Became a heroin addict while in high school; eventually licked addiction before graduation

Broadway debut, "Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music"

First starring role on stage, American Place Theatre's "Williams and Walker"

Served as assistant editor, photography assistant, assistant editor and narrator on documentary "Fall From Grace"

Film debut, bits in "Shakedown", "Coming to America"

Early TV credit, premiere episode of "A Man Called Hawk"

TV series debut as regular, "Cop Rock"

Co-starred in "Heat Wave" (TNT)

Had recurring role on the NBC series "I'll Fly Away"

Played a suicidal transsexual on "ER"; earned Emmy nomination

Joined cast of the CBS medical drama "Chicago Hope" as Dr. Dennis Hancock

Feature film dedut as director and screenwriter, "GRIDLOCK'd"; also played featured role

Formed Motor City Film Corporation

Left "Chicago Hope"

Helmed "Glitter", a feature that marked singer Mariah Carey's first leading role in films

Had recurring role on the NBC series "ER" as Roger, the new husband of Carla (Lisa Nicole Carson)

Directed the ABC medical drama, "MDs"

Directed Jamie Foxx in "Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story" (HBO)

Had a recuring role on the Showtime series, "Soul Food" in its final season

Helmed the feature "Waist Deep" starring Tyrese Gibson

Cast in "Talk To Me" starring Don Cheadle