No One Is Doing It Like Morris Chestnut

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When I was younger, it came as quite a surprise to me that when white women think of someone described as “tall, dark, and handsome,” they’re often envisioning a man with strong jawlines who isn’t fair-haired. That doesn’t resonate with me at all. For my whole life, the quintessential tall, dark, and handsome figure has been Morris Chestnut, an actor whose chiseled features seem to have been carved by divine artisans.

Initially, he drew me in with his impressive debut performance in John Singleton’s 1991 drama “Boyz n the Hood.” Later, he starred as Lance Sullivan in the 1999 launch of the “The Best Man” series. If the character – a former playboy with sudden concerns about his fiancée’s purity – had been portrayed by anyone less charismatic and captivating on screen, it would have fallen apart. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, he appeared in numerous television roles such as “Nurse Jackie,” “ER,” “The Resident,” “Rosewood.” However, I often find myself revisiting his role in the 2001 film “Two Can Play That Game,” a romantic comedy about a war between the sexes starring Vivica A. Fox as a successful professional woman who breaks the fourth wall to comment on men’s tricks and how to counter them.

We spent countless hours watching the DVD of the movie featuring Shanté Smith, portrayed by Fox, trying to outsmart her lawyer boyfriend Keith Fenton, played by Morris Chestnut. This film blends cultural nuances, humor, passion, a hint of sweetness, and an exceptional cast (with Mo’Nique and Tamala Jones standing out) into a delightful concoction. However, its most memorable scenes showcase the reason behind Morris Chestnut’s enduring status as a symbol of desire: his unique way of looking at women. It’s not just about lust, but genuine admiration – a mix that suggests he enjoys being in our presence, whether it’s in friendly or romantic situations.

In 2025, I’m tuned into the CBS series called “Watson,” where John Watson, played by Jonathan Chestnut, brings a new level of charm to the character. This series is reminiscent of Lucy Liu’s “Elementary,” having been developed by Craig Sweeny, who was involved with Liu’s Sherlock Holmes-inspired procedural.

In “Watson,” we see Watson dealing with the aftermath of Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty’s apparent demise at Reichenbach Falls. He even leaps into the treacherous waters in an attempt to save his friend, but suffers a traumatic brain injury as a result. Sherlock left him a fortune and a medical clinic to manage as he saw fit in his will.

Half a year later, Watson is residing in Pittsburgh, grappling with the consequences of his brain injury, mending his relationship with ex-wife Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes), and overseeing a team of witty doctors who also engage in detective work at the clinic.

Is Watson perhaps a bit overly dramatic in crucial scenes during its debut? Indeed. Are the characters hurriedly spouting out numerous diagnoses, medical terms, and exaggerated responses? That seems to be the case. And is it amusing to envision Randall Park as Moriarty, given that he’s asked to portray an intimidating character? That’s a question you might ponder. However, I’m eager to see how everything unfolds and if it can strike a balance between its charm and intrigue, transforming into an enjoyable intellectual journey worth embarking on.

To put it straight: The primary reason I’m hooked on this series is the captivating performance of Chestnut as Watson. He seems to be genuinely enjoying the complexity of his character, and it’s intriguing to watch. It’s worth noting that just 31 minutes into the first episode, the writers cleverly provided an opportunity for Chestnut to remove his shirt, revealing a physique that was nothing short of impressive – so well-toned it looked as if a mere touch could draw blood. However, what really grabs my attention is the depth and emotion behind Watson’s glances, particularly when they are directed towards his ex-wife. Their relationship isn’t hostile, but it carries the weight of history, which Chestnut skillfully conveys through subtle eye contact, embodying a true movie star’s authenticity.

The press tour for Watson has been an abundance of enjoyment, extending beyond just the series itself. Whether Chestnut is sharing stories about his 30-year marriage on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert or exuding a comfortable yet experienced charm on CBS Mornings, a few aspects stand out. Chestnut excels at engaging crowds, delivering tales effortlessly and radiating romance. Furthermore, he knows how to dress impeccably; his stylist J. Bolin has an eye for pairing the cognac-brown leather suit with a crisp white turtleneck that complements him perfectly.

Chestnut has a playful side online as well, appreciating the adoration that comes with being in the limelight. His Instagram posts, in particular, reflect his understanding of the iconic image he’s established for Black audiences. These posts range from snippets of his early work to alluring Reels showcasing his charm today. It’s clear what the opening three seconds of this video are intended to convey. Chestnut recognizes that many handsome men appear in Hollywood, but only a select few manage to make a series like “a medical drama with detective elements” seem steamy and seductive.

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2025-02-06 23:57