Leon, a multi-talented performer, continues to please his abundant and loyal fans while swaying newcomers with his memorable performances as an actor. Leon continues this trend in 2013 with several new movies. Leon stars in Troy Byer’s romantic comedy “Ex-Free” the drama “Soul Ties”, based on the book by Tee Austin and the indie rock/drama “37,” Leon is currently shooting the romantic drama “Someone to Love”.
Born in Manhattan, raised in Bronx & Mt. Vernon, New York, sports dominated Leon’s formative years. He earned on a scholarship basketball to Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles, CA. One day on campus, unbeknownst to him, Leon was asked to star in a student film. It was an unexpected start to a long and prosperous acting career; which began when Leon became a drama major at the well-known Uta Hagan’s HB Studios in New York. Years later, Leon has an impressive list of credits in film, television and stage, as well as
Voted by AOL Black Voices as one of the sexiest actors of all-time, Leon had fans and critics buzzing with his provocative turn in the 20th Century Fox, much talked about thriller “COVER” directed by Bill Duke. He recently completed a national touring schedule of the play “3 Ways to Get a Husband.” Leon also starred in Robert Townsend’s award wining web series “Diary of A Single Mom” nominated for 2011 Webby for Best Drama, on PIC.TV.
Fans were first wowed by Leon’s appearance in Madonna’s most famous video “Like a Prayer,” The controversial video forced fans to flock to the theaters to see him in the lead role of Disney’s blockbuster hit “Cool Runnings,” which was recently voted the number one feel-good movie of all time by streaming and DVD rental service LOVEFILM. He soon graced many excellent and popular films, such as New Line’s urban sports drama “Above the Rim,” Tri-Star’s action hit “Cliffhanger” and 20th Century Fox’s hit movie “Waiting to Exhale.” Leon also made various appearances in HBO’s “Oz,” and NBC’s “Crossing Jordan.”
Throughout 2004 and 2005, Leon embarked on a cross country tour, packing houses and performing live in the theatrical version of New York Times best- selling novel “Friends and Lovers.” Leon sang the feature song for the play; which is from his band, Leon and the Peoples, CD Road Less Traveled titled “Will You Be My Wife.”
Leon had made his film, singing debut playing a reggae singing bouncer in “The Price of Kissing,” in which he produced, starred in and sang a memorable rendition of “Daddy’s Home.” He proceeded to further his musical roles in dramas such as Robert Townsend’s “The Five Heartbeats,” which has since been voted the number one African American film by AOL Black Voices.
Leon performed in NBC’s Emmy nominated mini-series “The Temptations,” as lead singer, David Ruffin and the authorized biography of “Little Richard” as Little Richard himself both earning Leon NAACP Best Actor nominations. Leon also co-starred in Merchant Ivory’s “Side Streets” and Miramax’s “Buffalo Soldiers”, the highly acclaimed, “Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored,” as well as his memorable cameo role in Michael Mann’s “Ali.” Leon continued attracting fans when he hosted and produced BET’s “L-Bow Room.”
Leon balances his array of talent between all mediums, but his love for music is seen when he performs with his band “Leon and The Peoples.” “We play Reggae Soul Music,” says Leon. In 2007, they completed their first North American tour with reggae greats Beres Hammond and Marcia Griffiths, his band helped sell out dates as part of the “For the Love of It Tour”. “Leon & The Peoples” has also headlined AIDS WALK in NYC (2005-2010), NYC Summer Stage, New Orleans International Music & Arts Festival, and Atlanta’s 2010 National Blacks Arts Festival amongst others. The band has been featured on BET’s very popular 106 & Park and was part of the 2011 all- star line-up of the AspenJazz Fest which also included musical greats Sheryl Crow, Steely Dan & Lenny Kravitz.
Leon received an International Reggae and World Music Award nomination for his band Leon & The Peoples debut CD. In 2013 Leon and the Peoples will release their new single “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” and tour dates.
Leon’s multi-talented attraction brings out the best in everyone who comes in contact with his various performances, whether it’s a role on the big screen, live at a theater, appearances on television or performing live with his band.
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