Top TV hunks

Ebony, Dec, 1996 by Lisa Jones Townsel

Two-foot-long dreadlocks, piercing eyes and a sensitive-rebel spirit have been a winning combination for daytime TV's biggest heartthrob--Keith Hamilton Cobb, who portrays Noah Keefer on the ABC soap All My Children. A native of suburban Tarrytown, N.Y., Cobb has been called a sex symbol by major magazines and a soap opera superstar by many industry observers. And his portrayal of the gentle giant Noah Keefer has won him numerous commendations, including two Soap Opera Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. But to the chagrin of many, the 34-year-old, 6-foot-4 Shakespearian-trained performer, who graduated from New York University with a bachelor's degree in fine arts, has decided to leave the serial this season. For fun, Cobb enjoys cycling, swimming, fencing and fraternizing with friends.

Let's face it. Some men have it and some don't. And some are such perfect packages of charm, charisma and good looks that he mere sight of them can leave event he most sensible women inhaling. Such is the case with the 10 hot hunks featured here who represent the many shades, shapes and talents of African-American males on television today. Single and free in spirit, these men of daytime and prime-time fame steam up the nation's TV sets with their compelling performances, megawatt smiles and well-chiseled physiques.

Wheter they are reciting lines that are fact or fiction, these stars of soaps, serials and late-night TV know how to deliver. Gripping on-air talents have won them recognition among their peers. But it's their intelligent, fun-loving personalities, jaw-dropping muscles and confident dispositions that send many a female heart aflutter.

Away from the cameras, these handsome heartthrobs lend their names and their time to charitable causes, and--in their spare time--they enjoy interests that range from horseback riding to singing.

Malik Yoba New York Undercover, FOX

With he winsome smile and understated charm, Malik Yoba, who made his film debut in 1993 with Disney's Cool Runnings, proves that he can be a rough-edged police officer by day and a caring, sensitive father at night as the suave and sexy Detective. J.C. Williams on New York Undercover. Yoba's portrayal of the tough cop has won him national acclaim and the loyalty of thousands of female fans.

The young actor, who won the 1996 NAACP Image Awards' Outstanding Actor recognition, has guest-starred in TV series and a number of feature films, including the upcoming Cop Land.

In addition to his on-air contributions, the 29-year-old New Yorker is a musician, devoted community activist, restaurateur and writer.

Eriq La Salle ER, NBC

Eriq La Salle, who portrays the intense Dr. Peter Benton on the popular hospital drama ER, even makes an arrogant guy appear charming.

Born and reared in Hartford, Conn., the easygoing star honed his acting skills at The Juilliard School, where he studied for two years. He later earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts from New York University. He has performed on Broadways, in off-Broadway plays and on the daytime soap One Life to Live. He has made guest appearances on TV series and starred in feature films, including Coming To America and D.R.O.P. Squad, and he has directed a number of cable and film projects.

In his leisure time, he enjoys pool, playing table tennis and working out.

James Black The Burning Zone, UPN

Sexy, bald James Black portrays well-focused Michael Hailey, a security specialist of a bio-crisis team, in The Burning Zone. Originally from Cleveland and a graduate of the University of Akron, the former college football star played two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before pursuing an acting career five years ago. During the transition period, he worked as a disc jockey did regional commercials and acted in a few independent films. Since that time, the 28-year-old actor has guest-starred in a number of television shows. Away from the set of the new science-fiction drama, the versatile entertainer enjoys singing and composing music. Ultimately, he says he would like the opportunity to portray Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Kristoff St. John The Young and the Restless, CBS

Kristoff St. John, who portrays savvy businessman, Neil Winters on The Young and the Restless, made his television debut at age 7 in the series That's My Mama. That was 21 years and many daytime soaps, TV series and feature films ago.

Today, the veteran actor, who still exudes boyish charm, is the reciient of numerous awards, including a 1992 Daytime Emmy Award and the NAACP Image Awards' "Outstanding Lead Actor" honor for 1993, 1994 and 1996.

Reared in Bridgeport, Conn., the young actor splits his time between his day job and volunteering with the L.I.F.E. Organization and The Adam Walsh Foundation. When his schedule permits, the divorced St. John enjoys spending quality time with his two children and playing basketball and his guitar.

Shemar Moore The Young and the Restless, CBS

At 26, the debonair, goateed Shemar Moore, who protrays Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless, is proving to be exactly what daytime television needs: excitement, mystery and intrigue with an African-American flair.