Source: TV One

Just in time for Easter Sunday, TV One is slated to debut original film, The Undershepherd, which tells the story of two brothers in Christ turned frenemies when confronted with the fame, power and money that can come along with being the pastor of a church. The film’s starring lineup includes Isaiah Washington, Lamman Rucker, Malinda Williams, Elise Neal, Lou Gossett Jr., Clifton Powell and Vanessa Bell Calloway. A description of the movie found on TV One’s website reads:

“The Undershepherd  tells the controversial tale of two ministers, who, although originally best friends and brothers  in Christ, find their relationship tested by access to power, money and greed.  Isaiah Washington stars in the role of Lawrence “LC” Case, an ambitious and charismatic minister overcome by greed and ego who uses the pulpit to further his own agenda and ultimately lead his congregation astray.  LC’s best friend, Roland, starring Lamman Rucker, struggles to get his grassroots ministry off the ground and doesn’t enjoy the same level of success which generates controversy and conflict between the two men.”

Russ Parr, who wrote, directed and executive produced the film, revealed that it was actually inspired by his real-life experiences.

“I was really invested into the church and the church I was going to. Then I started seeing things that didn’t make sense. My mom, who was a very religious woman, pulled me out of the church. She thought I was losing myself,” Parr told Elev8.

Temptations faced by pastors in any church are a big deal and it will be interesting to see some of those issues being addressed. It appears that one can easily get caught up in the fanfare of it all.

The Undershepherd is schedule to premiere Saturday, March 30 at 8/7c

Turn the page for a sneak peek. Will you be tuning in?

Reality television star Tami Roman is making major moves these days. First, she reappears on the scene looking fabulous with a new slim physique, announcing her partnership with weight loss supplement NV Clinical. And now, according to News One, we’ll be able to check her out every week as she stars in TV One’s new original scripted series, “Belle’s”.

The show’s plot is centered around a widowed soul food restaurant owner and his two adult daughters, following the death of his wife Belle. Tami, who plays Loretta Cooper is described via the show’s press release as “a beautiful, stylish, self-absorbed prima donna with ambitions that alternate between a career in the music business, fashion and finding a rich husband.” It seems that Loretta does not like working at the restaurant and often pretends that she is not an employee. She believes she was destined to be a star, not a waitress. Tami’s co-stars include Elise Neal, Keith David, Ella Joyce and Miguel Nunez.

Roman appears to have her hands pretty full these days, considering that she recently began filming season 5 of “Basketball Wives” as well. She recently revealed in an interview with Tania On The Scene that her role in the television series and her daughters are actually what prompted her to shed the weight.

“They [my daughters] were a big part of it [the weight loss]. They weren’t used to seeing their mom be about 190 lbs. I’m tall so I wear it well, but they were like ‘Mom, you have got to get it together. This is not cute. You’re about to do a new show and “Belle’s” is coming out. You need to represent,’ so I was inspired to just do something,” said Roman.

I think it will be pretty cool to see Tami outside of the reality television setting that we’re so used to seeing her in. Belle’s is set to premiere on February 1st at 10 pm EST.

Check out a clip from “Belle’s” on the next page. What do you think of Tami’s acting? Will you be checking out the show when it airs?

Photo courtesy of WENN

Source: stylepulse.com and exposay.com

I’m perrrty sure when Tami Roman said she was going to be starring in a sitcom on the “Basketball Wives” reunion we all hoped it would go away like her Sister 2 Sister column, but no such luck. The reality TV recently star sent out a message on Facebook confirming the gig saying:

“Keep a lookout 4new comedy on TVOne called BELLE[S]. Starring Elise Neal, Ella Joyce and ME! God is good. Thank you TV1 execs, Ed Weinberger, Miguel Nunez Jr and Phaedra Harris 4 believing in me!”

Am I the only one who’s excitement over a show with Elise Neal was killed by the mere mention of Tami’s name? Earlier this year when TV One announced it’s upcoming series, “Belles” was included. The sitcom is supposed to be centered on an upscale soul food restaurant, but that’s about all the description that’s been given so far. According to BlackThespian.com, Tami created the series and Miguel Nunez, Jr. is producing it alongside the TV One execs mentioned in Tami’s Facebook message.

Over on Sister 2 Sister, people are already talking about boycotting the show or at least not watching. It’s too bad after Elise’s hiatus she’s back on a program associated with such a nut.

What do you think about Tami appearing in this show?

Brande Victorian is the News and Operations Editor for MadameNoire.com. Follow her on Twitter @Be_Vic.

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It has been a minute since I’ve seen Elise Neal around–on TV and on the red carpet–so I was excited to see her stepping out this past weekend for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 50th Anniversary Gala. Now, as for being excited or inspired by her outfit, we’ll leave that up to you to determine.

While some went for major ballgowns and others picked out pretty cocktail dresses, Neal went for something in between with this red dress that showed off an angled red skirt. The red dress was covered in a lot of bright beading and sequins that hugged her figure very nicely. To accent the spaghetti strapped dress, she showed off shiny tan closed-toe heels (which were on display thanks to the open angled skirt) and a scalloped clutch that matched the shoes. Her jewelry was minimal, while the hair was very conservative. She went for bangs and a tucked under roll atop the crown of her hair. The makeup was fab, and so was the glistening skin.

Let’s keep it 100: this outfit is a mess. Instead of a red carpet worthy ensemble, this dress reminds me of something my sister and her classmates were wearing to prom way back in the day. The back of the dress isn’t soooo bad though. But while a little sparkle never hurts, all the sparkle, beads and the designs they made on top of that randomly angled skirt were just way over the top. And something even more over the top might have been the hair–but in actuality, that might be what makes the whole ensemble match (a matching over the top mess). She looks amazing underneath all the mess, but next red carpet, we hope she tones it down a little. Okay, I’m kidding, we hope she tones it down a lot. But what do you think?

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Love is a beautiful thing, especially black love. When it works, (see Will & Jada) it can be a source of inspiration, and when it doesn’t, well, it can become a spectacle (see Whitney & Bobby). Some pairings just work (Jay-Z & Beyonce), and some just clash , even when the greater public can see it and the couple can’t. (Michael Jackson & Lisa Marie Presley)But that’s the nature of love! So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day (kind of), let’s take a look at a few of the couples in Hollywood that didn’t give us “awwww” moments, but rather, had us scratching our heads, all in the name of love.