a fight last month?) Has a look that allows him to transcend racial boundaries. he's allowed to exercise his acting chops greatly due to his unique look.

Shelly- Mom Files said...

i am not a movie person but I do think Forest Whitaker is brilliant. Obviously looks can't sway me lol! Have a fantastic day folk :)

Keli said...

Am at a lost for words in regards for the two you listed and followed with no comment...

wow...

Taye Diggs does not even come close to be the best black male actor...there are better soap opera actors...

I agree with Don and Forrest...adding Denzel into the mix...he sold me when he played the bad boy, and played him well.

Someone mentioned James Earl Jones...that's another good one, as well as Morgan Freeman...there are tons of men I could list before Taye Diggs could possibly creep into the conversation.

Anonymous said...

Don Cheadle is my favorite too, but will add Fishburn to the list.

Anonymous said...

I certainly agree with your selections and would add Morgan Freeman in the #1 or in a tie for #2....although I will add that I'm very biased and would pay Morgan Freeman to narrate the entire world to me if I could afford it. There is something so genuine about him that he makes even the lessor roles he plays believable and delightful to watch.

But I would also add Will Smith to the list. I'm amazed with his versatility and just how much he has grown as an actor since he began.

msladyDeborah said...

My list is Don Cheadle: I haven't seen a flick of his that I haven't like.

Forrest Whittaker:His films are on point and interesting.

Adloph Ceasar (His performance in A Solider's Story was stunning!)

Howard Rawlins Jr. Ragtime was one of his best!

Mos Def~I have seen several different films. Something the Lord Made and Lackawanna Blues showed some real diversity.

I also like Samuel Jackson as an actor. And Denzel when he is playing bad.

RealHustla said...

"they look at it completely different in the countries i lived in in africa when i ran maternal health and child survival projects"

Which one of those papers in the side bar I gotta read to learn more about this experience?

Mizrepresent said...

Don Cheadle is at the top of my list right now...really, this brother brings it everytime!

rainywalker said...

Nobody would know any of the names I pick, they are old or dead.

Anonymous said...

Laurence Fishburne
Forrest Whitaker(a fellow vegan)
Morgan Freeman
Don Cheadle
Denzel Washington

Not in the order listed though...that would take to long.

Now can a top 5 list be done for black women actor's, hhhhmmmm?

uNWrItten* said...

im biased but djimon does it for me...very talented..and terranceof course...but Forest takes the cake undoubtly!

Anonymous said...

my line up reads like this bruh:

1 - denzel washington

2 - samuel l. jackson

3 - don cheadle

4 - chwetel ejiofor

5 - morgan freeman

Anonymous said...

Not in any special order:

Djimon Hounsou (whew!)
Samuel Jackson
Laurence Fishburne
Don Cheadle
Wood Harris

Unknown said...

I gonna have to get back to you on this one, but im definately agreeing with your Jeffery Wright pick...I loved him in Basquait.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

I would add:

Cicely Tyson* Oscar Nominee
Alfie Woodard
Margaret Avery
Pam Greer
Lena Horne
Maya Angelou
Jada Pinket Smith
Angela Bassett* Oscar Nominee
Gabrielle Union
Nia Long
Vonetta McGee
Diahann Carroll
Regina King
Audra McDonald
Dorothy Dandridge
Hattie McDaniel* Oscar Winner
Halle Berry * Oscar Winner
Fredi Washington
Tamara Dobson
Meagan Goode
Vanessa L. Williams
Vanessa Williams
Eartha Kitt
CCH Pounder
Loretta Devine
Whoppi Goldberg* Oscar Winner
Jurnee Smollett
Kerry Washington
Holly Robinson Peete
Beah Richards
Nell Carter
Anna Deveare Smith
Sanaa Latham
Thandie Newton
Ruby Dee
Queen Latifah
Diana Ross
Irma P.Hall
Jennifer Hudson* Oscar Winner
S.Epatha Merkerson
Regina Taylor
Rae Dawn Chong
Taraji P. Henson
Anika Noni Rose
Keke Palmer
Esther Rolle
Erika Alexander
Barbara McNair
Robin Givens
Oprah Winfrey* Oscar Nominee
Debbie Allen
Cynda Williams
Lisa Gay Hamilton
Rashida Jones
Debbi Morgan
Victoria Rowell

Undeniably...Deep aka Tina-B said...

I might b makin some folk mad about my list but here it is anyway...

1. Will Smith~ extremely versitile
2. Don Cheadle~ underrated & over looked
3. Morris Chestnut~ explosive & believeable
4. Jamie Foxx~ pure original talent
5. (tie) Denzel washington & Sam Jackson~ none of there recent work has been astonishing but they have a record thats holding them in my list.

Dats my 2cents & I'm stickin to it.

BlackandMarriedWithKids.com said...

Denzel is the only cat that can make me go see a movie just off of GP.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Yes of course I know the question was about men...but women...Sisters are so often left out of the ACTOR catergory.

So in keeping with the spirit of the ORIGINAL question, here are my picks for Leading Brother Actors:

Don Cheadle
Denzel Washington
Adolph Cesare* Deceased
Danny Glover
Terrence Howard
Morris Chestnut
Ivan Dixon
Bill Duke
Charles Dutton
Omar Epps
Giancarlo Esposito
Al Freeman, Jr.
Morgan Freeman
Hill Harper
Gregory Hines
Robert Hooks
Kevin Hooks

laughing808 said...

ok, after reading all the previous comments, I'd add:

Hill Harper
Mekhi Phifer

Anonymous said...

Silkyangela, I'll go in on getting Morgan to narrate the world...maybe he'll give us a deal? ;) For those who haven't seen it, "10 Items or Less" with Morgan is a fun, quirky flick...definitely a great Netflix rental.

And Torrance, I should go over to the appropriate blog posting about it, but your pages load slowly and oddly for me...Thought about your blog on North Korea when the news was saying some think that Elvis-wannabe dictator is actually dead, if not at least having had an extremely serious stroke. Whatcha think?

Dr. Tracey Salisbury said...

1) Jeffrey Wright - this is most talented black actor of the modern era. He can play anything!

2) Don Cheadle - he's a bad man!

3) Sidney Poitier - he is the man!

4) Forest Whitaker - he's the best black character actor in the world.

5) Morgan Freeman/Samuel Jackson - Morgan is amazing, but Sam will always be my boy for "I smoked the TV, mama!"

Still Patrice said...

my favorite actors are
samuel l except for snakes on a plane and black snake moan

morgan freeman i always like to see him

idris elba is a new fav and he foine

kimora boyfriend. i became a fan after blood diamond

Bernie Mac never failed to make me laugh

Robert E. Morgan, Jr. said...

You Have Just Been BLOGROLLED!

Curious said...

I don't think that anyone alive and still working could compare to James Earl Jones in his prime, not even Jame Earl Jones now.

Having said that, and in no particular order Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright are 2 people worth watching. Even if the film sucks, they will always put in a performance that will be true and believable. These are people who are in their profession because of the love for it and not the money or even fame and that comes through all the time.

Morgan Freeman can pick some roles where only his mother will enjoy but when he does pick a good role he "sings". He will be in top form and will bring home anything that that needs to be brought home.

Forrest Whitaker in my view will always be underated. He can turn a script in 7 seven different directions sometimes by not even saying anything, just by his eyes and the thoughts he has behind them. He is craftsman in the best sense of the word.

And to round out the top 5, Idris Elba. He hasn't done many American projects but when he does, except for 28 Weeks, he is another one whose performance you can always depend on and trust in.

BTW as someone mentioned Denzel Washington earlier, does he still do the man with the chip on his shoulder routine still or has he been able to get past that yet?

James Tubman said...

i dont know if you saw deacons for defense about the group of black men who took up arms against the clan and lousiana

those brothers were FIERCE

forrest played the role of the head guy pretty well

you should check it out

Tera said...

Favorite Black Male Actors (in no particular order):

Don Cheadle (especially when he play Earl the "Goat" Manigult).

Samuel L. Jackson---LOVE HIM!

Morgan Freeman

Ving Rhames-(Loved him and Don Cheadle in Rosewood)

Will Smith---I'm a die-hard fan!

Don't sleep on the comedians:

Mike Epps

Katt Williams

Chris Tucker

Bernie Mac

Bombchell said...

hmm I wouldnt say Taye Diggs is the best. Jamies perfomacnces are cool, so is Terrence Howards. Im trying to think of a charcter that I watched and believed strongly... oh well cant think of one, maybe Blair underwood. laters

Unknown said...

Morgan Freeman, Don Cheadle, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, (the African dude from Don Cheadle's "Can We Talk" Movie), Louis Gossett Jr.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

ALL YAWL
you all are very perceptive

Hampton06 said...

i just got off the phone talking about taye diggs. my friend may need to reshoot something because someone went a little 'too taye diggs.'

i like michael k. williams from 'the wire.'

Anonymous said...

Men picks looks over anything else....i.e. Halle Berry...not that great of an actress, IN MY OPINION. Lots of people will disagree.

Anyway...

I like Don Cheadle and forrest Whittaker, I dont know some of the others and I havent seen a whole range for Djimon Hounsou. In addition, Denzel Washington. Samuel Jackson is okay but he wouldnt be a favorite. Idris Elba.

T.Allen said...

I agree with you on Forrest and Don Cheadle...we were just discussing Don Cheadle's talent earlier this week. I don't watch much mainstream film so I can't speak for the others, but Charles S. Dutton and certainly Morgan Freeman are worthy of notable mention. Denzel is eye-candy but overrated as an actor imo.

Mrs. Mary Mack said...

Cheadle is definitely close to tops for me. Forest Whitaker, Denzel, and Morgan Freeman are all the ish!

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