More of the Sexiest Black 90’s Heartthrobs, Then and Now

We heard there’s been a lot of talk about sexy men lately, but just know: 90’s fine men will always reign supreme. Let’s take a look!

Morris Chestnut, 1998; Morris Chestnut, 2024. Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Robin L Marshall for ESSENCE

There’s no denying the beauty and brilliance of the Black man. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that in the 1990s, God was seemingly handing out premium face cards to a handful of our favorite Black actors and musicians. We’d also be inauthentic if we also didn’t express our subsequent anger and disappointment at the revelation that He seemingly stopped putting these types of fine men into production as soon as that decade was over.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Shannon Sharpe Faces $50M Lawsuit Amid Chilling Abuse Accusations And Leaked Messages

It’s in that spirit of appreciation that we felt it fitting to take a leisurely stroll to look at a handful of our favorite ‘90s heartthrobs — then and now — to reminisce and pray that God somehow hears our prayers and starts reissuing this kind of fineness again.

Morris “My Forever Chocolate King” Chestnut. Blame it on “The Best Man,” “Like Mike,” or “Reasonable Doubt”—either way it goes, it’s got to be a sin for Morris to just keep looking better and better with each project and each passing year. Between his smooth melanin and his blindingly white smile, there’s truly no one like Chestnut. He is the prototype.

RonReaco Lee

Photo: Getty Images YouTube/Shantee Roberson; Tibrina Hobson for BET Photo: Getty Images YouTube/Shantee Roberson; Tibrina Hobson for BET

Talk about somebody whose face card and fineness doesn’t decline—that would be none other than RonReaco Lee. If you fell in love with him as “Tyreke Scott” in “Sister, Sister,” then you’ll be happy to know that he’s still just as good looking now as he was all those years ago (if not more, if you can imagine).

Cress Williams

Photo: Getty Images Youtube/DerrBearrrr 2.0; Mike Coppola/ Photo: Getty Images Youtube/DerrBearrrr 2.0; Mike Coppola/

Cress Williams will always be “Scooter” in our eyes thanks to his long stint on “Living Single,” but he’s definitely turned into “Scooter 2.0″ as the years have gone by thanks to amazing roles in “Black Lightening” and more. We’ll never get tired of seeing his handsome face!

Damon Wayans

Photo: Getty Images Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversa; Chris Haston/WBTV Photo: Getty Images Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversa; Chris Haston/WBTV

It’s almost as if the entire Wayans bloodline had stipulations for all of the brothers to be fine in addition to being funny because that’s definitely the case for Damon Wayans. That silver beard just makes him look that much more refined!

Shemar Moore

Photo: Getty Images CBS; Gregg DeGuire/Variety Photo: Getty Images CBS; Gregg DeGuire/Variety

If there was anybody young and restless back in the 90’s, it was every girl who couldn’t help but swoon at the sight of a young Shemar Moore back in the day. But let’s be clear, we’ll gladly accept the current Shemar’s invitation to be one of his baby girls any day!

Method Man

Photo: Getty Images Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives; Matthew Eisman Photo: Getty Images Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives; Matthew Eisman

Method Man’s evolution to fine rapper to irresistible “zaddy” has been one for the books and we have no one to thank but his parents and God for blessing him with these good genes.

Larenz Tate

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Jason Mendez Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Jason Mendez

If you were to tell us Larenz Tate was the same age in both photos, we might be willing to believe you. That’s how flawlessly fine he is. Whatever you’re doing Larenz, keep it up. PLEASE, KEEP IT UP!

Taye Diggs

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Amanda Edwards Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Amanda Edwards

The thing that makes Taye Diggs so fine isn’t just his rich skin and stellar smile— it’s his personality. That, coupled with the insanely hilarious dance moves that we’ve seen him bust out on TikTok, just makes us all remember why we love him year after year.

Terrence Howard

Photo: Getty Images CBS; ROBYN BECK/AFP Photo: Getty Images CBS; ROBYN BECK/AFP

Terrence Howard’s eyes are like swimming pools of the finest honey and brown sugar. Even when he’s playing somebody as problematic as Luscious Lyon on “Empire,” you could almost excuse his bad behavior by just taking one good look at his handsome face.

Blair Underwood

Photo: Getty Images NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversa; Arturo Holmes Photo: Getty Images NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversa; Arturo Holmes

We’re not sure if there’s another actor that’s as beautiful, smooth and debonair as Blair Underwood and, honestly, if there was, we’re not sure if we could take it. There’s always been something about Underwood that’s undeniably amazing and seeing him get better with age like a fine wine is utterly delicious.

Lenny Kravitz

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; River Callaway/WWD Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; River Callaway/WWD

There’s a reason why Lenny Kravitz has a stigma of being nearly every woman’s “hall pass,” (if you know, you know.) From the locs to the sultry eyes to the effortless cool energy he oozes—there’s no one doing it quite like him.

LL Cool J

Photo: Getty Images Paul Natkin/WireImage; Jason Mendez Photo: Getty Images Paul Natkin/WireImage; Jason Mendez

We know mama said knock you out, but before you take a swing—can you promise us that fine-ass LL Cool J will be in our dreams when we’re lights out? You know, for journalistic research purposes, of course.

Will Smith

Photo: Getty Images NBCU Photo Bank; David Livingston Photo: Getty Images NBCU Photo Bank; David Livingston

Fine and funny? Look no further than Will Smith. Even though he played the cool yet silly cousin on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” there’s nothing to laugh at when it comes to how handsome he’s continued to look as the years have gone by.

Tyrese

Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff for Lionsgate; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection Photo: Getty Images Jon Kopaloff for Lionsgate; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection

Tyrese, have we told you we loved you lately? We know you can do a bit much on social media from time to time (OK, more like on a regular basis), but we’ve got to give you credit where credit is due and that’s on your handsome face and your soulful voice.

Ginuwine

Photo: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder; Prince Williams/WireImage Photo: Getty Images Tim Mosenfelder; Prince Williams/WireImage

If there’s anyone that’s so anxious at the thought of how fine Ginuwine was back in the 90s and how fine he still is nowadays, it’s us. If we faint, just call him—he’ll know what to do.

Usher

Photo: Getty Images Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives; Amy Sussman/WireImage Photo: Getty Images Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives; Amy Sussman/WireImage

They don’t call him U-S-H-E-R R-A-Y-M-O-N-D for no reason. The way Usher’s been stealing hearts and making women lose their absolute minds (and more) should be a crime. But give us the handcuffs though…we’ll take it from there.

Jamie Foxx

Photo: Getty Images Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection; Kayla Oaddams Photo: Getty Images Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection; Kayla Oaddams

Much like Will Smith, Jamie Foxx is also one of the main ambassadors of the Fine and Funny Men Division. With a smile that’ll invoke one of your own and vocal pipes that’ll make you float to another time and place, let’s all take a moment to bless God for Jamie Foxx.

Marlon and Shawn Wayans

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Robin Marchant Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Robin Marchant

If you watched “The Wayans Brothers “back in the day, then you know it was hard to decipher which sibling you were crushing on more in each episode. (Author’s note: my vote mostly swayed towards Shawn, but Marlon is an undeniable looker, too.) What’s better than one hot and hilarious man? TWO!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

Black Celebs Showing How They Looked in the 90s Is Taking Over the Internet

From Halle Berry to Morris Chestnut, Black stars are hopping onto this 90s trend on TikTok. Let’s take a look at the best ones! …
The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

The Worst Oscars Red Carpet Trainwrecks Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at Black celebs who’ve had some fashion misses on the famous red carpet! …
S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

S.C. Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …
Why Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Alabama Solution,' is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

Why Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Alabama Solution,’ is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

“The Alabama Solution” is what happens when you let inmates tell the unapologetic truth about their living conditions and the abuse allegedly at the hands of correctional officers …
Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

The viral pastor told church members to bring copies of their tax returns, saying he’s tired of congregants “playing in his face” when it comes time for tithes and offerings …
Psychology Behind the Internet's Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

Psychology Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

We explore the dark truth of why the internet rallies more around a zoo monkey than detained kids separated from their immigrant parents …
Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Black boys are not trying to look feminine. They are just taking care of the hair they actually have …
All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

All the Fly Looks Oprah Winfrey Served at Paris Fashion Week 2026

Oprah Winfrey deserves her flowers for these show-stopping looks that set the streets of Paris on fire during fashion week. Let’s take a look at what she wore …
Bam Adebayo's Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a 'Love & Basketball' Moment With WNBA Star A'ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo’s Historic 83-Point Night Becomes a ‘Love & Basketball’ Moment With WNBA Star A’ja Wilson

Bam Adebayo made history with an 83-point performance that broke Kobe Bryant’s legendary record. But his heartfelt postgame moment with girlfriend A’ja Wilson quickly stole the spotlight …
Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

Brian McKnight Is Not Happy With Rickey Smiley

The R&B singer is suing the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, host Karen Clark, and Urban One, claiming they defamed him amid ongoing family disputes with his ex-wife and estranged children …
Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama's Gorgeous Braided Looks

Get To Know the Dream Team Behind Michelle Obama’s Gorgeous Braided Looks

Have you ever wondered who the women are behind Michelle Obama’s gorgeous hairstyles? We’ll fill you in …
The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

The Chilling Details of the Houston Man Who Allegedly Kept Disabled Wife Captive for Years in a House Full of People

Police say James Earl Johnson held his 46-year-old disabled wife captive in a bedroom under lock and key, with no phone access, for five years in Houston …
Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Thousands of Black Kidney Transplant Patients Get Justice After Racial Bias Is Found in Decades-Old Test

Researchers are reporting success after a new effort to reverse racial bias against Black kidney patients is paying off …
Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Why This Black British TikToker Is Being Dragged Online

Here’s why this Black British TikToker is being dragged by American folks after speaking on American politics …
5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

These Black comedic voices would bring the funny to the Oscars stage …
All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

All the Black History That Could be Made at 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars is shaping up to be a hella Black affair is all goes right, let’s take a look at the history that could potentially be made! …
Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Singer Ari Lennox’s latest dating revelation has social media in an uproar. Let’s break down why! …
Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard says he once had a chance with Beyoncé in during her days of Destiny’s Child—but chose a short-lived, “blue-eyed” bandmate instead, sparking some thoughts online …
The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

According to Pastor Jamal Bryant, Target has met three of four of the boycott’s original demands. Here’s exactly what that means …
Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland has entered the chat and is calling out Timothée Chalamet over his recent negative words about the art form …