Tyrese

Born: 30 December 1978
Where: Los Angeles, California

The Tommy Hilfiger model, singer and MTV VJ made his feature film debut in John Singleton's Baby Boy with Ving Rhames and Snoop Dog.

Before the big screen, he had enjoyed guest roles in TV series such as Moesha, Martin and Hanging With Mr Cooper.

Originally an R&B singer, he released his self-titled debut album aged 19 and received an American Music Award for Favourite Soul and R&B New Artist.

As one of the most sought after models, he has an exclusive sponsorship deal with Guess? as well as campaigns for Hilfiger.

A dedicated social activist, he has set up the non-profit Tyrese Gibson Watts Foundation to build community centres in his rundown LA neighbourhood Watts.

In 2003, he co-starred opposite Paul Walker in street racing sequel 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Subsequent outings included John Moore's remake of the 1965 adventure yarn Flight of the Phoenix with Dennis Quaid and the action drama Four Brothers with Mark Wahlberg.

In 2006, he starred in the military drama Annapolis with James Franco and played USAF Tech Sergeant Epps in the big screen version of Transformers.

Recent work includes the role of Machine Gun Joe, the rival of fellow con Jason Statham in the action thriller remake Death Race.