Regina King was born on January 15, 1971 in Los Angeles. “Regina” is from the Latin word meaning “queen” while her surname has its own obvious regal significance. So, her aristocratic airs should come as no surprise. This classy lady got her start in show-biz after studying acting with Betty Bridges, mom of Todd Bridges of “Different Strokes” fame.

After 10 years of classes, Regina landed a recurring role as “Brenda” on the TV-sitcom “227.” Next, she appeared in blaxploits like Boyz N the Hood, Poetic Justice, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Friday.

She found a break-out role as Cuba Gooding Jr.’s wife in Jerry Maguire. Since then, she has often been cast as the romantic lead, whether as Will Smith’s spouse in Enemy of the State, as Eddie Murphy’s in Daddy Day Care, or as the object of Chris Rock’s affection in Down to Earth.

Nia Long Expounds on Everything from Movies to Motherhood

Stunningly-attractive leading lady Nia Long returned to the big screen last fall in the highly-anticipated sequel The Best Man Holiday where she reunited with original cast mates Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau. Early last year, she joined the all-star cast of Showtime’s “House of Lies” alongside Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell.

Nia Long made her film debut in Boyz n The Hood, a poignant picture portraying social problems in inner-city Los Angeles. She subsequently starred in Friday opposite Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, as well as Love Jones, which won the prestigious Audience Award at Sundance. Nia’s notable film roles also include Soul Food, Alfie, The Best Man, Are We There Yet?, Big Momma’s House 1 and 2, Stigmata, The Broken Hearts Club and Made In America.

Johnny Britt wears myriad hats; he is a singer, songwriter, producer, trumpeter, arranger, pianist, educator and composer. Britt was born in the U.S. specifically in Louisville, Kentucky. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he lived near Eddie Levert (of the O’Jays). So, he was surrounded by great talent and he was immersed very early in music especially in his uncle’s church The House Of God where he commenced to sing at the age of 4 in the choir. Thus, his musical abilities were practically innate. 

In the 7th grade, Johnny Britt was part of the high school orchestra which Arsenio Hall also became a member of. The latter played the drums. After, Britt went to Cathedral Latin, a Catholic school in Ohio where he learned important skills such as discipline. Britt’s professional journey began with a group called The Courageous Young Men. The group performed all over Cleveland and was well-received. Later, Johnny Britt studied in France where trumpet professor Roger Delmette was his mentor. 

Albeit Irene Cara does not need any introduction, permit us to refresh your memory by presenting a summary of her professional accomplishments. Irene T. Escalera was born and raised in New York, more specifically in the South Bronx to a family of five children (two brothers and two sisters). Mrs. Cara is the youngest of the siblings. She was nicknamed ‘Carrot’ because she came to this earth with red hair. Her mother, Louise Cara, is Cuban-American and her late father, Gaspar Cara (who died in 1994), was Puerto-Rican. He was part of a big merengue band in the 50s. According to Mrs. Cara, he brought merengue to the U.S. The band had the first hit on the top 40 Latin chart at the time. Cara’s mother is a retired cashier and her deceased father was a professional saxophone player.