Born in NYC

Moved with family to L.A. at age 6 (date approximate)

Began acting career with appearances on TV shows and in theatrical productions (including the stage version of TV's "227", on which she appeared)

First major role in a TV-movie, "The B.R.A.T. Patrol," an ABC "Disney Sunday Movie"

Appeared in first feature, "Buried Alive"

Played Kathryn 'Kat' Speakes on CBS daytime soap "Guiding Light"

Breakout role as the love interest to Cuba Gooding Jr. in John Singleton's "Boyz N the Hood"

Joined cast of NBC sitcom "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" in recurring role of Will's girlfriend

Co-starred in the film comedy "Friday"

Had first leading role in "Love Jones"; also performed two songs; screened at Sundance

Was in the ensemble cast of the hit film "Soul Food"

Formed own production company

Co-starred in the festival-screened "Hav Plenty"; screened at Sundance in 1998

Starred in the pilot "Black Jaq", exefcutive produced by Forest Whitaker

Co-starred in "The Best Man"

Played Giovanni Ribisi's girlfriend in "Boiler Room"

Had recurring role as a love interest for Richard T Jones' character on the CBS drama "Judging Amy"

Became a regular on the drama series "Third Watch"

Starred in "Baadasssss!" Mario Van Peebles' homage to his father Melvin's 1971 film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song

Played Lonette, the ex-girlfriend of Alfie's best friend in "Alfie" a remake of the 1966 classic

Starred opposite Ice Cube in the comedy "Are We There Yet?"

Co-starred with Martin Lawrence in the comedy "Big Momma's House 2"

Guest-starred in three episodes of "Boston Legal," (ABC) as Vanessa Walker, a disciplined, ambitious, micromanaging new associate

Cast as Sandra Bullock's best friend in the thriller, "Premonition"

Again starred opposite Ice Cube in the sequel, "Are We Done Yet?"