Shareeka Epps and Elijah Kelley

I don’t know their work. But I do believe they are two young black actors who may deserve our attention.

Elijah Kelley is 21 and Shareeka Epps is 18 years old.

For her work in Half Nelson, in 2006 Shareeka Epps was the winner of The Boston Society of Film Critics Award, as well as a Gotham Award and in 2007 she won an Independent Spirit Award.

Elijah Kelley is an award winning actor, as well. He was part of an award-winning ensemble in Hairspray (2007) and he won a Hollywood Film Festival Award in 2007 for his work in the film.

I’m going to make it a point to watch some of their work.

Is anyone familiar with these two young actors?

Comments

[Cecil]

I meet Shareeka Epps at the Philadelphia Film Fest 2 years ago. She's very good in Half Nelson. She was very shy then and said she just wanted to go to college and would act again later on after she was done. But she was so good in Half Nelson that she got offers to do other movies.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Cecil

Ohhhh, really? Good for her. She does have something coming out this year, though. Ima watch Half Nelson.

[Cathy]

I was moved by Shareeka Epps in Half Nelson. For a new and young actor she was phenomenal. She matched the 'star of the movie' in intensity, volunerability and believability. I loved how authentic she seemed even in the quiet moments. I look forward to seeing hew grow and hope she finds projects worthy of her young talent.

I have been putting off seeing Hairspray, but I'll take a stab at it soon. I detested the propaganda machines which were hyping it.

As always, thank you for bringing us the topics we need to be remembered of. These actors should rightly be spotlighted. If it were not for you, where would this be happening. TXs

[theblackactor.com]

Cathy: Thank you for the kind words, Cathy. Oh, if I hadn't mentioned them someone else would have (or may have, already LOL) but thank you. :)

I really wanted to see Hairspray for some reason -- and I don't even care for musicals and such -- I just never went to see it. I shoulda. I certainly will, now. And I will definitely watch Epps in Half Nelson.

Thanks for letting us know what to expect! :)

[Mes Deux Cents]

Hi TBA,

Is Half Nelson about that teacher that had a drug problem? If so I've seen it and it was a good film. It was a while ago but I do remember a young Black woman actor who was very good as well. I assume that was Shareeka Epps.

I'm can't really get into many musicals. The only two musicals I have ever liked were Fame and Bob Fosse's All That Jazz.

[invisiblewoman]

You must, must, must see Half Nelson. When I saw it I was telling everyone who would listen to see it (before I started my blog of course).

I'm really not feeling Hairspray, tho I saw the original. I am really looking forward to seeing Elijah Kelly play Sammy Davis Jr. in his biopic, however.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Invisible

Your advice is well taken. Will do -- as soon as possible. That Sammy thing; Yeah; something to look forward to from one of our young actors. Goody.

[thembi]

I was semi into Half Nelson - Ryan Gosling is so cute and Shareeka Epps was really fantastic. I think maybe it was the plot that ruined it for me? Definitely worth a look no matter what.