Chris Brown

CHRIS BROWN

Date of Birth: May 5, 1989

At just 16 years of age, Chris Brown went from being a small town boy from Tappahannock, Virginia to a music superstar with the 2005 release of his self-titled album. He immediately zoomed to the top of the music charts with a double Platinum debut CD, earning two Grammy nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award, a Soul Train Music Award and two BET Awards, all before the age of 18.

In 2007, he made his film debut with the major motion picture Stomp the Yard, which netted him a Teen Choice Award nomination for Breakout Movie Male. He also appeared in several episodes of the final season of Fox Television's The OC in a recurring guest role as Will Tutt—Kaitlin Cooper's musician friend.

When writing the screenplay for his new movie, This Christmas (2007), director/writer/producer Preston A. Whitmore II penned the pivotal role of Baby specifically for Brown. Playing a teenager who wants to become a singer, Brown not only got a chance to show off his musical talent, but his acting ability as well.

"Everybody knows that Chris Brown is an incredible singer," says Whitmore. "But I think one of the things that people aren't aware of is that he is also a very good actor. Unlike some singers or rappers who want to undertake this but don't get serious about it, he's done everything necessary to become a good actor. His performance of 'Try A Little Tenderness' will just take your breath away, but he also does some dramatic scenes with Loretta Devine that are just going to stop you in your tracks."

Brown, whose second album, "Exclusive," was released in November 2007, is also involved in charity work as a supporter of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He donated 50 cents from each ticket sold during his nationwide tour, raising over $50,000 for the internationally recognized hospital.

Unfortunately, in February 2009, Chris Brown became more famous for assaulting his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, than for his talent. He was arrested for felony battery and faced two felony charges of assault and making criminal threats after attacking her in a car on the night before the Grammy Awards. After pleading guilty in order to escape jail time, Brown was sentenced to five years probation and six months of community service.

Since the incident, Brown has slowly been trying to climb his way back up to the top, with new music and even a role in the feature film Think Like a Man (2012). He most recently starred in dance flick Battle of the Year (2013).

Filmography:

Battle of the Year (2013)
Think Like a Man (2012)
Phenom (2012)
Takers (2010)
Caramel (2009)
Blood Rogues (2009)
This Christmas (2007)
Stomp the Yard (2007)