| Blair Underwood 2007 Honoree |
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| 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." |
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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."
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