November 24, 2016 

By Zon D’Amour 

Contributing Writer 

There’s something special about Shaun Brown’s spirit that exudes #BlackBoyJoy, the new social media hashtag that recognizes men of color that personify happiness and optimism. With all puns intended, describing Brown as a hashtag is a great way to explain his role in the new CBS series, “The Great Indoors”.

Led by comedian Joel McHale (“Community”) Brown plays Mason, a writer at an adventure magazine who along with his colleagues, try to merge the generational gap between millennials, Baby Boomers and Gen X.

In an exclusive interview with the L.A. Watts Times, Brown shares the unconventional way in which he landed his agent, he gives insight on his character’s mysterious past as well as how he defines success.

LAWT: How did you initially decide that you wanted to pursue acting as a career?

Shaun Brown: My dad is in the air force and my mom was a doctor, growing up in a conservative household, I always thought I was going to be a heart surgeon. One day while I was watching the Discovery Channel, I saw an actual surgery with all of the blood and I said, ‘Nope I don’t wanna do that.’ Coincidentally a week after I decided I didn’t want to be a doctor, there was an announcement on the PA system at my high school that they were holding auditions for “West Side Story”. I went in with no music, I just sang a cappella and I got a role. Ever since then, I was bitten by the acting bug and it’s been an amazing ride.

LAWT: Can you share the unconventional way in which you found an agent?

SB: When I first moved to L.A., I had the cliché story--I was broke, living on a mattress and eating ramen noodles every other day. I was emailing hundreds of agents saying that I was a theatre actor, new to Los Angeles looking for representation but no one was responding. I met with a commercial agent and he invited me to their comedy showcase to see what they were all about. I went even though I wanted a theatrical agent because I wanted to do TV and film. I was sitting in the front row and the host of the comedy showcase pointed me out and said, ‘This guy looks like a sexy cartoon, somebody sign this guy! He has a great look. Do you have an agent?’ I said, ‘No’ and he added, ‘Someone sign this kid’ and the next day, I got an email from my agent who I still have til this day, so it worked out.

LAWT: What differentiates “The Great Indoors” from other tech series like “The Big Bang Theory”?

SB: We’re talking about things that are happening now with apps and social media. It goes into a more heartfelt place of these crazy characters with all of these different quirks who are trying to work out a common goal at the end of every episode. What drew me to the role was I felt like Mason was a lot like me, I didn’t feel like I had to put on a character. I felt like I was being honest which I strive to do with all of my work. I remember thinking ‘This is me, please let me book this!’ and it worked out.

LAWT: How is the audience going to continue to see your character develop?

SB: You’re going to learn Mason’s deep secrets. You’re going to learn more about what makes him so mysterious. He has this sexual fluidity of ‘is he or isn’t he gay?’ which I personally love because first of all it’s a work place so it’s no one’s business but secondly it’s interesting to have that conversation of what’s gay? What’s masculine? What’s straight? I love to be apart of such an important conversation so we’re going to see more of Mason’s back-story and who he is which is really exciting.

LAWT: Now that you’ve accomplished your dream, is it any different than you expected?

SB: I’ve been telling people that it should be a crime that you’re paying me to do this job because it’s just so much fun. Joel McHale is amazing, he’s very much the captain of the ship and he sets the tone of collaboration and having fun.

I feel very fortunate that someone took a chance on me to be apart of this show. As far as challenges, the hours are long but who am I to complain? I love feeling tired and exhausted at the end of the day because it means I did something, this is fun for me.

LAWT: What would you tell your younger self about what it means to be successful?

SB: Success is doing what you love and having food in the fridge. It’s having your parents call you to tell you how proud they are of you. That’s success to me.

I would tell my younger self to keep going. I live by the mantra, ‘Cream always rises to the top’ so if you can be the most excellent actor and the best person you can be, then you’ll be successful in some capacity because you can’t deny excellence.

So keep growing, keep pushing, keep doing what you’re doing because you’re on the right path.

“The Great Indoors” airs Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on CBS.

November 17, 2016 

Complied by Shonassee Shaver 

Contributing Writer 

Kellee Stewart does away with typecast role in new FOX comedy “BBF,” produced by Cedric the Entertainer

The Soul Man actress, Kellee Stewart will star in the new series, “BBF (Black Best Friend),” a single-camera comedy based on Stewarts life. Debuting on FOX, the comedy follows a black woman, caught between two cultures, who steps out of the shadows of her friends in search of her authentic self. Stewart’s switches positions from being the token black character to becoming the lead actress. For over a decade, she has built a career by playing the black best friend on TV sitcoms. Written by Sebastian Jones (Hot in Cleveland, My Boys and Friends), BBF blows up the trope and hijacks the camera away from the usual white female lead and onto the black best friend.  In addition to starring, Stewart, who helped conceive the series with Jones, is executive producing alongside him as well as with Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone via Cedric’s Bird and a Bear Enter­tainment. Her feature credits include TBS comedy My Boy, The Soul Man where she had a recurring role as Cedric’s sister-in-law and film Hot Tub Time Machine. She co-stars in the indie film Hunter Gatherer premiering in theatres on November 16, reports deadline.com.

Will Smith stars in heartfelt film Collateral Beauty

A versatile actor, Will Smith seems to be a “jack of all trades” actor, from “Bad Boys,” “Men in Black,” “Hitch,” to “I Am Legend,” Smith has done everything from comedy to drama. With recent film credits: “Focus,” “Concussion” and “Suicide Squad,” he readies his new project “Collateral Beauty,” a drama that follows a successful New York advertising executive (Howard Inlet), who suffers a great tragedy and retreats from life. While his concerned friends try desperately to reconnect with him, he seeks answers from the universe by writing letters to Love, Time and Death. But it's not until his notes bring unexpected personal responses that he begins to understand how these constants interlock in a life fully lived, and how even the deepest loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty. Smith is joined by Naomie Harris, Jacob Latimore, Michael Peña, Keira Knightley, Kate Winslet and Helen Mirren. The film is directed by David Frankel and written by Allan Loeb. “Collateral Beauty” opens in theaters December 16.

Denzel Washington and Viola Davis bring Tony Award-winning play, Fences to the big screen on Christmas Day!

Award-winning actors Denzel Washington and Viola Davis team up on the big screen for “Fences.” Directed by Washington from a screenplay by August Wil­son, adapted from Wilson's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play, the film follows Washington as Troy Maxson, a former Negro League Baseball Player married to Davis who plays Rose Maxson. Troy now works as a waste collector, who struggles with race relations in the United States while trying to raise his family in the 1950s and coming to term with the events of his life. Fences stars Jovan Adepo, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson, and Saniyya Sydney. The film is ­produced by Washington, Todd Black and Scott Rudin and executive produced by Molly Allen, Eli Bush, Jason Cloth, Aaron L. Gilbert, Charles King and Kim Roth. “Fences” debuted on Broadway in 1983 and won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play with James Earl Jones, Mary Alice and Courtney B. Vance. The first Broadway revival starring Washington and Davis was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning three for Best Revival of a Play, Best Actor in a Play (Washington), and Best Actress in a Play (Davis). Washington recently starred in the remake of “The Magnificent Seven” and Viola is currently starring in her third season of “How to Get Away with Murder.” Fences opens in theaters December 25.

Veteran actress Nia Long lands role in Netflix TV series “Dear White People”

The Love Jones actress will star and recur in the satirical comedy-drama, “Dear White People” featured on Netflix. Nia Long plays Neika Hobbs, a Winchester University African-American studies professor who is smart and confident but whose pulled-together professional life contrasts a more complicated personal one. Based on the 2014 film of the same name, the series centers on a diverse group of students of color as they navigate a predominantly white Ivy League college where racial tensions are often swept under the rug. The series is a send-up of “post-racial” America that also touches on a universal story about forging one’s own unique path. Justin Simien will return to write and direct several episodes of the series. Ten 30-minute episodes has been ordered by Netflix, with an expected premiere date of 2017, report eurweb.com. Long is joined by Logan Browning (“Hit the Floor”) and Brandon P. Bell, who will reprise his role from the film. Long’s recent credits include “House of Lies,” ABC’s “Uncle Buck and Keanu.” She will star opposite Idina Menzel in the remake of “Beaches” on Lifetime Network. 

November 17, 2016

Aries  

March 21 – April 19 

The Full Moon could bring an opportunity to splurge and enjoy yourself. Whenever influences in your solar chart show just how busy and focused you've been lately, you can benefit from giving yourself some leeway. When it comes to talking about business matters and being productive, be sure to inquire about details and read the fine print. Don't leave anything to chance or you could lose out. Finally, romance could be in the air, with a special date proving very enjoyable.

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

The start of the week brings a lively Full Moon in your sign, which could heighten feelings. You may share more than you intend, but perhaps that's a good thing. Still, it helps to think before you speak to avoid saying anything you might regret later. Concerning money matters, take your time whether you're purchasing an item or signing a contract. If you have any reservations, you'd be wise to request more time so you can check the details thoroughly.

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

You may be spoiled for choice when it comes to golden opportunities. Whether you're looking for more leisure options, a way to succeed with a love interest, or a chance to travel, take your pick. You may not see eye to eye with a boss or authority figure and need to be careful how you interact with him or her. It's better to be honest than tell a little white lie, as you could be found out. Otherwise, the world's your oyster!

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

The start of the week can be an excellent time for a party, celebration, or get-together. Invite friends, provide good food, and have a ball. On another note, you may continue to be busy on the work front, which could put a lot of pressure on you. You may be accepting conditions or demands that aren't in your best interests. If so, discuss such issues with someone who can help you and provide relief. Leisure options also beckon and can prove therapeutic.

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

Is it time to clear the air? You might notice that you're more willing to say what you think when Mars dances into your relationship zone. Although a diplomatic approach always helps, there are times when it's better to be honest and open. Projects or relationships that have stalled could suddenly get moving in the right direction. Venus entering your lifestyle sector can bring positive relationships with co-workers and superiors. Regarding leisure, competitive sports can help channel excess energy.

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

Don't feel you have to push yourself too hard to meet your goals and targets. You may be in a competitive mood, and this could last for some weeks, but it would be wise to pace yourself. With just a little planning you may find a way to create a helpful balance that allows you to work and play. Discussions with a partner or family member could create more confusion than clarity unless you can keep a key discussion on track.

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

With Mars in your sector of creativity, the coming weeks can be a golden opportunity to showcase your skills and show the world what you can do. You often excel at design work or anything else with an artistic or creative bias. If you can use technology to help get your message out to the right people, you could do very well. It's also possible that you could be made aware of a talent you're not using to the fullest.

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

The focus continues on your home and family sector, and it could stir up a desire to relocate, particularly if this has been on your mind. Equally, you may feel moved to remodel your place so it offers more space and options. You could find that talking with someone on your wavelength fills you with all kinds of ideas you hadn't considered, and some of them may be relevant to your intentions. Before you commit to anything, check the details.

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

When you have time to sit back and reflect, you may become aware of an idea that has been waiting in the wings. Perhaps it's relevant to a project or situation you're currently facing and something you can make use of. Don't feel you have to discuss it with family or close friends, though. They may have different perspectives, and their input could cause you to doubt yourself. Follow your instincts on this. If it feels right, go for it.

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

You might decide to give someone the benefit of the doubt, which is a good thing. The upside may be that this person feels moved to help you out of a tricky situation. What you give can come back to you this week in a way that's most helpful. When it comes to finances, however, it might be wise to update your budget. You might earn a lot more, but you may need to spend more, too, which needs to be taken into account.

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

The presence of Mars in your sign could mean that you feel more restless than usual. You may be seeking excitement and opportunities to explore ideas with a novel twist. The same can be true of relationships. You might be drawn to others who think along original lines. The same old, same old could seem boring unless you can find a way to make it interesting. When you find an idea that excites you, you'll likely stick with it to the end.

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

If you have things to accomplish this week, it would help to have a plan at the start. With Mercury making some awkward links to Neptune in your sign, you could doubt yourself or lose interest in your idea. This would be too bad, as there's so much opportunity to prove just how skillful and talented you are. It would be a shame to miss it. Your dreams could be a lot more vivid as well, bringing some very appropriate guidance.