Happy Birthday Morris Chestnut: More Than Just a “Sex Symbol”
In the media today, TV and Film actor Morris Chestnut is being blueprinted as a “sex symbol”. In an Essence Magazine interview, the eminent actor stated “I don’t focus on it…I try to stay in shape but I don’t focus on just being a sex symbol.” Athletic physique, beautiful smile, and the perfect smooth chocolate skin aside he’s arguably had a longstanding career playing some of the most memorable roles. Below, find unfading characters played by Morris Chestnut over the years.
- The first time Chestnut graced fans with his presence was in 1991 in the John Singleton film, ‘Boyz N The Hood’. The young actor embodied the role of Ricky Baker better known to the culture as “Rickyyyyyyyy”. Although the storyline enveloped life in the hood for neighborhood friends– Trey Styles, Chris, and Ricky’s brother Doughboy– Chestnut’s role was the focal point of the boys. Star pupil destined for athletic greatness until his wings were clipped at the hands of gun violence. Full of promise and hope, Ricky was the meal ticket for his single mom and family. ‘Boyz N The Hood’, a classic film, stuck with viewers by the agency of Ricky and his misfortune; the same misfortune of so many young boys that aren’t portrayed on the big screen.
2. ‘The Best Man’ film franchise by director Malcolm D. Lee that commenced in 1999, might’ve been the genesis of the “sex symbol” label that Morris Chestnut now wears. In an iconic entrance scene in the ‘The Best Man’, women customers at the club the friends were at began praising his character before he even stepped in the room. Lance Sullivan was this flawed, God fearing, football star who wanted to be with his “queen” Mia Morgan, despite his womanizing habits. When the film developed a sequel in 2013, ‘The Best Man Holiday’, Chestnut’s character remained at the center. Lance Sullivan’s inability to forgive past transgressions of his best man drove the plot forward. And this past December, when the director produced the final installment of the franchise twenty three years later, — ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’, — Lance had more plights to overcome making him even more cheer worthy.
3. 2001 was a productive year for the actor, seeing as how he starred in 4 individual films– (‘The Brothers’, ‘Two Can Play That Game’, ‘Scenes of the Crime’, and ‘The Killing Yard’). Chestnut played Jackson Smith in ‘The Brothers’, alongside Shemar Moore, Bill Bellamy, and D.L. Hughley. Each brother in the film faced a challenge regarding honesty and commitment, however, once again Chestnut lands the complex role. Jackson Smith has a system in place of kicking girls to the curb once they get too close. That is until he meets Denise (played by Gabrielle Union) who forces him to open up to love. After all the denial, resistance, and avoidance, in the end Jackson conquers the beast that is love.
4. Unquestionably, Vivica A. Fox is the star in the 2001 film ‘Two Can Play That Game’. Who could ever forget that yellow pantsuit she wears, strutting through the work office as Carl Carlton’s ‘She’s a Bad Mama Jama’ plays in the background? Fox’s character, Shanté Smith, seems self-assured and has all the answers regarding relationships until we meet her boyfriend Keith. Chestnut’s character, Keith, is the one man who gets Shanté’s playbook to completely crumble. He is the only man who lures her into reality. Keith is the irresistible boyfriend who every girl wants but he’s taken. He doesn’t want to play games and once he’s had enough of them, we witness the roles reverse between the two.
5. The following year, Morris Chestnut was personifying a fictional NBA star, Tracy Reynolds in the 2002 film, ‘Like Mike’. Tracy Reynolds’ spot is infiltrated by an orphan boy, Calvin Cambridge (played by Bow Wow). Initially Reynold’s role is standoffish and tunnel visioned solely on basketball. When he meets Calvin and has to play in the league with him and learns more about the thirteen year old, he’s forced out of his comfort zone. He begins caring, assisting, loving, and forgiving– things he was strictly opposed to.
To subject Morris Chestnut to one measly label “sex symbol” is slight. In the last twenty four years, the actor has given us noteworthy leading roles, TV guest appearances, countless interviews, engaged with fans on social media, has faithfully dodged the pitfalls of relationship scandals, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame March 23, 2022. He deserves more than just a title reflecting his physique. Morris Chestnut is the exhibit of a phenomenal man and today we celebrate you. Happy Birthday!
