MORE Celebrity News/Dish/Talk

[Gyrl7]

Originally posted by Dancerella1908
Say it AIN'T so....Not my Luther!!!

I pray that he has a full and speedy recovery!

Ditto

[CrimsonTide4]

from vh1.com

On his third album, aptly titled Unleashed, Bow Wow is barking like you've never heard him.

"I'm 16 years old now, [so] I'm talking a lot of garbage, talking a lot of trash, you know what I'm saying?" a brash Bow Wow said Saturday at


Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. "That's how I'm doing it on this album."

So who will be the victim of the no-longer-Lil'-one's unleashing?

"I'm talking trash to everybody, man," Bow Wow said. "If you buy the album and listen to it, you'll know who I'm talking to."

One might expect a war of words with fellow youngster rhyme slinger Lil' Romeo, but that's not the case.

"That little cat ain't no rival with me," Bow Wow said. "You got to think about it. I'm 16 years old. He's 13. He could be my little brother, so, you know, I never really feel like no competition, but it would be a different ... if he started talking about me, but little man never said nothing wrong about me."

Unleashed, due in June, features production from the Neptunes, Bone Crusher and Jazzy Pha (Lil' Wayne), among others, but none from longtime Bow Wow collaborator Jermaine Dupri.

"I didn't work with Jermaine this whole album, so it kind of gave me the opportunity to just step up and just do what I want to do, put everything together and just write for the fans," Bow Wow said.

Before dropping his third album, the rapper, who starred in "Like Mike" last year, is shooting his next movie, an ensemble comedy called "Johnson Family Vacation" (see "Bow Wow, Solange Going On 'Vacation' With Cedric, Vanessa Williams").

"He's a great actor," co-star Vanessa Williams said of Bow Wow. "We're having a good time."

In what free time is left, Bow Wow is developing his own fashion line, Shago Clothing.

This report is provided by MTV News

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Forget the googly eyes they made at each other in the video for "Puppy Love." Bow Wow and Solange Knowles are teaming up once again, but this time the labelmates are playing the children of Cedric "The Entertainer" and singer-turned-actress Vanessa


Williams in the upcoming flick "Johnson Family Vacation."

"She's the older sister and of course they don't get along," Solange's father Mathew Knowles said on Wednesday (April 2) about her onscreen interaction with Bow Wow. "They raise hell every day. It's a great role."

The movie is being compared to the Chevy Chase "Vacation" franchise, which became popular in the '80s. Those films centered around the many mishaps of the dim-witted Griswold family as they trekked around the world.

The Johnson family doesn't have much better luck as they travel across the country and get into trouble. The movie is still in production and slated to come out later this year.

"Part of the overall plan of her career is to merge music and the big screen," Knowles said of Solange's multitasking. "We're doing that with all our artists. Kelly [Rowland], hopefully within the next 30 days we'll be able to make an announcement of a movie she's doing this year. We're going to be making an announcement of a movie that Beyoncé is doing this year, and there is a play that Michelle [Williams] is doing this year. The whole climate of the music industry is such that you have to do more than music."

In two weeks Solange will be putting time into her first job. She's releasing "Crush," the second single from her debut LP, Solo Star, and shooting its accompanying video.

"The thing that Solange does really well is dance," Knowles said of his daughter's clip. "It's going to be more of a performance video showing her qualities as a vocalist and dancer."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Bow Wow said he's just about finished with his still-untitled next album. The rep said Jermaine Dupri had no involvement in the project, but would not divulge with whom Bow Wow will be collaborating on the album. It is still being determined which songs are going to make the LP.

In the recent weeks, however, Lil Jon has said that he did some production work on the record, and ATL MC Bone Crusher (see "Bone Crusher Serves 'Scared' Rap Competitors A Steaming Slice Of ATL") said he's been working in the studio with the teen titan as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
IMO, Ced and Vanessa Williams is a VERY ODD pairing. I could see a lot of other actresses in her place. No comment on SOLANGE. I would rather see KYLA PRATT.

[Steeltrap]

From ESPN.com:

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The wife of Shaquille O'Neal gave birth to a baby boy early Saturday, eliminating the possibility the Los Angeles Lakers center would skip a playoff game to witness the birth.

Shaunie O'Neal gave birth to the couple's third child at 1:52 a.m. at a Los Angeles-area hospital, team spokesman John Black said.

The baby's name is Shaquir Rashaun O'Neal.

O'Neal was excused from Saturday's practice. He was scheduled to fly on his own to Minneapolis late Saturday for Sunday's opening game of a first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Black said.

"We're really happy for the delivery of a child and the fact that everything's safe and sound and we can go forward from there,'' coach Phil Jackson said. "Hopefully he can get to Minneapolis, get some rest and be ready to play the first game. That's a pivotal game for every team.''

O'Neal had said he could not rule out missing a game to witness the birth. The due date was April 27, the same day as Game 4 of the best-of-seven series between the Timberwolves and the Lakers.

Teammate Kobe Bryant said he would not be surprised if O'Neal had a big game Sunday despite his expected late arrival in Minneapolis.


"You just roll off the adrenaline,'' said Bryant, who scored 48 points in a 2001 playoff game at Sacramento after leaving the team to attend to a personal matter.

The birth comes days after the death of O'Neal's maternal grandfather, Sirlester O'Neal. Funeral services are expected to be held this week in South Carolina, Black said. O'Neal is expected to attend.

The birth of O'Neal's son and death of his grandfather are not a distraction to the Lakers, Bryant said.

"If it was a distraction, it's a distraction that we don't care too much about because his family is obviously more important than the game,'' Bryant said. "We're more than happy to deal with it and do whatever it takes to help him and his family get to a place to have some sort of peace.''

[Gina1201]

Congrats Shaq but poor child with that name!

[Afrochic]

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 21, 2003

Singer Luther Vandross may never sing again! Last week Luther suffered a stroke. Sources say it was a major stroke and his family is devastated. Luther had the stoke around three in the morning but he was not discovered until 12 noon. Luther recently turned 52 and for years he has had major battles with his health and weight. Luther’s weight would go and down, at times he would as heavy as 340 pounds to as low as 190 pounds. Luther recently gained weight but at the time of his stroke he appeared to be in good health. Luther had a new album that was scheduled to be released next month so far there has been no word on when that project will come out. Our prayers and get well wishes go out to Luther. I will be giving daily updates on the air and next week we will have more info including where get well wishes can be sent.

Guess whose dating? Remember Actress Tatayani Ali she Ashley on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Well Tatayani is now dating Pop Star Justin Timberlake.

Beyonce Knowles is being sued by the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency. The agency claims Beyonce is refusing to pay them an 89 thousand dollar endorsement deal from L’Oreal. Beyonce signed with the agency in 2001 but she says they didn’t help her get this deal. Beyonce got a Million Dollar deal from L’Oreal.

Singer Tyreese is doing fine he had to be hospitilzed a week ago. Tyreese suffered a pinched nerve in his back and he had trouble breathing. The singer had to be rushed to the hospital. Sources say he was attacked on stage by overzealous fans. The show was in Los Angeles and during the show Tyreese reportedly made some nasty comments about women who wear weaves and braids and he took a long time coming out on stage. Tyreese is probably still dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash he was in a couple of years ago, his new movie ‘2 Fast, 2 Furious’ comes out in June.

Singer Blu Cantrell is going to take it all off for Playboy. Blu is best known for the song ‘Oops Hit em up style’. This isn’t the first time that Blu had posed nude, a few years ago she posed for Black tail magazine. Blu is going to show everything and she is getting a million dollars to pose for the August issue.

A Chicago Judge is letting R Kelly travel to California for a video shoot. R Kelly had to post a 25 Thousand dollar bond and he will have to check in daily with his probation officer by phone. R Kelly is awaiting trial in Chicago on 21 counts of Child Pornography.

Natalie Cole and Nona Gaye are on the cover of the May issue of Essence Magazine. They talk about being the daughters of musical legends Nat King Cole and Marvin Gaye. Nona talks abut her past drug use and her relationship with Prince. Nona says Prince was unstable and he broke her heart. Nona says she was involved with Prince for three years and he promised to marry and take care of her. Nona says she found out about his first wife Mayte Garcia when he took her to a show and Mayte was on stage flashing her engagement ring. Nona’s Uncle Frankie Gaye wrote a book about his brother before he died two years ago. The book Marvin Gaye my brother is now being published. The book details Marvins rise to the top of the charts, his fallout with Motown Founder Berry Gordy and his volatile relationship with his father which ultimately led to Marvins fatal shooting in 1984.

Whitney Houston is going to be appearing on the Season finale of the Fox Show Boston Public. Whitney will accompany a student to the prom. The episode airs May 12th.

New Edition will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in Show Biz with a new album due in Sept.

Mariah Carey is going to do a weekly radio show at a New York Radio station.

Is Singer Gerald Levert happy with his record company? Gerald says on his next project, he wants more creative control. Gerald is now back with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill and their supergroup LSG. Their new song Just Friends is topping the charts.

Alicia Keys new Lp Chapter Two is coming out this summer.

Singer Brian McKnight says now that he is single he will never marry again. After 13 years and two kids Brian and his wife Julia called it quits. Brian says he’s too selfish to be married. Brian has a new Lp topping the charts called U-Turn.

Jennifer Lopez is the new Spokesperson for Louis Vitton Bags.

Now that Michael Jordans basketball career is over I hear he may be joining the management team of the Chicago Bulls.

Singer Tamia has a new release coming out in July. Tamia became a mommy last year with her husband Basketball Star Grant Hill. She is currently starring in the new Advertising campaign for Verizon.

[Gina1201]

Originally posted by Afrochic

Guess whose dating? Remember Actress Tatayani Ali she Ashley on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Well Tatayani is now dating Pop Star Justin Timberlake.

She been dating guys of the Caucasian persuasion for a long time. I remember that she used to date a guy that was on a sci-fi show on NBC, something to do with water, a while back. They dated for at least two years.

Singer Blu Cantrell is going to take it all off for Playboy. Blu is best known for the song ‘Oops Hit em up style’. This isn’t the first time that Blu had posed nude, a few years ago she posed for Black tail magazine. Blu is going to show everything and she is getting a million dollars to pose for the August issue.

Seems like she has better luck posing than singing!

Alicia Keys new Lp Chapter Two is coming out this summer.

Good, last time I heard it was coming out in November.

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by Afrochic
Guess whose dating? Remember Actress Tatayani Ali she Ashley on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Well Tatayani is now dating Pop Star Justin Timberlake.

The guy she used to date was Jonathan Brandis. They were together for a while. I remember him from the Sci-Fi show, as Gina1201 stated.

Singer Tyreese is doing fine he had to be hospitilzed a week ago. Tyreese suffered a pinched nerve in his back and he had trouble breathing. The singer had to be rushed to the hospital. Sources say he was attacked on stage by overzealous fans. The show was in Los Angeles and during the show Tyreese reportedly made some nasty comments about women who wear weaves and braids and he took a long time coming out on stage. Tyreese is probably still dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash he was in a couple of years ago, his new movie ‘2 Fast, 2 Furious’ comes out in June.

Who the heck is he to talk about anybody? Do we really want to see him in another movie since "Baby Boy" was kind of lackluster?

Singer Blu Cantrell is going to take it all off for Playboy. Blu is best known for the song ‘Oops Hit em up style’. This isn’t the first time that Blu had posed nude, a few years ago she posed for Black tail magazine. Blu is going to show everything and she is getting a million dollars to pose for the August issue.

Whitney Houston is going to be appearing on the Season finale of the Fox Show Boston Public. Whitney will accompany a student to the prom. The episode airs May 12th.

Is this a last ditch effort to get popular again?

New Edition will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in Show Biz with a new album due in Sept.

I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!

Alicia Keys new Lp Chapter Two is coming out this summer.

FINALLY!

Singer Brian McKnight says now that he is single he will never marry again. After 13 years and two kids Brian and his wife Julia called it quits. Brian says he’s too selfish to be married. Brian has a new Lp topping the charts called U-Turn.

He didn't know that 13 years ago?

Singer Tamia has a new release coming out in July.

ALRIGHT!!! My girl is coming back on the scene!!

[FeeFee]

Jazz Great Nina Simone Dies
Apr 21, 4:03 PM EST

(Associated Press) -- Nina Simone, the jazz great whose raspy, forceful voice helped define the civil rights movement, died Monday at her home in France, according to her U.S. booking agent. She was 70.

Though she remained a top concert draw in her later years, she was quite frail.

At a 2001 concert at Carnegie Hall, she had to be helped to the stage, and was later seen sitting backstage in a wheelchair.

Eric Hanson, an agent with her U.S. booking agency Ted Kurland Associates, confirmed the death to The Associated Press.

Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, N.C., she was a classically trained pianist whose songs ranged from blues to spirituals to classical fare. But she gained fame in 1959 with her recording of "I Loves You Porgy," from the musical "Porgy & Bess."

She later became a voice of the civil rights movement, with her song "Mississippi Goddam," and later, "To Be Young, Gifted and Black."

Simone spent much of her recent time in France, and in a 1998 interview blamed racism in the United States for her decision to live abroad, saying that as a black person she has "paid a heavy price for fighting the establishment." She did not elaborate but said racial inequality in the United States was "worse than ever."

She left the United States in 1973 and lived in the Caribbean and Africa before settling in Europe.

Simone, who had a regal presence onstage, enjoyed perhaps her greatest success in the 1960s and 70s, with songs like "I Want A Little Sugar in My Bowl," and "Peaches."

She recorded songs from as diverse as Bob Dylan to the Bee Gees and made them her own. Perhaps one of her more popular covers was her version of Dylan's "House of the Rising Sun."

She was survived by a daughter, Lisa, according to her personal manager, Clifton Henderson.

[AKA2D '91]

According to Tom Joyner,
There will be a prayer vigil tomorrow at noon for Luther. Also, emails can be sent to Luther via tomjoyner.com or blackamericaweb.com



This entire situation doesn't seem good to me.

[WenD08]

on Doug Banks and AUN News this morning, Luther Vandross' condition is critical but stable. the hospital in NYC didn't release any other details.
as far as Brian McKnight, maybe it's me but he seems to be going through an early mid-life crisis. he married and had kids young, got into the entertainment/Hollywood scene, felt trapped and jetted. i feel bad for Julia but i think she'll do better. a good divorce lawyer will do that for ya

[Gyrl7]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
According to Tom Joyner,
There will be a prayer vigil tomorrow at noon for Luther. Also, emails can be sent to Luther via tomjoyner.com or blackamericaweb.com



This entire situation doesn't seem good to me.

A prayer vigil??? Lawd that actually kind of scares me. I mean I am praying for him, but holding a vigil sounds to me like they are thinking the worse..........I sure hope not.........

[CrimsonTide4]

Suge Knight Calls Tupac/ Nas Track 'Disrespectful'


Innuendo, speculation, rumors — Suge Knight says he's going to squash them all and tell the real story of his life and his relationship with Tupac Shakur when he puts out his autobiography in November.

"I got a book coming out, which is called 'American Dream or American Knightmare,' he disclosed a week ago in New York. "I wasn't pumped up to do a book. I felt that most people who do books are in desperate need to grab a few dollars. That wasn't the case with me. I felt there was so many books out speaking on me, speaking on Pac, speaking on Death Row. There's a lot of question marks I need to put periods [on]. It will be aggressive, plus there will be some educational things for the kids."

Knight also said that some MCs should educate themselves on Shakur's history before thinking about using his music. He praised Jay-Z for sampling Tupac's "Me and My Girlfriend," was disappointed by Nas' participation in last year's "Thugz Mansion" and had disdain for Daz because he gave out some unreleased Pac vocals to be used on the street smash "The Realest Killas" with 50 Cent.

"Pac can go hard in the paint on anybody when he wanted to and I'm gonna ride with him regardless, but I know Pac didn't have a real disliking for Jay," Knight said of some of the old disses Shakur levied at Young Hova on the Makaveli album. "[Pac] didn't have a disliking to him where if he saw [Jay] he wanted to try and take his head off.

"I think it was a situation that we get older, we grow," Knight explained signing off on Jay-Z's use of the music from "Me and My Girlfriend" (see "Jay-Z, Beyonce Are 'Bonnie & Clyde' On First Blueprint 2 Single"). "If Jay wanted to do something that he felt great about, if he wants to do something that's positive and is also not being disrespectful to Pac, why not? Sometimes we gotta be able to open our eyes up."

Knight raised an eyebrow when he heard the Tupac/ Nas collaboration "Thugz Mansion" last year (see "On Tupac Video Set, Nas Says Rapper Better Than Shakespeare"). Although Nas was asked to participate in the project by Shakur's estate, Suge said if it were up to him, the two MCs' vocals would have never been on the same track.

"I think it's real disrespectful to Pac," he lamented. "You gotta put a price on fame; it can't be to the point where you'll do anything for a hit. Be a man and have respect. If you can't respect nobody else, respect yourself. Don't go [do a song] knowing a certain individual didn't care for you. I could see Jay-Z doing what he did more than Nas on the same song with Pac, because Nas and Pac is from two different worlds."

Obviously, Dogg Pound gangsta Daz and Tupac were from same world: They were signed to the same label, hung in the same circles and made several recordings together. Still, Knight admitted anger at Daz's use of the Tupac vocals, some of which he independently sold, others he simply gave away. An unreleased Tupac verse has appeared on the song "The Realest Killas," which was produced by Red Spyda and features 50 Cent (see "50 Cent Disses Ja Rule On Tupac Joint; New Biggie Material On The Horizon").

"That's bootleg stuff," Knight calmly iterated. "Anything that Daz did, that's bootleg stuff. It's only obvious anything that 50 Cent do on [a mixtape] with Pac, it's bootleg. You gotta look at the respect level of it."

Knight is planning to release his own Tupac music in conjunction with Shakur's mother, Afeni. He does not know exactly when those songs will see the light of day.

"We still have some stuff on him that is great, but at the same time, it's not about just doing anything on Pac," the label executive clarified.

—Shaheem Reid
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/liv...3/20berry.html

Halle Berry says she thinks she's 'ugly'

Knight Ridder Newspapers

Halle Berry solidified her place as one of the world's sexiest women with her role as Bond girl Jinx in "Die Another Day."

But the Oscar-winning actress (Monster's Ball) says she still doesn't see herself as a beautiful star.

"To be totally honest, most of the time I think I'm ugly," she told the German magazine Journal fur die Frau. "I see myself without makeup every morning and that's why I don't have illusions anymore. I certainly don't feel like a big star."

Berry added that being black still hinders her progress in Hollywood.

"For many film studios and directors skin color remains a problem. They don't believe that the audience will accept a black actor in the main role. These narrow-minded people underestimate the public and prevent advancement in the industry."

Berry's next film will be "X-2," the sequel to "X-Men" slated for a May 2 release.

[pinkey08]

from http://www.knowledgeworldwide.net/celebrity.html


Well she's back, Monica Lewinsky, and she's in rare form. Girlfriend finally got rid of those knee pads and is currently engaged in head to head combat with none other than Anna Nicole (Trailer Park) Smith. Yes, that's right! Reportedly Monica Lewinsky just landed a new TV. reality series on FOX called, "Mr. Personality," which is set to air on April 21st 2003. This fact alone further confirms American TV. is spinning out of control.


Reportedly things are looking up for A-List actress "Vivica A. Fox," who ironically dropped to the B-List only months ago (and "B" standing for bankruptcy), following a very private, but nasty divorce from would be rapper "69." Word is girlfriend just landed a deal to revamp, produce and star in Showtime's version of "Get Christy Love," a vintage lady detective series. Sources say the little known fact is that singer, "Whitney Houston," was originally cast for the role, but executives quickly changed gears midstream after they collectively realized Whitney may only weigh 50-pounds when it came time to shoot the series.


Insiders say singer, "Brian McKnight," is on pins and needles as the real truth behind why his wife ended their 13-year marriage fiasco. Reportedly girlfriend been running her mouth and it's been alleged she suggested her marriage has been over for years. Allegedly she just couldn't play hose anymore. Just tired of the reported physical abuse, mental abuse and lonely nights, while Brian travels the country singing love songs that support family values and as soon as the clock strikes twelve, his old azz on a booty call. Brian McKnight's new album is called "U-Turn," which is funny, 'cause that's exactly what I plan to do, make a "U-Turn" as soon as I get to the cash register. I don't support abuse!


Sources say musical genius, "Missy Elliott," has worked her production magic once again and singer, "Monica," is reaping the benefits. "So Gone" is the 3rd single being released from Monica's forthcoming junior album. In fact, this album has actually been pushed back more times than Tonya Blount's album which is almost impossible. The single is set to drop on March 31st 2003, even though I don't know a soul who is checkin' for Monica. I've never heard of any artist having 3 singles out before the album is released. So, I need ya'll to remember that 'cause I promise you you'll never hear of this album again.


Singer, "R.Kelly," is back in the news and is due back in court on April 11th 2003. Meanwhile Chicago police continue to investigate a sexual abuse complaint filed against the singer by a 24-year old hair stylist. The woman claims R.Kelly exposed himself to her, pulled her hair and spat in her face because she laughed. This allegedly occurred while visiting his Chicago Trax recording studio. Yeah, he's a douche bag! If sentenced he'll be serving time in what they call the Sexual Predators Unit and rightly so.


Sources say singer, "Adina Howard," is making an unexpected comeback. In case you didn't know, before there was Lil' Kim or Khia, there was Adina (Freak Momma O-R-I-G-I-N-A-L baby). Her multiplatinum #1 single "Freak like Me" sold a whopping 2-million units worldwide. Can she do it again? We'll just have to wait and see, as her new album "Ride Again: 7/2" is scheduled to drop on July 2nd 2003. So this summer is going to be hot in more ways than one. But Adina got a lot of work to do 'cause Lil' Kim has given freak a whole new definition.


Well for those of you, who thought it was a wrap for Patti LaBelle's career, think again. Reportedly she was just picked up by Def Jam and peep this….There's a Patti and 50-Cent collaboration on the way. Many fans believe this whole 50-Cent phenomena is getting way out of hand. Critics find it hard to believe rapper 50-Cent is so hot that he can actually revive Patti LaBelle's career with just one single. Let's face it, his monkey azz got the heat!


In closing news, insiders say, "Jennifer Lopez" almost had a $1.5 million dollar disaster while dining at an upscale Hollywood eatery. Reportedly J-Lo took a bathroom break and inadvertently knocked her 6-caret pink diamond ring down the sink while washing her hands. Eye witnesses say she was horrified, as she'd ironically lost her former husband's (Criss Judd) ring down the sink as well. Reliving this nightmare twice and having to tell Ben Affleck she goofed again was unbearable. Needless to say restaurant workers recovered the ring and were given a $110.00 tip (cheap azz). It couldn't have been me, because that ring would have never come off my finger in the first place and if so, I would have torn that damn sink apart myself.

[Steeltrap]

She's getting a break. Although why she'd be linked with sad-sack looking David Schwimmer is beyond me...

Actress-comic Aisha Tyler joins 'Friends'
By LYNN ELBER
AP Television Writer

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) -- Aisha Tyler looks at a reporter's hand extended in greeting and declines to shake. Is the new addition to "Friends" unfriendly? No, just considerate.

"I have a cold," she says apologetically, clutching a tissue. It takes more than a minor bug to keep Tyler down, however. The actress and comedian is energetic, smart and, sniffles or not, a real stunner.

Tyler, who begins a four-week run on "Friends" starting Thursday, April 24 (7 p.m.), also happens to be among the very few nonwhite love interests -- or faces, for that matter -- to grace the popular NBC comedy.

Ross (David Schwimmer) and Joey (Matt LeBlanc) compete for the attentions of Tyler's character, a sexy paleontologist who shares Ross' passion for dinosaurs.

She's not the first nonwhite girlfriend on "Friends," Tyler points out -- Asian-American actress Lauren Tom and Gabrielle Union, who's black, have appeared. But Tyler has a sustained role in a show that's been criticized for whitewashing multiethnic Manhattan.

"The role wasn't written particularly for an African-American. I think they were just trying to cast the right actress," Tyler said.

She nearly didn't survive hearing the good news from her manager, delivered by cell phone while Tyler was driving in Los Angeles traffic.

"I screeched over and practically killed three people. And I started banging on my car and it was new and I was thinking I probably shouldn't bang on my car," she said. "It was the biggest thing in the whole world."

Bigger even than her job as the host of E! Entertainment's "Talk Soup." In 2001, she became its first female host (following Greg Kinnear, John Henson and Hal Sparks).

The 11-year-old comedy show ended last year but helped make her a media darling: Esquire magazine deemed her one of the "Women We Love" and Maxim listed her among its "Hot 100." It also won her the devotion of fans, including high school and college boys who write such sweet nothings as "You're the funniest chick I've ever seen" and offer to buy her a beer.

When Tyler tried out for "Talk Soup," she thought the show would never hire a black woman. "I was just going to go in and have a fun time."

Given a shot as guest host, she drew such an overwhelming response from viewers that she was hired full time. Witty AND sexy -- what's not to like? Others appreciated what she stood for as well.

"What's wonderful is there are people who would write in saying, 'It's so great to see a smart, offbeat black woman on TV.' ... But I don't think I set out to have a standard-bearer career. I just set out to be funny and communicate with people."

Being an agent of social change is "a heavy burden," she said, jokingly. But she knows that pop culture images carry weight.

"Typically, black women are not seen as attractive in white culture, so maybe it's a coup for a black woman who isn't light to appeal to black and white men," she told Heart & Soul magazine last year. "Maybe it's a coup for us that we start to be seen as attractive -- not as pretty for black girls, but just beautiful, period."

The 6-foot Tyler is accustomed to being in the vanguard, by choice or not. Her family (her father is a photographer, her mother a teacher) stretched itself financially to send her to a private school in San Francisco, where she was at times the only black student.

"AND my parents were vegetarians. I'd show up at school, this giant black kid, with none of the cool clothes and a tofu sandwich and celery sticks," she recalled over afternoon tea at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

"It was very alienating and I could have just laid down and died. Instead I said, 'I'm going to make friends.' I was forced to intersect and interact and assimilate with a lot of other kids."

As a performer, she said, that has given her the ability to reach out across ethnic and gender lines. Hard work was also part of the formula: After graduating as a political science major from Dartmouth College (where she met her husband, attorney Jeff Tietjens), she worked days as an advertising executive in San Francisco and nights honing her stand-up skills at clubs.

Tyler, 32, hasn't abandoned her work ethic. Besides "Friends," there are movies (including "The Santa Clause 2" and the upcoming "Never Die Alone" with David Arquette) and a "comedic, post-feminist anti-'The Rules'" book she's writing -- which she intends as an antidote to the best-selling dating manual.

The next step? She admires Jennifer Aniston's career but has her eye on another Hollywood role model.

"I'm looking forward to doing work like Eddie Murphy did early in his career -- action-comedy films," Tyler said. "I'd like to do that because no woman's done it yet. It'd be cool to do something no one's done before."

For Tyler, being a groundbreaker is second nature.

[AKA2D '91]

I guess it helps her that her hubby is NOT AA.