Top 30 Sexiest Actors

Top 30 Sexiest Black Actors of All Time:
When BlackVoices decided to compile a list of "The Sexiest Black Actors of All Time," a myriad of challenges presented themselves. One, in particular, was choosing between the endless supply of beauty and brawn that has caught our eyes over the past half century. Out of a list of nearly 100 of the finest male figures to grace the big and small screen, we had a trouble whittling it down to 30; we ultimately decided that the main criteria will be restricted to actors who have starred in movies. While we would be remiss to not to acknowledge that the term "sexiest" is subjective, we did want to get the ball rolling on engaging chatter as we produced this groundbreaking countdown of 30 film actors past and present who made people swoon with their big screen style, swagger and prowess. Though you may be surprised at some of the choices, you will see a fair and balanced representation of handsome and talented black men, including (l-r) soap opera hunk Shemar Moore, double Oscar Award winner Denzel Washington, and tantalizing actor Taye Diggs. Disagree? Give us your own top 30 sexiest actors. Or just chime in about who we forgot, or should've forgotten. Please post your thoughts, comments and/or opinions in our community message board. Let the sexiness begin!



WireImage for TV Guide / Everett / FilmMagic

30. Nick Cannon
Age: 28
Hometown: San Diego, California
His Story: Having started out with a sitcom on Nickelodeon, Cannon broke through with his performance in 'Drumline' and since has gone on to star in movies such as 'Love Don't Cost A Thing' and 'Bobby.'
Why Him? Any guy who can get sexy pop diva Mariah Carey to marry him within a matter of months has to have it going on. Before that, the small-framed, boyish charmer was privately known as a lady-slayer in Hollywood circles, having previous romantic links to Hollywood hottie Christina Milan and Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks. Who said big things don't come in small packages?



Scott Gries, Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

29. Don Cheadle
Age: 44
Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri
His Story: Cheadle made his bones as an actor when he appeared alongside Denzel Washington as his buddy Mouse in 'Devil in a Blue Dress.' Since then, he has become one of Hollywood's most respected actors with roles in the 'Ocean's 11' films, 'Rush Hour' and his Academy nominated turn as Rwandan hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina in the film 'Hotel Rwanda'. Watch for his stock to rise even higher now that he's replaced Terrence Howard in the sequel to 'Iron Man.'
Why Him? There's no role he can't play, and Cheadle's dark skin tone makes him stand out in a sea of Café Au Lait. His range of smart and quiet characters creates a sort of alluring aura that is very attractive.


Kevin Mazur, WireImage.com

28. Jesse L. Martin
Age: 35
Hometown: Rocky Mount, Virginia
His Story: A well respected theater, film and television actor, Martin is best known for originating the role of Tom Collins in the Broadway musical, 'Rent,' and as Detective Ed Green in the long running NBC series 'Law & Order', which he did for nine seasons until 2008. Martin, who also starred in the movie version of 'Rent,' is slated to play Marvin Gaye in the upcoming biopic 'Sexual Healing'.
Why Him? He's tall, handsome and can sing his heart out. He proved it playing a guy who fell in love with a HIV positive drag-queen in 'Rent' warming the hearts and souls of millions.



NBC

27. Richard T. Jones
Age: 36
Hometown: Kobe, Japan
His Story: Here's a guy who can go back and forth between the TV and film world with much ease. Whether it's supporting work on various TV shows, including his latest series, 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles' or doing films such as his incredible performance as the cheating husband in Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married,' Jones gives his best at all times.
Why Him? Jones secured the key to many hearts when he played Joan Clayton's last boyfriend on the hit sitcom, 'Girlfriends.' The tall, dark and debonair actor also brought heat to the courtroom as Court Services Officer Bruce Van Exel on the CBS drama series, 'Judging Amy.'



CBS

26. Philip Michael Thomas
Age: 59
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
His Story: Most famous role for his role as detective Ricardo Tubbs on the hit 1980s TV series 'Miami Vice,' Thomas first showed off his sex appeal as the love interest opposite Irene Cara in the 1976 film 'Sparkle'.
Why Him? Back in the days of 'Miami Vice,' Thomas brought a new level of cool to being a detective. He and Don Johnson rocked the white pants and blue blazer look to the top of the fashion world -- and in the process brought on their own meeting to "Miami heat."


NBC Television/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

25. Common
Age: 36
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
His Story: Following in the footsteps of fellow rappers Will Smith, LL Cool J, and Queen Latifah, Common (nee Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr.) has been on the low and steady road to success in 2007, after a near 15 year career in hip-hop, he made his film debut in 'Smokin' Aces' along with Alicia Keys and Taraji P. Henson. Showing much potential, he was later cast opposite Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie in the hit film 'Wanted' and will be seen in the potential blockbuster 'Terminator: Salvation' with Christian Bale.
Why Him? For always doing his own thing. With his piercing eyes, light complexion and bald head, Common never fit the mold of an average rapper. With his serious stance and understated presence, Common is much more of a man than his moniker implies.


Mark Davis, Getty Images

24. Mekhi Phifer
Age: 33
Hometown: Harlem, New York
His Story: Discovered by Spike Lee, who cast him as the lead in 'Clockers,' Phifer went to on to act and star in many films such as 'Soul Food', 'This Christmas,' 'Paid in Full,' and '8 Mile'. He also did an amazing job as Dr. Greg Pratt for over five seasons on NBC's 'ER.'
Why Him? He has true thug appeal. Filmgoers watched Phifer play the street-tinged love interests of Jessica Alba (in 'Honey'), Brandy (in 'I Still Know What You Did Last Summer') and Beyonce Knowles (in 'Carmen: A Hip Hopera'), and he always brought the heat to each and every role. So much so, that his female fans couldn't help but get hot.



Trevor O'Shana, Corbis Outline

23. Hill Harper
Age: 42
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
His Story: Before landing a coveted spot on TV's 'CSI: NY,' Harper appeared in many films such as 'Get On The Bus,' and 'He Got Game.' He even got to play the leading man in Jordan Walker Pearlman's 'Constellation,' opposite his good friend Gabrielle Union.
Why Him? This well educated actor, with degrees from Brown and Harvard universities, has written two best-selling books. With smoldering good looks, Barack Obama's former schoolmate is always easy on the eyes.


Keith Major, The Britto Agency

22. Ron O' Neal
Age: 67 (at time of death)
Hometown: Utica, New York
His Story: O'Neal was another actor who stood out from the Blaxploitation era, who fans will know from his leading role in 'Superfly'. He made a comeback (of sorts) during the 1990s in the cameo role as Whitley Gilbert's father on the hit NBC series, 'A Different World.'
Why Him? Light-skinned brothers with straight long hair were in full effect when this upstate New York native made his mark on Black Hollywood.


Everett Collection