What's In a Name?

"You got a bad name like Dick Butkis" - J-Ro of the Alkaholiks from "Another Level"

For those who don't know, Dick Butkis was a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears. As a life long Bears fan, I've always known who he was, but it wasn't until I heard this song that I had ever analyzed his name. And yes, it had to be hard growing up with a name like that. (Kids can be so cruel). I myself have a rather unusual name. I mean, a black man in America named Andreas? Can't say that I've run across any other black man with my name. As a matter of fact, I hated my name when I was a kid. (Like 5 and 6). I wanted to change my name to Michael. Thank God I came to my senses. No offense to any Michael's in the audience, its just that I have a unique personality. And thus my unique name fits me. Plus I think its kinda cool to be named after my mom Andrea. (Yes I know I'm pandering, but hey, Christmas is coming up, and I can always use the extra brownie points. Lol).

With all of that being said, I want to nominate Heath and Deborah Campbell of Hunterdon County, NJ, as the worse parents in the world. I've never met Heath or Deborah, but after reading this, I think you'll agree with me. Heath and Deborah have three children. The oldest being a son named...(wait for it)... Adolf Hitler Campbell. I swear I'm not making this up. Young Adolf turned 3 recently. Like all parents, Heath and Deborah wanted to get him a birthday cake with his name on it. They contacted their local grocery store, and tried to place an order for the cake. But there's one simple twist. Heath and Deborah asked for his entire name to be placed on the cake. Well, needless to say, the store declined their request.

Heath and Deborah were eventually able to get the cake of their choice at a Wal-mart in Pennsylvania. I don't know how this story made it to the public square, but Heath did an interview in which he said "I think people need to take their heads out of the cloud they've been in and start focusing on the future and not the past." Well Heath, I must tell you that when you name your child after someone who is, almost, single handedly responsible for the murder of 6 million people, its sure to raise more than an eyebrow or two. It actually trips me out that this dude is claiming some kind of ignorance about the response to his and his wife's actions. Heath made a further mockery of himself by asserting that "There's a new President and he says that it's time for a change; well then it's time for a change. They need to accept a name. A name's a name. The kid isn't going to grow up and do what (Hitler) did."

While that might not be the case, you have to admit Heath, there's a certain racist element to naming you child Adolf Hitler. When that issue was brought up, Deborah Campbell revealed that 12 people attended the party, including several mixed children. As Heath exclaimed "If we're so racist, then why would I have them come into my home?" Well Heath, I can't explain the logic behind that decision. However I will say this about your "possibly" racist tendencies. Its bad enough that you named you son Adolf Hitler Campbell. But when your wife gave birth to a daughter a year later, you and Deborah decided to name her................(wait for it).................. JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell. (I shit you not). Now Heath, can I be real with you? I might have been able to let you slide with the whole Adolf thing. Not my preference, but to each his own. But picking "Aryan Nation" as your daughter's middle name; well, that just slaps of an agenda. A RACIST one! Their third child's name is Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell. I can't say that there's anything overtly racist about that name, but given Heath and Deborah's track record, I will be doing some investigating.

Heath said that they named their son Adolf Hitler because "no one else in the world will have that name." Well Heath, you're probably wrong. I'm sure that somewhere in this world of 8 billion people, some other racist MF had the very same idea as you. They just didn't call their local grocery store and try and order a birthday cake with his name on it. I understand the concept unique names, but can we draw the line somewhere? I blame Hollywood for this crap. You know, the people naming their children such things as Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter), Audio Science (Shannyn Sossamon's son), Diva Muffin and Moon Unit (Frank Zappa's daughters), Pilot Inspektor (Jason Lee's son), and Zuma Nesta Rock (Gwen Stefani's daughter).

Again, I understand the need to want to name your children something unique. But as a parent, you're supposed to put your children's needs ahead of your own personal agenda. And there's no way you can't say that young Adolf wouldn't have an easier time going through life as Michael Campbell.

-DrizaDre-

Got M.I.L.F.?

Welcome to another M.I.L.F. Friday or M.I.L.F.F. If you missed last week's opener feel free to take a look back Here. Basically this weekly segment will list in no particular order women we feel fall into the M.I.L.F. category. Again M.I.L.F. stands for Mother I'd Like to F ____ (fill in your own F word here). My personal rule for determining who classifies as a M.I.L.F. would be a good looking woman that is at least 35 years of age and has at least 1 child.

Vanessa L. Williams - Age 45

Vanessa Williams is still probably most remembered for being the first African American Miss America in 1984. Unfortunately due to some controversial naked photos that appeared in Penthouse, she was pressured to resign from her duties as Miss America. She later went on to have a successful music career as an R&B singer. She didn't pop up on my radar until she released the 1991 single "Save the Best for Last." Williams also had many roles in Hollywood. One of her early movie roles I remember was "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man." She later went on to star in movies like "The Jacksons: An American Dream," "Hoodlum," and 1997's "Soul Food," which was probably her most memorable role to date. Other movie roles included "Light it Up" and "Johnson Family Vacation." Also, she's had roles on TV shows such as "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "Star Trek," "Between Brothers," "Ally McBeal," "South Beach," and most recently "Ugly Betty." At 45 Vanessa Williams has 4 kids (ages 21, 19, 15, and 8). Although she has admitted to using Botox she still looks damn good after 4 kids.

Nia Long - Age 37

Nia Long's real name is actually Nitara Carlynn "Nia" Long. Nia is her stage name. Another fun fact is that Nia Long's half Sister is Sommore of the Queens of Comedy. Long's first acting appearance was in an episode of "227." Her next role in the 1991 movie "Boyz N The Hood" would turn out to be her break out role. This was when I was first introduced to her and have been a fan ever since then. She went on to land roles in movies such as "Made in America," "Friday," "Love Jones," "Hav Plenty," and "Soul Food" with the aforementioned Vanessa Williams. Also, she appeared in "In Too Deep," "The Best Man," "Stigmata," "Boiler Room," "Big Momma's House 1 & 2," "Are we there/done yet?" and "Premonition." Not to mention Long has played in TV shows such as "Living Single," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "ER," "Moesha," "Judging Amy," "Third Watch," "Boston Legal," and "Big Shots." Nia Long has an 8 year old son and still looks amazing.

Regina King - Age 37

Regina King had her first acting role playing the daughter Brenda on the TV show "227" from 1985-1990. Then in 1991 she played a role in the movie "Boyz N The Hood" and followed it up with her performance in "Poetic Justice." On a side note I still want to know how Chicago (Joe Torrey's Character) got that damn brush back. LoL. Well Regina King went on to take on supporting roles in many top rated movies. Her discography also includes: "Higher Learning," "Friday," "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate," "Jerry Maguire," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "Enemy of the State," "Mighty Joe Young," "Down to Earth," "Daddy Daycare," "Legally Blonde 2," "Miss Congeniality 2," and "This Christmas." Also, she played roles on TV shows like "Ny Undercover," "Living Single," and "24." Most recently she's played the voices of Huey and Riley on the popular adult cartoon "The Boondocks." At 37 Regina king is the mother of an 11 year old boy.

To Be Continued...

If I Could Be Like Spike............

With the recent release of "Miracle at St. Anna", I want to discuss a topic that many people sleep on. Spike Lee is one of the most overrated people in Hollywood. (Yeah I said it). I too grew up looking at Spike Lee as a pioneer for black people in Hollywood. I can't take that status away from him, however, I would like to make the case that the vast majority of his success is based on movies that he produced/directed twenty years ago. And for that, I can't give him credit. To me it would be akin to saying that Ronald Isley is a great singer for the work that he did with R. Kelly. Sorry, being Mr. Big is not the reason we love the Isley Brothers!

My first introduction to Spike Lee was in 1989 when he released Do the Right Thing. I was only 11, but I thought it was an incredible movie. (Thank God for the left nipple! Lol). After seeing that movie, I remember hearing about "She's Gotta Have It", and "School Daze". To this date, I have not seen either of them in their entirety, but the parts that I have seen of them have been entertaining at least. In my life, Spike Lee became, probably, the first Hollywood person that I began to eagerly anticipate the next movies.

Do the Right Thing was followed by Mo Better Blues and Jungle Fever. I've never seen all of Mo Better Blues, but I did enjoy Jungle Fever. Spike Lee followed up Jungle Fever with what I believe to be one of his best movies. Malcolm X was released in November of 1992. The thing I remember about the most about the movie had nothing to do with what I actually saw on the screen. What I remember most was the fact that Spike had the hood blown up with X gear. (And no, not all of it was officially licensed merchandise. As a matter of fact, I'd say that the majority of it was unlicensed merchandise). X hats, X medallions, and of course the X t-shirts were very prevelant. I spent the summer of 1992 in Chicago visiting my grandparents, and hustle man made a killing that summer.

So to quickly recap, between 1986, and 1992, Spike had a string of either financially successful or critically successful hit. Well lets just say that as of 1992, he began to rest on his laurels.

His next film was Crooklyn. Crooklyn is a story told from the perspective of a little girl growing up in Brooklyn, New York. I saw this movie in my mass media class senior year in high school. I was excited to see this movie. Up until that point all that I really knew about the movie is that it had a decent soundtrack. (Headlined by the single "Crooklyn" performed by the Crooklyn Dodgers (Masta Ace, Buckshot, and Special Ed). Well I was terribly disappointed. To me, the movie was crap. I tried to see where Spike was going with this one, but I just couldn't relate. To this day, I don't quite understand what the message was. Which was a stark contrast to the fact that Spike's earlier movies dealt with larger social issues. Strike one at that point.

Stike two for Spike was an absolute abomination. Drop Squad was released in 1994. Now, the difference with this movie is that it was directed by Spike. However he did produce it. And my god was it awful. Drop Squad dealt with a successful black man who in the opinion of his family had "sold out". The Drop Squad was a group of individuals who kidnapped him, and was given the task of helping him to rediscover his black roots. The premise of the movie was half-way decent. And to a degree, Spike had gotten back to dealing with social issues. But the application went horribly wrong. This movie was painful to watch. I guess at that point, I hoped that this was the worse that Spike had to offer, as you will read later, I was sooooo wrong.

In 1995, Spike also produced New Jersey Drive and Tales from the Hood. Both movies were alright at best. Once again though, these movies spawned very good soundtracks. (Especially New Jersey Drive).
Later in 1995, Spike directed Clockers. What I recall of this movie is that it dealt with drug dealing. Once again it had a decent soundtrack, no major hits though. The most memorable aspect of this movie is that it, more or less, introduced the world to Mekhi Phifer. Other than that, the movie was very forgettable. I should have begun to see a pattern from Mr. Lee, but I continued to give him the benefit of the doubt.

1996 brought us Girl 6. A movie that really brought nothing to the table for me. Later in 1996, he directed Get On the Bus, a movie that followed a group of black men headed to the million man march in Washington D.C. I did not see this movie due to the fact that by this time I was pretty much skeptical of most everything Spike did. He directed 4 little girls in 1997. I watched this movie for some class that I was taking in college. As a documentary, the movie wasn't bad. But as I see it, I can't really give him a whole lot of credit for simply recounting the facts of history to us. (Sorry Spike).

In 1998, Spike teamed up with Denzel Washington for a third time to bring us He Got Game. This movie was crap to the second power. If it weren't for Drop Squad, I would say that this movie was his worse up until that point. Spike produced the Best Man in 1999. A decent movie. And I would love to say that he had gotten his groove back at that point. But also in 1999, he directed Summer of Sam. This movie dealt with the feelings of people throughout his beloved New York during the murder spree of the Son of Sam killer. Horrible movie. Almost worse than He Got Game. In 2000 he directed the movie The Original Kings of Comedy starring Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley. I once again would love to give Spike the credit for this one, but the comedians did all the work. And its not like Spike discovered their talents. These were very successful and established Comedians at the time. So no props to Spike.

Then came Bamboozled later that year. If I ever post a worst ever list of movies, Bamboozled will definitely be in the top 5. (Somewhere behind The Pledge and The Bad Lieutenant). Bamboozled is about a tv show creator who creates what he believes is the worse show known to man. To his surprise, the show is a hit. Bamboozled once again deals with the issue of "selling out". I heard that this movie is a slap at BET. While I echo Spike's sentiments that BET has done more to degrade black people than to enhance us as a people, Bamboozled was crap. All that I could say about Spike at this point was that I was done. No longer would I give him a chance. I had invested too much time and money into his visions. And no longer were his visions anything that I could conceptualize in my mind and heart.

Spike has done a lot more work since then. Of course, most of it very forgettable. I saw another documentary that he did regarding Hurricane Katrina, and I have to admit that I found it to be entertaining. Unfortunately I thought that the movie was very slanted to the view that the federal government screwed up, and while they did, I as a documentarian would have also addressed how state and local officials screwed up. And to a larger degree, how the residents of New Orleans did do much to protect themselves. (But that's a topic for a later blog).

Now in this world, what speaks more than words is money. So I want to show how much Spike's movies have made at the box office. (To the right is the movie's cost to make).

Do The Right Thing $27,545,445 (6.5 million dollars)
Mo' Better Blues $16,153,593 (10 million dollars)
Jungle Fever $32,482,682 (14 million dollars)
Malcolm X $48,169,910 (34 million dollars)
Crooklyn $13,642,861 (14 million dollars)
Drop Squad $734,693 (2 million dollars)
Tales From the Hood $11,837,928 (6 million dollars)
New Jersey Drive $3,565,508 (5 million dollars)
Clockers $13,071,518 (25 million dollars)
Girl 6 $4,939,939 (12 million dollars)
Get on the Bus $5,754,249 (2.4 million dollars)
4 Little Girls $130,146
He Got Game $21,567,853 (25 million dollars)
Summer of Sam $19,288,130 (22 million dollars)
Original Kings of Comedy $28,182,790 (3 million dollars)
Bamboozled $2,274,979 (10 million dollars)

Of the sixteen movies I listed, only seven of the movies recouped the money spent to make them.

Which brings us to 2008. I first saw a preview for Miracle at St. Anna while at a car wash in Phoenix. Movie looks great. It deals with history, something I love. Seems like an adventure of sorts, I was hooked. And then I found out that it is directed by Spike Lee. Damn! As much as I want to give it a chance, I just can't find it within myself to be fooled by him again. I respect Spike's contribution to the advancement of blacks in Hollywood. He's paved the way for people like John Singleton, the Hughes Brothers, and Tyler Perry. My entire argument is that Spike is riding off the success of the past. And unfortunately in Spike's past, for every Do the right thing, there's been several Drop Squads. And for that, I refuse to be Bamboozled again!

What'sHisName??

Last week my brother called me and said guess who I saw when I was out at a restaurant? Well he was in Los Angeles, CA at the time so I'm thinking there is no telling who he saw. There have been plenty of times where he's reported to me that he spotted celebrities, sports icons, and even porn stars just out and about in regular places. However, I know he's not the star struck type person so it's never really a big deal to him. Well on this particular time he was out at a local Red Robin and saw an actor. I had no clue who it could have been was nor was I even going to try and guess. So I asked him who it was. As he began to tell me all I heard was O...But as soon as he said that one letter we both said in unison the one and only "O.G. Bobby Johnson."

Now some of you possibly younger readers may be wondering who in the world is O.G. Bobby Johnson? I'm glad you asked that because this blog is dedicated to those actors and actresses that never quite excelled beyond certain roles they played. The Hollywood or movie industry term is called "typecasting." According to Wikipedia "typecasting is the process by which a film, TV, or stage actor is strongly identified with a specific character, one or more particular roles, or characters with the same traits or ethnic grouping. There have been instances in which an actor has been so strongly identified with a role as to make it impossible for him or her to find work playing other characters." Well below I've compiled a list of actors/actresses that as soon as you see them you will most likely identify them as a character they played. Except for a couple, I'm almost sure that if someone told you their real name you wouldn't even know who they were talking about. But hopefully after this blog we'll be able to identify them as more than that one character. I doubt it but we'll see. LoL.

O.G. Bobby Johnson aka Glenn Plummer

Although Glenn Plummer began his career playing the notable role of Hightower in the movie "Colors," it was when he played O.G. Bobby Johnson in the movie "South Central" that most remember him from. Plummer has an extensive Hollywood resume according to IMDb he has played in over 90 roles including in some popular movies such as "Menace II Society," "Trespass," "Strange Days," "The Substitute," and "Saw II." Also, he's made appearances on TV shows such as "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "The Jamie Foxx Show," and "ER." But although he has never had a lack of work in Hollywood, the role of O.G. Bobby Johnson has to be one of his most memorable roles.

Steve Urkel aka Jaleel White

If you remember TGIF on ABC back in the early 90's then you definitely recall the show "Family Matters." But before his role as the nerdy Steve Urkel, Jaleel White made small appearances on shows such as "The Jeffersons" and "Mr. Belvedere." In it's 9 year run Family Matters dominated ratings on Friday evenings. Unfortunately for Jaleel White after the show ended he was forever known as Steve Urkel aka Stefan. Although he later starred in another sitcom called "Grown Ups," after a few episodes the show was cancelled. However, more recently White has scored roles in the movie "Dream Girls" and roles on shows such as "Half and Half," "The Game," and "Boston Legal." But regardless of what role he plays we'll always know Jaleel as Steve Urkel.

Brother Man aka Reginald Ballard

Before playing the role of Brother Man aka Bruh Man on the TV Show "Martin,"Reginald Ballard played roles in the movies "Class Act" and "Menace II Society." Also, he had small roles on TV shows "A Different World" and "Sister Sister." But most probably remember him as the mooching neighbor Bruh Man from the 5th Floor (holding up 4 fingers. lol). After playing in over 13 episodes of Martin Ballard went on to play roles in shows such as "Malcolm & Eddie," "ER," " Las Vegas," "The Parkers," and "Veronica Mars." Most recently Ballard played in over 26 episodes of "The Bernie Mac Show" as the character WB, and in an episode of "All of Us." Although he tried to expand his resume whenever I see Reginald Ballard I automatically picture Bruh Man with a Samich in one hand, walking with the slow bob, and giving the head nod as he exits through the window. Although he's not the inventor, the phrase "Brother Man head nod" was still coined after this character.

Fred "Re-Run" Stubbs aka Fred Berry

Prior to his role on the show "What's Happening!!" Fred Berry appeared in an episode of "The Brady Bunch." However, after 34 episodes of What's Happening the show was cancelled in 1979. Berry had no note worthy roles after What's Happening that was until a spin off was created called "What's Happening Now!" This show lasted about a year and Berry had 21 episodes. After What's Happening now Berry had no major acting roles and the majority of Berry's appearances were him playing himself and Re-Run. Those appearances included "Murder Was the Case," "Scrubs," and "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle." Unfortunately, after a stroke and complications Berry passed away in 2003. Even after his passing we'll always know Fred Berry as the pop-locking, red baret and red suspenders wearing Re-Run.

J.J. aka Jimmie Walker

Jimmie Walker started out as a stand up comedian but after starring in the movie "Let's Do it Again," Jimmie Walker landed the role as James "J.J." Evans Jr. on the show "Good Times." After a 5 year run and over 98 episodes of Good Times and probably a million times saying his catch phrase "Dynomite!!" Walker was stuck with the task of trying to find other work in Hollywood. He played roles here and there on shows such as "The Love Boat," "Cagney and Lacey," and "The Fall Guy." Also, he had roles in movies such as "Bustin Loose." In 1991 I remember falling victim to a free movie screening of him starring in the movie "Guyver" which I must say ranks up there on my worst movies of all time list. LoL. He spent his 1990's career making appearances on shows such as "In the House," "The Drew Carey Show," and "George Lopez." Also, he had a movie role in "Home Alone 2." Most recently he's played a re-occurring role (3 episodes) on "Everybody Hates Chris." But after over 33 years in Hollywood you can't help but to still refer to Walker as ... "Kid Dynomite!!"

Screech aka Dustin Diamond

The only notable role for Diamond prior to the break out teen hit "Saved by the Bell" was a role in "Big Top Pee-wee." Saved by the Bell and it's different spin-offs (Saved by the Bell: College Years, and The New Class) stayed on the air from 1988-2000. Diamond himself played in a total of over 175 episodes. But once the show ended its reign over Saturday mornings Diamond virtually faded away from the Hollywood scene. The only role of note was a small role in the movie "Big Fat Liar." That was until his a sex tape "Screeched aka Saved by the Smell" was released in 2006. After this he made appearances on reality shows such as Celebrity Fit Club. But sex tape and all he is still regarded as the high pitched high school nerd Screech.

Arnold Jackson aka Gary Coleman

Before his 8 year run on "Different strokes" as Arnold Jackson Gary Coleman appeared in such shows as "The Little Rascals," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times." But as Arnold Jackson he played the cute, lovable and at time annoying adopted son to a rich white man on Different Strokes. The character Arnold actually appeared on other network shows such as "The Facts of Life" and "Silver Spoons." But after Different Strokes ended he was forced to take smaller roles (no pun intended. lol) appearing on shows such as "227," "Married with Children," "Martin," "Unhappily Ever After," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," and "Homeboys in Outer space." Some of his most recent appearances included "The Jamie Foxx Show (2000)," and "The Drew Carey Show (2001)." In all other roles he simply appeared as himself and not a scripted character. But we can all be honest that if we saw Gary Coleman right now the first thing we would say is "What you talkin bout Willis?" LoL.

Webster aka Emmanuel Lewis

The show "Webster" ran from 1983-1989. Emmanuel Lewis was the cute, adorable child star that was the show's main character. Prior to Webster he had only appeared in an episode of "The Love Boat." Also, Webster was one of the first kids that Michael Jackson took a liking to. I'm not sure if that hurt or helped his career. But the only other notable role he played since Webster was on an episode of "Moesha." However, he did make numerous appearances as himself on "In the House," "Family Matters," "Malcolm & Eddie," "One on One," and the movie "Kickin It Old Skool."

Topanga aka Danielle Fishel

After appearances on "Full House" and "Harry and the Hendersons" Fishel landed the role of Topanga Lawrence on "Boy Meets World." As the love interest of the main character Corey she played in 150 episodes during the shows 7 year run. A funny story is that when I was in California attending high school that Danielle attended the same school. I believe she was a Freshman when I was a Junior. She was actually in a Physical Education class with me. But she was really stuck up wouldn't talk to anyone like she was better than the rest of the other rich white kids and the one black guy (that would be me LoL). But I always thought in my head like who are you? You're just Topanga and in 5 or so years no one will even care about that. Well according to her work resume after the demise of Boy Meets World she made an appearance in the show "Yes Dear" and the movies "National Lampoons Presents Dorm Daze 1 & 2." That's it. So guess my prediction was right. LoL.

Rudy Huxtable aka Keisha Knight Pulliam

Her first role was actually on the Cosby; however, there are some unnamed episodes of "Sesame Street" that she did appear on. The Cosby show ran from 1984-1992. Rudy was the youngest of the Cosby Kids until she got a little older and Raven Samone came in and stole the cute spot light. Keisha appeared in 177 episodes of the series. She also appeared in a few episodes of the spin off "A Different World" as the same character. Her only other acting appearance for almost 10 years was on "Cosby" in 1997. Reports state that she took the time off working to go to school and that she even finished law school. However, much to everyone's shock she re-appeared in Chingy's 2004 "One Call Away" video as his main love interest looking very grown up and sexy to say the least. After this she began acting again and appeared in the movie "Beauty Shop" and the show "House of Payne." Also, she's set to play in Tyler Perry's next installment "Madea Goes to Jail."

I know Hollywood is a tough business to even break into to begin with. However, I think its even harder to remain there once you've initially broken into it. Also, I'm sure that once you've been type casted it makes it virtually impossible to even find quality roles. Some have to totally switch up and played a role that is totally opposite of that famed role in order to give a different image. Unfortunately, child stars such as the ones I mentioned probably have it hardest. But I think regardless of what roles they may play in the end when you think of these actors I've mentioned and others in their same position you still see them as that character. So we can say their real names all day long. But just like your momma or your grandma still calling your grown ass by your nickname from childhood people are going to call you what they know you as.

--C-Recks--

Where are They Now?? Vol. 2

Have you ever heard an old-school or throw back song on the radio and you were left to wonder what ever happen to so and so? Or have you ever see an older movie that starred an actor or actress you liked but you were left wondering what ever happen to them? Or have you ever been watching sports and think like hey what ever happen to so and so he was the #1 draft pick? Well with this blog we will attempt to answer the question "Where are they now?" Through a little research we may actually be able to answer the question or we may find nothing and just further prolong the unsolved mystery of what happen to that particular individual.

In this edition of "Where Are They Now?" we will be profiling TV journalist, talk Show Host, producer, writer, voice-over talent and actress Rolonda Watts aka Rolonda or just Ro.

Rolonda graduated Magna Cum Laude from Spelman College in Atlanta, where she double-majored in Theatre Arts and English. She then went on to receive her Master of Science degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after graduating Rolonda returned home and began her career working at WFMY-TV in Greensboro, NC as a general reporter. She later worked at the New Jersey Network as a reporter and anchor. Her next move was to WNBC-TV in New York where she anchored local morning news cut-ins for the "Today Show." Ro was nominated for an Emmy for "Live Spot News Coverage" she did at a deadly train crash. She would then move on to work at WABC-TV in New York where she anchored, reported, and moderated a weekly political forum "Eyewitness News Conference."

In 1987, Rolonda would venture outside of local news and hosted the show "Attitudes," which aired on cable station Lifetime Television. She was nominated for a Cable Ace for "Best Talk Show." The following year she would join "Inside Edition" news magazine where she was a senior correspondent, producer and weekend anchor. Inside Edition was syndicated by King World, who also syndicated The Oprah Winfrey Show. Owner of King World Roger King went on to offer Rolonda an opportunity to host her own talk show.

"Rolonda" the talk show is probably what most people remember Ro for best. Her show began in 1995 and most of Rolonda's show topics possessed a great deal of integrity. Following in the footsteps of the talk show queen Oprah, Rolonda was supervising producer and also one of the show's owners. The show was produced under King World and Rolonda's own company Watts Works Productions. However, after 4 seasons the show would eventually come to an end. In an interview with Soap Opera Digest Rolonda conveyed that audiences were looking for something more controversial when it came to talk shows. "Audiences were saying, "Well, that was really nice of you to be so respectful, but where's Jerry [Springer]?" We had to make a tough decision, either we go that route or we find something else to do."

Well Rolonda would move on to do just that and find something else to do. Next she would pack up and move to Hollywood. Rolonda began doing acting roles and appeared in many episodes of some popular television sitcoms, and Drama series including: Smart Guy, Sister Sister, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Steve Harvey Show, The West Wing, The Division, 7th Heaven, The District, For Your Love, One on One, Boston Public, Yes Dear, My Wife and Kids, and Jag. Although none of these roles (except Sister Sister) were ever more than an episode or 2 at at time, she stayed working. Eventually, she landed recurring roles on 2 different Soap Operas, The Bold and the Beautiful and Days of our Lives. Also she did voice overs for a cartoon character on Disney's Proud Family and in the animated TV series Curious George. She also played in Spike Lee's movie Girl 6, and played the lead role in Dorothy Dandridge: An American Beauty. Rolonda also hosted the TV show Lie Detector on Pax-TV and is the announcer for the Judge Joe Brown Show and the announcer on the new TV game show Temptations. Not to mention she appeared on Live With Regis and Kelly where she traveled cross-country as a judge for the show's “Great American Co-Host Search." Plus, she has done numerous voice over commercials for well known companies such as Western Union, South West Airlines, Big Lots, Wendy's, Tropicana, Aleve, Boeing, Wells Fargo Bank, and Alka Seltzer.

Needless to say that although one door closed (her talk show), Rolonda had plenty more to open for her. From 2006-2007, Rolonda hosted her own radio show until the network GreenStone Media closed down. Also, Rolonda has recently complete her first novel entitled "Destiny Lingers." "The steamy novel is about a news reporter who breaks down after discovering that her husband is having an affair with her best friend. In a desperate move to get her life back on track, she returns to her childhood home, where she rediscovers her first love." The book is presently being shopped to publishers. Rolonda is also set to star as the role of Josephine Baker in the upcoming silent film "Return To Babylon."

As far as love life at age 49 Rolonda has taken a page out of the "How Stella Got her Groove Back" book and is rumored to be dating 28 year old NFL player Ataveus Cash (Washington Redskins). I'll pause so you ladies can let out a collective "You Go Girl!!" ... But regardless of what we may have thought Rolonda's career has far from fallen off and she continues to strive for success.
For More Information on Rolonda Check out her Website:
http://www.rolanda.com/



--C-Recks--