The 56 Most Intriguing Blacks Of 2001

Abrilliant combination of brass and lass, beauty and brains, Yale-educated Angela Bassett belies all the stereotypes. Her range keeps even the most seasoned film and stage critics guessing, never knowing whether she will appear next in a Shakespeare drama, a sci-fi epic, or a comedy.

In 2001, she co-starred with heavyweight actors Robert DeNiro, Marlon Brando and Edward Norton in The Score. Although the movie in general received mild to bad reviews, Bassett was praised for her presence in a role--she was DeNiro's love interest--that never fully utilized her gifts. The actress, who is married to actor Courtney B. Vance, will appear soon on the small screen in The Rosa Parks Story, and Ruby's Bucket of Blood and in the film, Sunshine State. While her Oscar-caliber acting skills await a script equal to the woman, she is branching out into producing.

HALLE BERRY

HALLE BERRY, who is one of the most beautiful women in the world, raised eyebrows and set hearts aflutter in 2001 when she did a topless scene in the Swordfish movie, which co-starred John Travolta. Word is that she demanded a million dollars per breast to disrobe, a story that she denies. Even more intriguing than the act was the explanation. She told one reporter that her husband, Eric Benet, was very supportive of her playing the topless scene, adding: "We, as women, shouldn't be ashamed of our bodies. In Africa, [some] women are topless all the time."

The star also made news, and won an Emmy, for her HBO recreation of the life and times of Dorothy Dandridge, the enigmatic actress who herself was beautiful and mystifying.

On still another level, Berry extended her aura of mystery and aplomb by marrying heartthrob Eric Benet and instantly becoming stepmom to his 9-year-old daughter while acknowledging in an EBONY exclusive that her biggest desire now is to have children of her own.

Interestingly enough, Berry and Benet broke Hollywood tradition by marrying in a private ceremony and by refusing to discuss their marriage or their relationship, which increased rather than decreased the talk about one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples.

While Berry has weathered the storms of an auto collision and other problems and appears happy with her career and life, she has shown that she is at times unpredictable, vulnerable, caring, sensitive and willing to learn from her mistakes. Intriguing.

MARY J. BLIGE

2001 was a great year for Mary J. Blige, her generation's Queen of hip-hop soul. Not only did she drop a critically acclaimed sixth album--No More Drama--but also she has become one of the most recognizable faces in TV and print ads as a model and fashion plate for some of today's top designers.

It's been about 10 years since the 30-year-old Yonkers, N.Y., native came on the music scene with What's the 411?, a Sean Combs-produced CD that pioneered the popular style of fusing hip-hop and R&B. The phenomenal success of that effort opened the doors for many of today's hottest singers as well as cemented the style that has revolutionized the music business.