User:Nicoyebanks

Nicoye Banks (born January 6, 1973) is a dynamic and versatile film and stage actor, Nicoye Banks native of New Orleans has a passion and love for his craft exemplified in his vast body of work. Recently, Nicoye co-starred alongside [|Blair Underwood], [|Sharon Leal] and [|Pam Grier] in the highly anticipated, [|NAACP] Image Awards Nominated “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On The Seventh Day“ by [|Bishop T.D. Jakes] directed by [|Neema Barnette]. This coming off the heels of celebrating the success of two debut films, "Brooklyn's Finest" co-starred alongside Wesley Snipes, Richard Gere, Don Cheadle and Ethan Hawk and in the thriller "Green Zone" co-starred alongside with Matt Damon.

Early Life Nicoye is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and introduced to the craft of acting at an early age. Nicoye's first major performance in "The Colored Museum", at Southern University of New Orleans afforded him the opportunity to display his range by playing a number of diverse characters. It was then that Tommye Myrick (Director of Theatre at Southern University of New Orleans), recognized Nicoye's immense talent and encouraged him to relocate to New York to further his training in theatre under the direction of Myrick's mentor, the late Gene Frankel.

While in New York, Nicoye has continuously demonstrated his ability to play a wide range of characters, including his role as the flamboyant rap artist "B. Mo Smoov" in the 2005 release of "G", co-starring with actor, Blair Underwood and Richard T. Jones. In 2006, Nicoye co-starred in the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster movie, "Invincible" with Mark Walhberg. His work has been seen in plays such as Zooman and the Sign, A Hatful of Rain, Death of a Salesman, Trapped, Same Train and Greenwood and Soil, just to name a few. He has also secured television roles on ABC's One Life to Live as physical therapist Dr. Grey and NBC's Law & Order.

In 2009 and 2010, Nicoye ventured back to his roots of performance theatre playing the role of “Sweet” in the critically acclaimed play, “The High Priestess of Dark Alley" and “Trey” in “Brothers From the Bottom”, at the legendary Billie Holliday Theatre in New York. written and directed by Jackie Alexander. In 2011, Nicoye traveled to Denver and created the unforgettable character, “Darryl Love Hall” in the premiere of “Catch” at the Denver Center, where he garnered rave reviews from notable periodicals such as Westword, The Denver Post and Variety stating "The ebullient Banks has a field day with Love".

When not busy with movies, television, stage plays and family, Nicoye devotes his time to helping and empowering his community, as one of the founding members of the artist collective group "The Standard" as Creative Director. The mission is to serve as a source of inspiration and support that provides a space for individual exploration and discovery nourished by a collective commitment to growth as an artistic community. He also co-founded a workshop program, "The Art of the Craft" with a successful launch at Westbury High School in Westbury, New York. The program is designed to empower and enhance the artist’s love of the craft while using the craft as a tool for educational and personal growth. Since relocating back to New Orleans in 2011, Nicoye’s goal is to continue to share his wealth of knowledge and love for the craft through his non-profit organization, “It Takes Heart” to inspire local actors in New Orleans.

Coming soon Nicoye will appear in “The Butler” directed by Lee Daniels, “Twelve Years a Slave” directed by Steven McQueen, and “Rajun Cajun Redneck Gators” scheduled for release in 2013.

Nicoye Banks IMDB Site: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1072565/ www.nicoyebanks.com