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Local actor's dream comes true: Chaz Lamar Shepherd makes it big in Hollywood
Traditionally, historic Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, along with most Black churches across the country, has presented an annual Martin Luther King celebration. However, there was something, or should I say someone, unique and special about the Tindley Temple observance. For several years, an absolutely adorable little boy, who initially could not have been more than 6 years old, would stand before the huge congregation, and with gentle encouragement from his mother, deliver King's "I Have A Dream" speech with all the passion and aplomb of the man himself.
Year after year the talented tyke, who could also sing and dance, received a standing ovation for his elocutionary skills, and as we watched him grow up, everyone knew that this child was destined for great things. Chaz Lamar Shepherd is now a striking 21-year-old man with brooding, dark eyes, and is one of Hollywood's most promising young actors.
Shepherd, who grew up near Sixth and Christian streets, was featured in NBC's blockbuster miniseries "The Temptations," portraying the ill-tempered Al Bryant, an original member whose bad attitude got him ousted from the legendary group. He was also a regular on Steve Harvey's 1994 sitcom "Me and the Boys," portraying the elder son "Artis." Shepherd has also appeared in the CBS miniseries "Queen" with Halle Berry, and has made numerous television guest appearances on programs such as "Moesha," "Sister, Sister," "Ghost-writer" and "In the House."
On the big screen, Shepherd portrayed "Stevie" in the hit feature film "Set It Off," starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Kimberly Elise and Vivica A. Fox.
Without hesitation, Shepherd, a deeply spiritual young man who graduated from Evelyn Graves Christian Academy, gives his mother, dancer and choreographer Cheryl Shepherd, full credit for his success. "All of it! Every bit of it!" he exclaimed. Cheryl retired from the Philadelphia Public School system in order to manage her son's burgeoning career, and the two of them now live...
