Shemar Moore
Former model, Shemar Moore became known to legions of daytime television fans for his Emmy-winning performance as Malcolm Winters on the popular CBS serial "The Young and the Restless" (CBS, 1971- ). During that time, the ambitious performer also demonstrated his acting range in the historical drama "Mama Flora's Family" (CBS, 1998) and displayed versatility as the host of "Soul Train" (syndicated, 1971-2006) for a four-year stint beginning in 1999. Moore enjoyed a rare feature film hit as one of the leads of the relationship-themed drama "The Brothers" (2001), although a shot at primetime TV success on the superhero adventure series "Birds of Prey" (The WB, 2002-03) was met with little enthusiasm. Following a spate of forgettable direct-to-DVD thrillers and made-for-TV films, Moore landed another noteworthy role in writer-star Tyler Perry's "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" (2005). That same year, the actor took on a character that would likely supplant his soap opera role when he was cast as FBI agent Derek Morgan, a member of an elite profiling unit, on the hit crime drama "Criminal Minds" (2005- ). Moore's considerable contribution to the success of the long-running series further cemented his reputation as one of television's more durable performers.