Black History in the Upstate - February 2005

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* Information for this page obtained from Leroy Chapman Jr., Associate Editorial Page Editor for Greenville News Do you know of someone in the Upstate that you would like to nominate as a part of our local Black History list? If so please email us their name and contact information.

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February 4, 2005
Orlando Jones: Keeping it real in Hollywood

Integrity is important to Orlando Jones, which is why the actor has shied away from roles in films he considers demeaning to African Americans. WJMZ salutes this accomplished actor, writer and producer and rising star for his body of work that has included memorable characters in films popular among African Americans. The common thread in Jones' body of work is an integrity that refuses to yield to Hollywood's tendency to stereotype, especially young African American men.

When Jones graduated Mauldin High School in 1985, he never expected to go to Hollywood. But before his four years were up at the College of Charleston, his path was set. And by 1987 Jones had landed work as a sitcom writer. Jones is a credited writer on such African-American themed shows as "A Different World," "Roc" and the "Sinbad Show." Jones eventually began working as an actor, starring in front of the camera on the sketch-comedy show "Mad TV." That paved the way for big screen roles, earning Jones parts in the films "Sour Grapes," "Liberty Heights," "Office Space" and "Magnolia," a critically acclaimed movie that starred Tom Cruise.

Jones' biggest breakthrough as actor came after his stint as the original pitchman for 7-Up, which made his comic skill famous. Jones began getting bigger roles, such as in the football comedy "The Replacements," where he played a clumsy wide receiver opposite Oscar-winner Gene Hackman and Keanu Reeves. That led to his first starring role in "Double Take" where he shared top billing with comedy legend Eddie Griffin. Briefly, Jones broke through in late night television as the star of "The Orlando Jones Show" on FX.

Jones' latest film roles were in "Runaway Jury," a John Grisham legal thriller, and "Biker Boyz," where Jones starred opposite Lawrence Fishburne and Derek Luke. Jones' most well known for role is in the movie "Drumline" where he played a straight-laced band director at a historically black college opposite Nick Cannon. It's roles such as that one, where the character is true to his experience as an African-American, which attracts Jones.

He told The Knoxville News-Sentinel this about how disappointed he often is in Hollywood's portrayal African Americans: "What we've been accustomed to seeing all too often at this point is the underbelly of our culture. If there are no guns and cursing and drug addiction, then it's really somehow not inner-city and urban. And I keep asking myself, 'what inner-city urban experience are y'all talking about? 'Cause I've been black a long time, and I don't remember seeing all that. I remember seeing a bunch of hard-working young and older black men and women who went to work every day and often told me, 'Get up off your knees, messin' up them jeans, boy. 'Cause I paid good money for 'em. I work every day to make sure you are well clothed.' WJMZ salutes Orlando Jones during this Black History Month, a rising star who is "keeping it real" and keeping it dignified.

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Listen weekdays during February at 7:45AM in the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and again at 12:50PM during the K. J. in the Midday Show, for McDonald's Black History Moments featuring interesting historical facts about African American history in the Upstate. McDonald's celebrates Black history 365 days a year by communicating the pride, achievement, heritage, and contributions of African Americans to American history. McDonald's, "I'm loving it."

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Read about Merl Code

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