10. Sam Jones IIIPicture

Then: Smallville
Now: Blue Mountain State, Piranha 3DD
Age: 28

Our regular Cypher Ave readers should already be familiar with convicted felon actor Sam Jones III. We previously mentioned him in the past and linked some very revealing photos  taken in conjunction with his “leaked” sex tape. I first saw Sam in the 2001 film, “Snipes” co-starring Zoe Saldana and Nelly. This role led to a long stint on the series, “Smallville” and “E.R.”

I have to admit that I never really found Sam all that attractive until he started showing off his new chiseled physique. I guess he’s proof that a nice body can make just about anyone be considered “sexy.”

Last we heard back in June, he was sentenced to 366 days in federal prison for drug trafficking, namely oxycodone pills.  I’m assuming that his body will be even more impressive when he gets out.



9. Michael J. PaganPicture

Then: Fallen, How Stella Got Her Groove Back
Now: Chain Letter, Harry’s Law
Age: 26

Michael J. Pagan is one of those unfortunate forgettable actors. He’s been in some popular films but audiences never remember him. Everyone remembers that Angela Basset had a son in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” or that Denzel Washington has a nephew in “Fallen” but no one could tell you who played him or what he looked like.

Admittedly, It happened to me as well. I only knew to add him to this list because I’ve recently seen him in a string of bad indie horror films and looked him up.

He’s definitely grown into a handsome young man. He’s even an entrepreneur, having started his own film production company. My guess is that he needs another 10 years to grow into a certain look to secure more mature acting roles, thus finally making him memorable.



8. Robert Ri’chardPicture

Then: Cousin Skeeter
Now: The Vampire Diaries, Meet the Browns, Bolden!
Age: 28

Full disclosure: I was a “Cousin Skeeter” fan. Yeah, I was a young dude watching a Nickelodeon show. I couldn’t help it, the show was horrible but Bill Bellamy as the voice of the loud-mouth puppet cousin of young actor Robert Ri’chard was hilarious to me. The show also featured the debut of a young Megan Good, another actor that has grown up to become quite the hottie.

At 28-years-old, Robert has been working consistently, getting even more attractive with age. He’s currently slated to appear on the new season of “The Vampire Diaries.”



7. Omarion GrandberryPicture

Then:  You Got Served, Fat Albert
Now: America’s Best Dance Crew
Age: 27

Few people of color are unfamiliar with former B2K member, Omarion Gandberry. However many people forget that he’s also an actor, having gotten his start in the films “You Got Served” and “Fat Albert.” Omarion is the only member of B2K to transition into a sustainable career. He released three solo studio albums and collaborated with e̶x̶-̶b̶o̶y̶f̶r̶i̶e̶n̶d̶ Bow Wow on the 2007 release “Face Off.”

Admittedly, I never took Omarion seriously until he finally trimmed his trademark baby-hair cornrows and started rocking a caesar-cut. He’s put on some pounds and a few new tattoos but his body is still as impressive as ever. Last I saw, he was acting in the BET broadcasted horror film, “Somebody Help Me 2” aired last Halloween.



6. Victor RasukPicture

Then: Raising Victor Vargas
Now: How To Make It In America
Age: 27

Dominican descent actor Victor Rasuk was only 16-years-old when he first performed the role of Victor Vargas in the short film, “Three Feet High and Rising.” He’d reprise the role of the handsome, charismatic youth just two years later in the breakout indie film, “Raising Victor Vargas.”

Victor ranks high on this list not just for his looks but also for the charm, depth and the range he brings to his characters on the screen. Not to mention that out of all of the names mentioned so far, Victor is the best actor out of the whole bunch.

In addition to the indie films on his slate, Victor can be seen on the HBO series, “How to Make it in America.”