Jesse.

I'm sure everyone must already know who this guy is. I am sure he is famous yada yada and I am way behind.

I'd seen him before. But it never sank in. Even on Ally Mcbeal, I thought ok, he is different. Then I watched him in the movies in 2005 in Noo Yawk.

The movie was Rent.

And like the time when I watched the stage version in 2000, I sat there alone and crying. By 2005, the concept of HIV and AIDs had hit home. I left the theater feeling, as I did at the Nedelander Theater in 41st St, like I was hit with something. But this time it resonated more.

Anyhow, this guy was part of the ensemble and I was watching the movie as an ensemble performance. So again it didn't sink in.

Then I watched him again on DVD. Oboy. I started noticing details in performances. Voice quality, star potential etc.

I believe he may be headed towards something great. If he gets the Marvin Gaye movie he is hoping to do in 2007, it will be a breakthrough film for him. No doubt. Like Ray for that irritating ugly oversexed other man who thinks he is a singer. It will complete the trilogy of movies on Black icons: Ray, Dreamgirls and now Sexual Healing.

This guy's talent is overflowing. His voice is amazing. He is one African American that I will say, Yes, very good looking and transcends racial boundaries. And he has such fantastic complexion! Hurray for men who aren't afraid of skin care!

And as usual, when I get curious, I research and snoop. He has a rep for being fan friendly (but sincerely unlike Tom Cruise), and generally a soft soul who is yearning love above all else. At 37 he hasn't felt it. Which oddly enough was part of the character notes he got during the '94 workshop for Rent. But then again, in Rent, his character ended up falling in love with a HIV stricken transvestite street drummer with a heart of gold. I'm not sure that his character was written to be totally gay. But love can happen anywhere, anytime with anyone eh?

In an interview about the movie, he was asked whether some people, esp in the Bible Belt were ready for a movie that shows two men holding hands (actually they did more than that). His response began very PC, then he said he cannot fathom anyone who would see that as unusual. Interesting perspective.

If you can get your hands on the Rent DVD get it. Watch it. ELApt3L, JRV, I will bring it back with me. So you can watch that.

I wanted to meet at least one of the cast members of Sex and the City and I finally did. I wonder if this too will happen... After all, he lives in New York, and works on Law and Order...so, anything is possible right? It is New York....

His name: Jesse L Martin. Remember it.