Smart, confident, eloquent, exceptionally handsome African-American actor Blair Underwood was born in Tacoma, Washington in 1964, the son of Marilyn Ann, an interior decorator, and Frank Eugene Underwood, Sr., an army colonel. With his family, he lived all over the world. Trained in musical theater at Carnegie-Mellon, he moved to New York and got his first break on his second day there, by winning a part on the _"The Cosby Show" _ . Blair also has five music videos to his directing credit. Married since 1994 and the father of three, he is involved in numerous charitable organizations.
He appeared in the music video and sang in the choir on the song "Voices That Care."
Son, Paris, born 1997 and daughter, Brielle, born 1999.
His father was a U.S. Army Colonel
(9 June 2001) Son (with wife Dsire DaCosta) Blake Ellis was born, weighing 7 lbs 2 oz.
Attended Carnegie Mellon University.
Is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
Voted one of People magazines "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2000 and one of TV Guides most influential faces of the 90s.
His support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association won him the 1993 Humanitarian Award, presented by the Los Angeles Chapter of MDA. He is also co-founder of Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA), founded in 1989, which supports a democratic South Africa with equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.
Attended same high school, Petersburg High School (Petg, VA) in the early 80s, as R&B crooner Trey Songz (early 2000s).
Began career as a performer at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA.
His mother was in interior design.
Has an older brother and two younger sisters.
On the show Who do you think you are? he found out that his great-great grandfather thought he was the second coming of Jesus and was shot 4 times. Another great-great-great grandfather he found out was born a free African American in the early 1800s and actually owned two slaves (that the historian helping him thought were the parents of the free black man.) Blair also did a DNA test to see where his ancestors were from and found out that he is 74% African and 26% European (mostly French) The person doing the DNA found a 10th cousin of Blairs who lives in Cameroon so Blair and his father went to Cameroon to meet him and his family.
Almost starred as Steven Freeman in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday , but dropped out at the last minute due to personal reasons. John D. LeMay ultimately played the role.
Was considered for the role of Nino Brown in New Jack City but turned down the role & Wesley Snipes , was cast instead.
