Chaz Lamar Shepherd

Chaz Lamar Shepherd
Other namesChaz Shepherd
Occupation(s)Actor, singer-songwriter, host, entertainment personality
Years active1993–present

Chaz Lamar Shepherd is an American actor and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his roles as Artis Tower in Me and the Boys (1994-1995), John Hamilton on 7th Heaven (1996-2001), and Piranha in Luke Cage (2018). He is also known for his portrayal as Al Bryant in the 1998 NBC miniseries The Temptations.

Early life

Shepherd grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was active in Tindley Temple United Methodist Church and graduated from Evelyn Graves Christian Academy. His mother, Cheryl Shepherd, is a dancer and choreographer who left her work in Philadelphia's public schools to manage his career.[1] He first appeared on stage when he was 5 years old as an MC at a recital for his mother's dance school.[2]

Career

Shepherd's professional debut came in a production of Fame staged by the Walnut Street Theatre.[2] On television, he portrayed Al Bryant in the NBC miniseries The Temptations (1998).he also played on the Parkers. He also played Artis Tower, son of Steve Tower (Steve Harvey) on Me and the Boys and appeared on In the House, Moesha, and Sister, Sister.[1] He played John Hamilton on 7th Heaven,[3] had a recurring role as Trey Wiggs on The Game, and portrayed Raymond "Piranha" Jones in the second season of Luke Cage. He was also a guest lead vocalist on Judith Christie McAllister's first album, "Send Judah First" track 7, The Prayer of Recommitment, released in 2000.

Shepherd appeared on film in Set It Off in the role of Stevie,[1] On Broadway, he portrayed Billy Flynn in Chicago (2018) and Harpo in The Color Purple (2005).[4] His other work on stage includes appearing as Curtis Taylor, Jr. in a 2009-10 national tour of the musical Dreamgirls.[2]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Survive the Night Thad TV movie
1994–1995 Me and the Boys Artis Tower 19 episodes
1995 A Pig's Tale Royce Direct to video
1996 Moesha Whitlock Episode: "Million Boy March"
Minor Adjustments Bam 2 episodes
The Nutty Professor Student
The Steve Harvey Show Dexter Episode: "Loose Lips Sink Friendships"
Set It Off Stevie Newsom Credited as Chaz Lamar Shepard
1996–1997 Sister, Sister Shawn Russell 3 episodes
1996–2001 7th Heaven John Hamilton 33 episodes
1998 Twice the Fear College student Direct to video
In the House Mark 4 episodes
The Temptations Elbridge "Al" Bryant TV movie
2001 Touched by an Angel Young Candy McCloud Episode: The Perfect Game
2001–2002 The Parkers Aaron 4 episodes
2002 The Division Keith Episode: "This Thing Called Love"
2004 Woman Thou Art Loosed Deacon
2006–2007 & 2012 The Game Trey Wiggs 4 episodes
2016 Hater's Back Off! Keith Recurring role
2018 Blue Bloods Detective Chamberlin Episode: "Close Calls"
Marvel's Luke Cage Raymond "Piranha" Jones 6 episodes
2019 Almost Love Damon
2022 Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story Marvin Sapp TV movie
2023 Saturdays Doug Jones Episode: "Skates, Lies & Videos"

Discography

Albums

Love & Truth

  • Released: October 26, 2010
  • Label: Chaz Records/Introspect Music
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download

References

  1. ^ a b c Roberts, Kimberly C. (January 15, 1999). "Local actor's dream comes true: Chaz Lamar Shepherd makes it big in Hollywood". Philadelphia Tribune. p. 3 M. ProQuest 337735856. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via ProQuest.
  2. ^ a b c Darrow, Chuck (June 22, 2010). "Chaz Lamar Shepherd, a Philadelphia native, has lead role in 'Dreamgirls' at the Academy of Music". McClatchy - Tribune Business News. ProQuest 506423968. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via ProQuest.
  3. ^ Roberts, Kimberly (March 13, 2001). "An angel helps March of Dimes: 7th Heaven star, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, supports worthy cause". Philadelphia Tribune. p. 3 B. ProQuest 337795607. Retrieved December 5, 2020 – via ProQuest.
  4. ^ "Chaz Lamar Shepherd". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.