A tall, handsome, and versatile black actor, Morris Chestnut first came to be recognized by moviegoers starring as Ricky in _Boyz N the Hood (1991)_ , a role where he played a high school running back using his football skills to escape the violent surroundings of his South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. His half brother was played by Ice Cube who in the movie did not have the same motivation. Two years later, he landed a lead role in Civil Rights Drama The Ernest Green Story, a movie where he showed courage and perserverance as one of the Arkansas Nine high school students. He later starred in Action flicks Under Siege 2: Dark Territory and G.I. Jane and Half Past Dead. Recently he has been more involved with romantic comedies, starring in The Best Man, The Brothers, Two Can Play That Game and Breakin' All the Rules. This year, 2004, he will also be starring in Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid, and Ladder 49.
Is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Winner of the 1998 Madden Bowl, beating other celebrity talent as well as NFL stars in a tournament of John Madden Football. Is an excellent Texas Hold 'Em poker player. Recently (2005) held his own against 6 established poker professionals in a made for TV tournament. Has worked with Steven Seagal twice. He was both Seagal's character's partner, and main enemy. In Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1994) Chestnut is Seagal's character's reluctant partner. In Half Past Dead (2002) he co-starred as the main villain. Purchased $1.5 million estate in suburban Los Angeles. Had a cameo appearance, but was uncredited in the movie Higher Learning as one of the track runners on the team.