NEWS

honeymag.com
By Alisha Tillery

Brian White is blushing over the phone. It’s blatantly obvious even from over 2,000 miles away during a bi-coastal phone interview, after mentioning his selection as the Sexiest Black Man in Hollywood by an online publication. The actor, producer and philanthropist gave a pause followed by a slight chuckle that was filled with pure modesty, rather than arrogance — as if he has no idea that he’s drop-dead gorgeous. I mean, he has looked in the mirror, right?

“I guess I won. It blew me away,” he says. “When you set out to be an actor you set out to find truth in the message. You don’t necessarily think it’ll lead to that.

That would be the adornment by women around the globe who saw him step sweaty and shirtless in the blockbuster, Stomp the Yard. That would be a huge following on Twitter for his daily inspirational quotes, or even just to gaze at his profile picture. Fans can’t get enough of him.

White does much more than serve up good looks and a hot body, though. He is a true Renaissance man on a mission to perfect his acting game, projecting positive images and creating better opportunities for minorities in film, whom he affectionately calls “brown people.”

In film he’s been the interracial partner in The Family Stone, the adrenaline-pumped street fighter in 12 Rounds with Jon Cena and the cocky home-run-hitter in Mr. 3000. Starting December 7, he’ll grace the small screen as the young go-getter car salesman, Marcus, vying for the manager spot against Andre Braugher (Glory, Homicide: Life on the Street), in TNT’s “Men of a Certain Age.”

“I think there’s light and dark in all of us,” says White. Whether his roles are straight-laced or sinister, he makes sure there’s a common thread: they send a poignant message and mirror reality.

Take his role opposite Academy Award nominated Taraji P. Henson as Randy, her foul, married boyfriend in Tyler Perry’s latest film, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, for example.

“I try to find something different or a different way to challenge myself in projects that I go after,” he says. “I felt compelled to make sure Randy was made an example of,” White says.

White is the oldest sibling in his family with five younger sisters. His involvement in the film was a “cautionary tale” to them, as well as other women who may be looking for love in all the wrong places. “For women, you can do bad all by yourself. Don’t settle for less,” says White.

“Realize that you are the queen to be catered to. For the fellas, there are consequences and repercussions for your actions.”

Perry’s films, though controversial to some serve as an inspiration to White, who is also a producer at his own company, Media 3 Films. His partners are actor Boris Kodjoe and director Sylvain White (Stomp the Yard, Trois 3)

"My production company is set up specifically to elevate the bar. We wanted to create in front of and behind the cameras." There are several projects in the works, but White would love to see a film adaptation of the documentary, Street Fight, the story of Cory Booker, the youngest black man elected to mayor of Newark, New Jersey.

“There’s a culmination of art and entertainment that I think, is what Hollywood has survived on over the years at the highest quality,” he says. “I think Tyler, Lee Daniels (producer of Precious) and Spike Lee all fall into that category. Hopefully, we can all just get along.

I get that there’s conflict out there but there’s so much growth in the market place for minority films or even films with just one (minority). Movies like The Hangover could have had another brother or Latino or Asian (in it). As these images shift, I think all that can happen is more positive opportunities for myself and other brown folks.”

Whether in front of or behind the camera, White showcases all of his talents. He seems to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of all, too. He’s an Ivy League-educated (his biggest accomplishment is obtaining his degree from Dartmouth), ex-football player for the New England Patriots, dancer and model (well, you might have guessed that one!)

“I set out to become an actor first and then show off those skills (modeling and dance) second. I didn’t set out and say ‘hey I want to be an action guy’. I became a student of the craft. I really, really enjoy combining both—having to use all of my tools in my tool belt at the same time.” All of these skills have prepared him for where is today and where he wants to go. Think: Will Smith in Enemy of the State or Bruce Willis in the Diehard series where drama, action and a little comedy are fused together.

The only other thing that could elevate White to clone-worthy status possibly is a giving heart and he’s got that covered, too. Just the day before, he was awarded the Hollywood F.A.M.E. Award for his matchless philanthropy efforts. White runs Phunk Phenomenon Urban Dance Theater, a youth dance company with former Patriots choreographer, Reia Briggs-Connor. Phunk Phenomenon has collaborated with MTV, Alvin Ailey and Run DMC on performance projects.

He and Keisha Whitaker, wife of actor Forest Whitaker, sponsor Words Matter, a contest focusing on essay writing, songwriting and filmmaking to encourage education in Massachusetts youth ages 12-22. “We’re trying to impress upon these kids that they need to be, as artists, able to communicate in writing or their careers will be limited.”

White also has a charitable organization, WARM (We Are All Role Models) 2 Kids, which provides computers for learning centers in schools across the Northeast.

Between countless projects and 12-14 working days on set, he still finds time for a romantic relationship. Sorry, but he’s taken, ladies (It was Date Night). “I’m not married but I’m definitely not single. I have a great lady. She treats me really well and I think the world of her. Yeah, so that’s it.” The finality in his voice says she might be a keeper.

White strongly believes in the laws of attraction and so far, they seem to be working in his favor. What’s to come for this triple-threat Adonis?

“What am I looking forward to? Whatever God has in store for me, really. I’m inspired that as a country, we’re just moving forward and I’m gonna be one of those people fanning the flames of progress.”

In the meantime, his fans are patiently awaiting the patent for that clone.

Favorite Book: The Secret, The Alchemist

In IPod Heavy Rotation: Jay-Z, Drake, Led Zeppelin, Amy Winehouse, Lupe Fiasco

Favorite old movie: Beverly Hills Cop

Read the full article at: honeymag.com

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