Blair
Underwood has distinguished himself as an award-winning actor who is
currently showcasing his talents in film, television and theater.
Underwood
grew up in a military family, lived in cities all over the world and
considers Virginia his home. He graduated from Petersburg High School
in Virginia and studied at Carnegie-Mellon University before moving to
New York to pursue his career.
Since his acting debut nearly 20 years
ago, Underwood has taken the entertainment industry by storm. In 2006,
he portrayed the voice of Jesus in the highly anticipated audio version
of the Bible, "The Bible
Experience." More than 200 notable personalities — including
Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett — are recorded.
Underwood also starred in two films: "Something New," a romantic
comedy costarring Sanaa Lathan, and "Madea's Family Reunion," the
sequel to "Diary of a Mad Black Woman."
Blair Underwood
Underwood often portrays positive and professional characters
in his films, including his role as a Marine captain in "Rules of Engagement." Underwood's
other film work includes his portrayals of a space shuttle flight navigator
in "Deep Impact," a geneticist in "Gattaca," a sheriff
in "Posse," a corporate banker in "Set It Off" and a death
row inmate in Warner Brothers' "Just Cause."
"What are you for?
Whatever it is, commit to something."
Underwood's TV roles have been as memorable as those on film.
He starred in CBS's top-rated 1998 dramatic miniseries, "Mama Flora's
Family," which was based on Alex Haley's last book, and NBC's "Murder
in Mississippi." The winner of five NAACP Image Awards, Underwood starred
in five episodes of the final season of HBO's hit series "Sex and the
City." One of his most notable roles was on the NBC top-rated drama "L.A.
Law."
Underwood is involved in numerous charitable organizations.
His community service interests range from muscular dystrophy and AIDS to South
Africa. In the fall of 2005, Underwood published a non-fiction book called "Before
I Got Here," a collection of stories and anecdotes from parents
that speak to the existence of a child's soul prior to birth.
The
father of three children encourages young people to ask themselves an important
question: "What are you for? Whatever it is,
commit to something."
