Since his debut as Ricky Baker in John Singlton’s Boyz In the Hood, Morris Chestnut has consistently portrayed powerful African American characters. He could also be seen in the Twentieth Century Fox feature Like Mike which opened July 3rd.
Chestnut was seen starring opposite Alan Alda in the Showtime feature The Killing Yard which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Chestnut was also seen this past November, in the Franchise Pictures’ action feature Half Past Dead opposite Ja’ Rule and Steven Segal. Chestnut’s independent features include Scenes of the Crime, directed by Dominique Forma, and stars Noah Wyle and Jeff Bridges.
Chestnut is known for his roles in The Brothers, The Best Man and Boyz In the Hood. In The Brothers he starred opposite Bill Bellamy, D.L. Hughley and Shemar Moore, who are four friends beginning to question relationships, when one of them gets engaged. In Malcolm Lee’s The Best Man, he played Lance, the hottest pro running back with the best of everything. He received a NAACP Image Award nomination and the film also won the award for Best Motion Picture. John Singlton’s Boyz In The Hood introduced the world to the struggles, hopes and dreams of inner city youth while trying to survive in a world controlled by gangs.
Chestnut’s production company, DMI, has recently signed a two-picture deal with Mandalay Proliance. DMI will also produce an action feature for Sony Screen Gems. He also starred in such features as GI Jane, Under Siege II: Dark Territory and on the television series ER, Out All Night and C-16.