DASH MIHOK — William Matthews

Dash Mihok was born May 24, 1974 in New York City and grew up in Westbeth, a trendy artists’ housing community in Manhattan’s West Village. The son of actor parents, he was named after famed mystery writer Dashiell Hammett, author of The Thin Man, The Glass Key, and The Maltese Falcon.

Though exposed to theater at a young age, Mihok’s plans did not originally include a career in acting. A whiz at math and science, his primary goal was college and a degree in biochemistry. However, during his senior year at the Bronx High School of Science he joined the CityKids Repertory, a group begun in 1985 by the CityKids Foundation to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds, so that they might share life experiences, and create original dramatic and musical works based on those experiences. This led to his 1993 television debut, an ABC Saturday Morning Special produced by Jim Henson and starring the CityKids with Henson’s Muppets. Simply titled CityKids, it stressed self-esteem, leadership, and the importance of tolerance and communication through non-violence. He was also featured in the racially themed 1994 independent film Black is White.

Miscellaneous television appearances followed, including episodes of New York Undercover, NYPD Blue, and a February 1995 episode of Law and Order. Later that same year he garnered critical acclaim with his portrayal of a mentally unbalanced young man in the CBS television movie Murderous Intent, co-starring Corbin Bernsen and Lesley Ann Warren.

In 1996 Mihok had roles in the films Foxfire, opposite Angelina Jolie, Sleepers, Barry Levinson’s hard-hitting story of sexual abuse and revenge starring Kevin Bacon and Robert DeNiro, and William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, Baz Luhrmann’s hip, avant-garde re-telling of the bard’s immortal classic, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the doomed lovers. Sporting a shoulder holster, open Hawaiian shirt and crew cut for the role of Romeo’s kinsman Benvolio, Mihok earned a small cult following with his performance that endures to this day.

During the ’96-’97 television season he was a featured regular on the short-lived CBS series Pearl. Cast as Joey, rebellious son of Rhea Perlman’s title character, the actor demonstrated a sharp edge for comedy and easily pulled off the cutting Perlman-esque attitude needed to make the role believable, despite the obvious difference in their physical appearances. In 1998 Mihok starred in the independent romantic comedy Telling You, then won the biggest role of his career up to that point as Private 1st Class Doll in Terrence Malick’s gripping war drama The Thin Red Line. During filming, Malick shot an over-abundance of footage, supposedly enough for a ten hour movie; despite having large chunks of his screen-time cut during the editing process, Mihok’s performance – among a cast that included Sean Penn, Adrian Brody, Woody Harrelson, Nick Nolte, and John Travolta – remained one of the most moving and human.

During spring of the following year he appeared in seven episodes of the new WB drama Felicity, playing Lynn McKennan, a competitive swimmer at the fictional University of New York. At first appearance just a typical jock, Lynn later revealed his deeper qualities by helping a fellow student tune her guitar, and encouraging her to have more confidence in her performance skills. The character was written out of the show at the end of the season however, much to the dismay of Lynn’s growing fan base. Later that year, Mihok traveled to Iowa to film the comedy Whiteboyz, the story of three high school kids from a small rural town who dream of becoming big-time, big-city rappers. A part-time rapper himself in real life, the actor easily slipped into the role of James, and quickly demonstrated his talent for spinning verse early in the film.

In 2000 he had a supporting role in The Perfect Storm, the true story of the 1991 disappearance of the New England fishing vessel ‘Andrea Gail’ during one of the largest Atlantic storms on record. For his role of Sgt. Jeremy Mitchell, Mihok, along with co-star Josh Hopkins, participated in a parajumper training course, flew on simulated helicopter rescue missions, trained in air-lift water rescue, and took part in a night-vision goggles lab.

2001 was a busy year for the actor, and saw one of his funniest, most unusual roles: Walter P. Higgs III, a bumbling, legendary – in his own mind – bank robber trying to turn over a new leaf in the shoot-em-up western The Journeyman. Things just go from bad to worse for Walter, as he is double-crossed by his partner, gets shot – three times – and has his horse and clothes stolen. Some days it just doesn’t pay to get out of the bunk. That same year Mihok also had roles in Nailed, with Harvey Keitel and Brad Rowe, Finders Fee, with James Earl Jones and Robert Forster, and One Eyed King, with Armand Assante, William Baldwin and Chazz Palminteri.

In 2002 he appeared in the Bollywood-inspired sex comedy The Guru, as well as the gritty police drama Dark Blue, about corruption and the L.A. riots in the wake of the Rodney King beating. Mihok also traveled to Alabama to film what some would go on to call the single greatest performance of his career: the painfully shy, tragically misunderstood boxer Johnny Flynton. A short film by former world karate and kickboxing champion Lexi Alexander, Johnny Flynton had the prestigious honor of being nominated in the category ‘Best Live Action Short Film’ for the 75th annual Academy Awards. The role remains one of the actor’s personal favorites.

Since 2002 Mihok has appeared in a variety of films, including Basic (2003), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), I Am Legend (2007) and Punisher: War Zone (2008). He has also had roles of the television shows CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Ghost Whisperer and Pushing Daisies. Some of his upcoming productions include In NorthWood, Lifted and The Mortician.

Known in the industry as an exceptionally gifted, dedicated, hard worker and as one of the genuinely nicest guys in the business, Mihok has been called “a genius”, “a breath of fresh air”, and “the most unappreciated talent in Hollywood” by those fortunate enough to work with him. Displaying a wide range of emotions, he can turn on a dime and play sensitive, funny, goofy and romantic, or harsh, brutal, sadistic and bloodthirsty, and make each role believable. With more than fifteen year’s experience and over fifty roles to his credit, Dash Mihok has proven himself a formidable talent in the movie business, and will continue to do so for years to come.

NIKKI AYCOX — Lisa Matthews

When she was barely into her twenties, Nicki Aycox had already become a veteran of multiple television series while possessing a presence that was instantly memorable. A blonde performer whose appearance often belied a deeper sophistication and darkness, Aycox ably jumped from drama to cult sci-fi and horror and back again. She initially entranced audiences with consistent arcs on drama favorites Providence (1999-2002) and Ed (2000-04) before doing the same on movie screens in Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003) and Perfect Stranger (2007).

Aycox was born in Enid, OK, but was raised in nearby Hennessey, where she lived until returning to Enid to graduate high school. At Enid High, Aycox fed her passion for acting with appearances in a slew of school plays before graduating in 1992. Aycox spent two years at the University of Oklahoma before deciding to give an acting career in Los Angeles a try. In 1995, she headed west to pursue her dreams. Shortly after her arrival, she was on her way after being hired to appear in the music video for a local band.

In 1996, Aycox started her television career with an appearance on the short-lived syndicated comedy Weird Science (1994-97). A year later, she had more than quadrupled that number in appearances, juggling guest spots on family-friendly fare such as 3rd Rock from the Sun (NBC, 1996-2001) and Boy Meets World (ABC, 1993-2000).

Meanwhile she broke into features, appearing in several independent dramas, including Defying Gravity(1997) and Double Tap (1997). With Significant Others (Fox, 1997-98), a short-lived drama about struggling twenty somethings in Los Angeles, Aycox officially became a recurring presence on primetime programming.

URIAH SHELTON — Henry Matthews

Uriah was born on March 10, 1997 in Dallas, Texas.  One month later his family moved him to Magnolia Springs, Alabama, a small river community about 40 miles south of Mobile.

Growing up, Uriah pursued interests in martial arts, piano, and soccer.  At the age of 7, he took a modeling class with his cousin, Charli.  This led to a talent competition in Orlando, after which he was pursued by multiple agencies in New York and Los Angeles.  Realizing that he'd come to love acting, he and his mother decided to move to Los Angeles to embark upon his professional career.

He immediately began working in commercials but also focused on his love of martial arts, which resulted in him becoming the 2006 ATA Tae Kwon Do California State Champion in all categories, including sparring and extreme weapons.

Having accomplished his goal Uriah returned his full attention to acting, where he began working on TV shows, including Without a Trace, The Ghost Whisperer, Mad TV, Dirty Sexy Money, The Suite Life, Monk, Trust Me, Trauma, Hallmark's The Nanny Express, and the independent feature Alabama Moon.

He has just completed filming the lead role of Henry Matthews in Lifted, written and directed by Lexi Alexander (Green Street Hooligans, Punisher: War Zone), in which he plays a young singing sensation alongside music greats Ruben Studdard and Trace Adkins.

Uriah trains in wushu, XMA (Extreme Martial Arts), guitar, ballet, and hip-hop.  Uriah loves his dogs, a German shepherd named Tempest and a Cock-a-poo named Libby (and misses and loves his cousins Charli and Kristian who are back in Alabama).

JAMES HANDY — Travis

James Handy has appeared in such films as The Verdict, Bird, Burglar, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Arachnophobia, The Rocketeer, K-9, Gang-related, Guarding Tess, Jumanji, Unbreakable, 15 Minutes and Ash Wednesday.  His TV credits include recurring roles on NYPD Blue, Profiler, Undercover, Breaking News, Melrose Place, Alias and The West Wing, plus many TV movies.  

DARIUS JAMAL VANSLUYTMAN
(AKA SERAPHIM) — Jeremy

Seraphim is a fixture on New York's Brooklyn and Downtown music scene.  Frontman for electro-rap-rock crew No Surrender, 'Phim has graced every gritty corner of NY's sprawling underground.  His characteristic vocal style, heartfelt performances and heady lyrics have made him an in-demand vocalist.  Working with a range of top producers, he's also been known to sneak into the avant-garde circles of the city's tony new music scene.  'Phim and the No Surrender crew (which counts NBC's My Name is Earl co-star Eddie Steeples amongst its members) cut their teeth at legendary downtown clubs like Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe, C.B.G.B's, Brownie's and Wetlands, sharing stages with other progressive hip-hop artists such as Antipop Consortium.  

As a member of producer Mike Ladd's Majesticons, he contributed vocals to 2003's critically acclaimed Beauty Party (Big Dada/Ninja Tune).  The same year, No Surrender's White Power Black Magic, was released a very experimental work which was hailed by VICE Magazine. Word of mouth quickly spread, and shortly 'Phim was picked up by avant-garde composer Raz Mesinai (ROIR) to co-star (and co-write the libretto to) in the new-wave opera Myth of Nations which enjoyed acclaimed performances at The Kitchen (NYC) and Il Teatro San Giorgi in Catania, Sicily.  This performance lead to more work with Mike Ladd's theatre piece "Domestica" and an invitation to perform at the famed Whitney Art Museum along with multimedia artists VisonIntoArt.  He performed Mike Ladd and current jazz darling, Vijay Iyer's "Negrophilia" at Il Teatro Manzoni in Milan in 2007, and joined Montreaux Jazz Festival award winner Leo Tardin at the Culy Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 2008.

Flirting heavily with theater types and jazz wizards, 'Phim never turned his back on his roots.  No Surrender headlined the 2007 Afropunk Block Party (sponsored by Brooklyn Academy of Music).  A recent white label paired No Surrender and longtime friends Radioclit (The Very Best, M.I.A., Santigold) for the internet smash "Godda Get It" (which also appeared on Freq Nasty's (Santigold's "Creator" producer) FabricLive CD.  The B-Side featured another Radioclit production along with 'Phim's pal Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio) on lead vocals.  

2009 saw the release of "Icicles"  featuring England's electro-punk heroes Evil Nine and Seraphim.  Currently back in the studio with Costanza Francavilla (Tricky), 'Phim is wrapping No Surrender's opus Medicine Babies. He's also finishing a project with popular Brooklyn DJ Monica Sharp which he describes as "Portishead meets the Cure at an afterhours club".  Rumor has it another No Surrender white label with a soon-to-be announced (i.e. one of their cutting edge producer pals) will drop in early 2010, not to mention the long-awaited follow-up album from The Majesticons. 

RUBEN STUDDARD — Pastor Johnson

Six years ago, Ruben Studdard’s life changed in an instant and it’s been changing ever since. This year has brought about even more changes, with the release of Ruben’s fourth album, Love IS (Hickory Records/19 Recordings). Love IS, is helmed by two of the most successful producers in the business, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Since its release on May 19, Love IS has been celebrated for its collection of love songs. Vibe says “The "velvet teddy bear" can belt billowing love songs” and Entertainment Weekly called the album a "mix of crafty originals and sturdy covers".

The album features Ruben’s versions of Extreme’s classic hit “More Than Words” and Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It.” The first single, “Together,” produced by Stargate, reached Top 15 on the Urban AC chart. "Don’t Make 'Em Like U No More", the follow up to “Together”, is a sleek and soulful R&B ode to everyone's special someone. It also was #1 most added at Urban AC Radio. Another original song on the album is “A Song For Her,” a very personal song co-written by Ruben for his wife, Surata Zuri McCants, whom he met at a Wal Mart signing in 2006.

A new album and a new family are just part of the picture for Ruben in 2009. He starred in a 30th anniversary production of the Fats Waller musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” It was Ruben’s first musical theater work since he was in a high school production of “Grease.”

“Fats was a cool cat,” says Ruben. “I loved getting dressed up, sitting at the piano and winking at the girls, just like he did.” Ruben also loved being on the road with Frenchie Davis and Trenyce, who were both contestants with him on the second season of “American Idol.”

Ruben Studdard was born Sept. 12, 1978, in Frankfurt, Germany, where his father was stationed in the United States Army. Ruben was nine months old when his mother brought him home to Birmingham. His musical talent was evident early in life: he was a three-year-old pre-schooler when he started singing at the Rising Star Baptist Church. As a member of the Cherub Choir, he sang a majority of the solo vocals, making his debut with “I’m Yours Lord.”

By the age of seven he was singing at school, in various churches and at banquets and local functions. His mother was a fan of Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross and the O’Jays and Ruben learned to sing their songs. “I was the number one New Edition fan and in middle school I switched over to Boyz II Men. My father bought a lot of records, and that’s how I heard John Coltrane and Miles Davis. I became a big jazz fan.”

In high school, Ruben joined the football team as an offensive tackle. “I loved to sing and play sports so I went back and forth between the two,” he recalls. “But sports were just recreation for me. I became serious about singing and learning everything I could about music.”

In ninth grade, Ruben was a member of the mixed ensemble choir, the male chorus and the concert choir and sang in a male quartet called Eternal Harmony. “We did a lot of talent shows around Birmingham and achieved some popularity but I don’t think anyone will remember us now.”

Ruben majored in music at Alabama A&M University where his studies included opera. “Can you believe that!” he exclaims. “I loved Pavarotti and I worked very hard at becoming an opera singer. I was going to get an agent but in my sophomore year I joined a gospel group, God’s Gift. I left school after two-and-a-half years to pursue a career in gospel music. We worked at it seven days a week. It seemed like it was about to happen. Then everything came to a standstill.”

Ruben moved on, joining a group called Just a Few Cats. “A girl who was one of our background singers wanted to audition for ‘American Idol’ but she didn’t want to go by herself,” Ruben remembers. “She asked me to go with her and I didn’t want to, but I went just to support her.”

They drove to Nashville and she didn’t make it through to the second round of auditions. But Ruben did. “Once I was actually there trying out, I felt like I could really do something. I just gave it my best shot.”

Everyone knows what happened next. Simon, Paula and Randy sent Ruben to Hollywood, where he advanced from a semi-final round into the top 12 and quickly became America’s favorite, surviving every elimination to win the title of “American Idol” in a dramatic finale on May 21, 2003.

Ruben’s impact on the charts was immediate. His single “Flying Without Wings” debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100 while his version of “Superstar” peaked at No. 2 on the R&B chart. In December 2003, his first album, “Soulful,” had advance orders of over a million copies, automatically qualifying for platinum certification. The record entered The Billboard 200 at No. 1. A follow-up single, “Sorry 2004,” reached No. 9 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B chart.

Ruben’s next album was “I Need An Angel,” released in November 2004. The sophomore set topped Billboard’s gospel chart and was the magazine’s No. 1 gospel album of the year.

Ruben’s third album, “The Return,” found him back in the top 10, peaking at No. 8 on The Billboard 200 and No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The first single, “Change Me,” spent an impressive eight weeks at No. 1 on the Adult R&B list.

As well as he has done on the charts, Ruben has also earned his share of awards and nominations. In 2004, he won the NAACP’s Image Award for Best New Artist. That same year, he was nominated for Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist at the American Music Awards, Best Male R&B Performance at the Grammys, Best New Soul/R&B or Rap Artist at the Soul Train Awards and Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Artist at the BET Awards. The following year Ruben was nominated as Best Gospel Artist at the BET Awards.

It’s been an amazing six years for the man from Birmingham and he feels blessed to have experienced it all. “My grandmother used to tell me that the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong but to the one that endures to the end. I feel like I’m on a course to have a very long career. I just completed my fourth album and a lot of people don’t get to that point. I’m a very happy man.”

Ruben’s mother has long been an advocate for the local chapter of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) and was active in getting their community church involved in raising awareness of the disease. As a result, Ruben has been aware of the hardships of patients, especially African-American patients, suffering from sickle cell disease (SCD), including a serious and under-recognized condition called iron overload.

“I’ve made it my goal to do what I can to help people suffering from the disease by working with and speaking for the Be Sickle Smart program, to inspire and empower them and to take action for their health and be screened for iron overload due to blood transfusions,” says Ruben.

Be Sickle Smart is a community-health program that educates people with SCD about the risk for a serious and under-recognized condition called iron overload. “I’m making several appearances across the country on behalf of the program and I have penned an original song, titled “I Am a Fighter,” that I hope will become the anthem for those participating in Be Sickle Smart,” says Ruben. “My intention with the song is to inspire people with SCD to keep fighting and to take action for their health through education.”

TRACE ADKINS — Jimmy Knox

Trace Adkins made his debut in the country music world more than a decade ago with a platinum-selling album and has since become an undeniable musical force, earning his place among the most identifiable artists of his generation.

An esteemed Grand Ole Opry member since 2003, Adkins has built a strong legion of fans by recording songs that possess insightful lyrics and cover a wide range of interests -- many from his own life experiences. With one of the most identifiable voices in country music, the Grammy-nominated artist has had twenty-seven singles land on Billboard’s country chart, with 15 breaking into the Top 10. His albums achieve gold or multi-platinum status and three have made chart-topping debuts. He has performed for millions of fans worldwide and consistently sells out venues across the nation. His hard-driving stage show is full of hits, making him one of country music’s top headlining and in-demand artists today.

Throughout his illustrious career, Adkins has received widespread media recognition – from magazine covers to the movie screen, to numerous appearances on national TV shows including, Ellen Degeneres, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Live with Regis & Kelly, Real Time with Bill Maher, Today Show, Tonight Show with Jay Leno and much more.

As an author, Adkins received rave reviews for his book A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck. Published in 2007 by Random House, the book revealed his strong political and social views and continues to be a strong seller today.

Already a highly successful country music recording artist, Adkins grabbed the national spotlight in 2008 while earning the respect of Donald Trump as a finalist on NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice. Throughout the season, he starred in some of the show’s best moments, including the season finale, when more than 14 million viewers tuned in as he performed his # 1 hit, “You’re Gonna Miss This.” He has since raised more than $750,000 for his charity.

A long time supporter of the U.S. military, Adkins has traveled overseas for two USO tours, performing for troops stationed in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has received numerous honorary awards in recognition of his leadership, patriotism and dedication and service to the troops, including the 2007 USO Merit Award, Wounded Warrior Project’s (WWP) 2010 Talkhouse Award and the 2010 Medal of Honor from the Daughter’s of the American Revolution.

Adkins has also ventured into the comic book world with the launch of LUKE McBAIN, a four-part comic book series whose lead character was based on the country giant’s likeness and persona. The series launched in November 2009, with subsequent issues outselling the previous.

He is presently serving as the official spokesperson for BC Headache Powder who is sponsoring his 2010 concert tour dates. This marks only the second time in the pain-relief product’s 100-year history that a country music entertainer has represented the brand.

With a fresh start into a new record deal with Show Dog-Universal Music, an energized Adkins has just released his new album, COWBOY’S BACK IN TOWN. The disc’s lead single, “This Ain’t No Love Song,” has become the platinum star’s latest Top 30 hit and is still heating up the charts. In conjunction with the new release, Adkins will hit the late night talk show rounds with appearances scheduled on the Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon & Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. He has been touring all summer with Toby Keith on the hugely successful “American Ride Tour.” He heads out for his third USO Tour of the Persian Gulf in October.