The Robertson Treatment – Lamont Bentley

Lamont Bentley has been anything but idle since the cancellation of "Moesha" a few months ago. Upcoming the actor plays Tupac in the VH-1 movie "Too Legit to Quit: The MC Hammer Story."

He also has a lead role in the newly released car wash comedy, "The Wash" opposite Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. With a chameleon-like ability to take on a varied array of characterizations, Bentley is well on his way to craving out a niche of solid and diverse roles as an actor. Although the 5'8" actor is an interesting choice to play Tupac, he says that he always felt a special kinship with the rap music icon.

"I met Tupac once at a music industry party," he recalls. "Although we didn't talk long, I immediately felt a connection with him that made me think that our paths would again cross someday. Little did I know that he would be killed and that I would play him in a movie."

To prepare himself for the coveted role, Lamont diligently threw himself into studying the rapper's life by studying his film work as well as spending time with many of the artist's CDs. I went out and got everything I get my hands on about Tupac," he remembers. "It would be an understated to say that Tupac was a complex guy, but that's what made him such a fascinating guy to play."

Growing up in Milwaukee, WI, Lamont moved to Los Angeles with his mom, a singing hopeful. However, his unique gifts for performing became evident as he often made people laugh during his mother's auditions. One thing lead to another and Bentley was encouraged to take his own stab at stardom, which began with commercials, but soon led to a long list of television credits that include starring roles on the much-acclaimed "South Central" and "The Client." He also made his feature film debut in the popular horror film, "Tales From The Hood," before landing a role on the TV show "Moesha."

After playing the eternally hungry and carefree Hakeem Campbell on that sitcom for six seasons. the 28-year-old says that he's sorry the show has ended, but adds that it was time to move on. "All good things must come to an end," he comments. "The show gave me a lot of exposure and it has enabled me to realize some of my wildest dreams. Now I have a stronger footing to go back into feature films and take on other TV roles, because I've proven that I can play both drama and comedy. Right now I'm looking for exciting projects that will offer me a chance to explore the different sides of my skill as an artist."

The clever Bentley has formed his own production company, Uprise Films, to acquire rights and develop projects. He has also done some recording to pursue some opportunities in music. "I have a lot up my sleeves," he says with a chuckle. "But I don't want to be a jack of all trades who does everything but none of them all that well. I want to excel in everything I take on." 'Nuff said? -- Anne M. Raso
Meanwhile ...

Just in time for the holidays, Running Press has issued a new book by Patrik Henry Polk and Karen Pugh entitled "In Our Own Image." An elegantly written chronicle of the black community from the postwar period to the present, this collection brilliantly illuminates enduring African American traditions and ceremonies.

A great movie alternative this weekend is the newly released "Punks" from Urbanworld Films. After a nearly three-year wait this sassy and provocative romantic comedy finally begins limited engagements on screens in both New York City and Los Angeles, before going into wider release next year. Directed by newcomer Patrik-Ian Polk, is the first black gay romantic comedy ever released by a major US film distributor.

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Email us at: gilrobertson@robertsontreatment.com