Trivia: He was sent like a gift from the basketball gods upon Michael Jordan's (second) retirement from the NBA, labeled "The Chosen One" on the cover of Sports Illustrated at the age of 17. Amazingly, LeBron James has more than lived up to the hype brought on by his otherworldly teenage skills. James combines Jordan's intensity and will to win with the court vision and charisma of Magic Johnson, somehow without ever appearing the prima donna. A born showman, he plays to the crowd with high-flying dunk displays in warm-ups, followed by elaborate dances with teammates that go well beyond the standard chest-bumping. While demonstrating early in his career to be very much like Mike (wearing Jordan's No. 23), James shows more promise than Jordan in performing off the court. The affable James enthusiastically showed off his creativity, acting instincts, and dance moves as a 2007 guest host of Saturday Night Live and as co-host (with Jimmy Kimmel) of ESPN's 2007 ESPY Awards. Perhaps "King James'" easiness on stage was forged during his high-profile prep career in Akron, OH, where Kristopher Belman's cameras followed James' every move as a senior while making More Than a Game (2008). The documentary details the heartwarming bond James shared with four longtime classmates as they played the most nationally televised high school season ever.

Trivia: An acclaimed character actor of the stage, screen, and television, Don Cheadle often manages to steal most of the scenes in which he appears. That is no small feat, for the slender African-American actor has, at first glance, a rather unassuming physical presence, particularly when compared to some of his big-name co-stars. An actor whose style compliments rather than overshadows the performances of those around him, Cheadle stands out for his rare ability to bring a laid-back intensity and subtle charisma to his roles.A native of Kansas City, MO, Cheadle was born on November 29, 1964, to a psychologist father and bank manager mother. During his early childhood, his family moved to Denver and then Nebraska. One thing that remained a constant in Cheadle's childhood was his interest in performing, which began around the age of five. In addition to acting, he was interested in jazz music and his parents supported both of these endeavors. By the time he graduated from high school, he had scholarships from both music and acting schools; choosing the latter, he attended the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia. Following graduation, Cheadle made his film debut with a small role as a hamburger server in Moving Violations (1985). He honed his acting skills as a guest star on television series ranging from Hill Street Blues to Night Court, and, in 1992, he landed a regular role as a fussy hotel manager on The Golden Palace. Although the show faltered after only one season, Cheadle landed on his feet, subsequently snagging the plum role of earnest district attorney John Littleton on Picket Fences (1993-1995). While he was building a career on television, Cheadle was also earning a reputation in feature films. He first made an impression on audiences with his lead role in Hamburger Hill (1987), and, in 1994, he had his true screen breakthrough portraying Denzel Washington's best friend in Devil in a Blue Dress. So good was his performance -- which earned him a number of film critics awards -- that many felt an Oscar nomination was inevitable; when the Academy passed him over, many, including Cheadle, wondered why. However, the actor chalked it up to politics and got on with his career, working steadily throughout the remainder of the decade. 1997 proved to be a big year for him: he co-starred in three major films, Volcano, Boogie Nights, and John Singleton's Rosewood. He won particular praise for his work in the latter two films, earning nominations for SAG and Image awards.The following year, Cheadle made a triumphant return to television with his portrayal of Sammy Davis Jr. in The Rat Pack, winning an Emmy nomination and a Golden Globe award. Also in 1998, he did stellar work in Steven Soderbergh's Out of Sight and Warren Beatty's Bulworth, playing a down and dirty ex-con in the former and a drug lord in the latter. Another Emmy nomination followed in 1999, for Cheadle's powerful portrayal of a school teacher sent in to counsel a young man on death row, in A Lesson Before Dying. Cheadle would become something of a fixture in Soderbergh's films, and in fact delivered a stunning performance as a federal drug agent in the director's epic muckraking drama Traffic (2000).Cheadle then turned up in Soderbergh's remake of the Rat Pack classic Ocean's Eleven in 2002.The chasm between Traffic and Ocean's Eleven (not in terms of quality but in terms of intended audience and depth) is instructive; it established a definitive career pattern for Cheadle during the mid-late 2000s. Throughout that period, the gifted actor continually projected versatility by alternating between buttered-popcorn pictures - such as Soderbergh's 2004 and 2007 follow ups to Eleven (Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen) - and more complex, demanding, intelligent material. For example, in 2004 (a particularly vital year for Cheadle) the actor delivered a four-barrelled lead portrayal in the heart-wrenching docudrama Hotel Rwanda. In that politically-tinged, factually-charged account, the actor plays the Rwandan manager of a Kigali hotel, so devastated by the surrounding massacres of his fellow countrymen that he turns the establishment into a clandestine refugee camp. Cheadle justly netted an Oscar nomination for his work. That same year, the thespian held his own against lead Sean Penn (no small feat, that) in the depressing and despairing yet critically acclaimed psychodrama The Assassination of Richard Nixon. Cheadle reserved his most formidable coup, however, for 2005, when he both produced and co-starred (opposite many, many others) in Paul Haggis's difficult ensemble film Crash-a searing, biting meditation on racism and the Best Picture winner of its year. In early 2007, Cheadle paired up with actor Adam Sandler and writer-director Mike Binder for Reign Over Me, a two-character drama about a dentist (Cheadle) reunited with his displaced college roommate (Sandler) after the trauma of 9/11. The picture reeled in generally favorable, if not universally positive, reviews. Later that same year, the actor essayed the lead role in Talk to Me. As directed by Kasi Lemmons, this period drama recreated the life and times of the controversial 1960s convict-cum-shock jock Petey Greene (Cheadle) who rides to fame amid the throes of the civil rights movement and Vietnam-era tumult; many critics tagged the portrayal as definitively Oscar worthy.Cheadle would remain a top star over the coming years, appearing in everything from the kid-friendly Hotel for Dogs to the gritty crime thriller Brooklyn's Finest. Cheadle would also take over the role of Lt. James Rhodes in the Iron Man sequel, replacing Terrence Howard. Cheadle would also find success on the small screen, producing and starring in the critically acclaimed comedy series House of Lies.

Trivia: Studied The Meisner Technique at Walnut Street Theater.Studied the Stanislavski Acting Method at Cheyney University Of Pennsylvania.One of his acting techniques includes Shakespeare Training.His New York stage debut as Jay in The Royale at Lincoln Center Theatre earned him multiple awards, including a Theatre World Award and an Obie Award.Best known for his work in Atlanta (2016) and Judas and the Black Messiah (2021).

Trivia: Starting acting her sophomore year in high school, when she won the lead of a play premiering at a nearby festival. Was salutatorian of her senior class. Played the recurring role of Tamara on the second and third seasons of Once Upon a Time. Her hometown honored her with her own day in July 2013. Was a recurring character on the third season of The Walking Dead; was upped to a series regular for the fourth season.

Trivia: Joined the Amazing Grace Conservatory, a performing arts program in Los Angeles, in high school. Performed in plays like Twelfth Night and The Diviners while at New York University. Did a reading of Really Really at the Kennedy Center's Page-to-Stage Festival in 2009 with Krysta Rodriguez and Eddie Kaye Thomas.

Trivia: A tall, polished actor adept at a broad array of parts and types, Wood Harris grew up amid the impoverished and crime-ridden ghettos of Chicago's West Side -- and reportedly felt intrigued by the many contradictions of the surrounding environment. The young man also felt drawn to acting, and the two interests converged in his first cinematic assignment: a role in Jeff Pollack's urban-themed sports drama Above the Rim (1994), starring gangsta rap legend Tupac Shakur. Harris only had a bit part in the film, but his work continued, and 2000 marked his breakthrough year: the year that not only brought with it a highly visible role as a footballer in the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced inspirational sports drama Remember the Titans (opposite screen heavyweight Denzel Washington) but -- more significantly for Harris -- a lead in the Showtime telemovie Hendrix, a biopic of rock demigod Jimi Hendrix. The drama paved the way for more prominent billings, and Harris continued to realize his potential with a regular role on HBO's The Wire (as Avon Barksdale) and a key supporting part as Dion Warner (aka Dion Element) in Richard Kelly's dystopian black comedy Southland Tales (2006). Meanwhile, at around the same time, Harris recorded his first rap album, K-Town -- its title a reference to the infamous Chicago neighborhood of the same name -- which chronicled his experiences growing up in the Windy City.

Trivia: Nicknamed E.J. In 1991, adopted Michael, a 3-year-old Romanian boy who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy a year later and is permanently confined to a wheelchair after a fall that broke his hip. Johnson was moved to adopt the boy after viewing a TV program about the plight of Romanian orphans. Adopted Carmen, a 7-month-old girl, from Paraguay in 1993. Worked Atlanta Braves play-by-play with his father, Ernie Johnson Sr., a former Braves pitcher. Has worked in varying capacities on TNT and TBS sports broadcasts, including basketball, college football, tennis and baseball; also covered the Olympics in Albertville, France, and Lillehammer, Norway. Went public in 2006 with a previous diagnosis of follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma after a growth near a lymph node had become noticeable to viewers. Active in the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2007, he was the first recipient of the honorary "John Wooten Keys to Life Award," which honors people for such qualities as faith, integrity and character. Likes to joke about his receding hairline.

Trivia: Decided that he wanted to become a comedian at the age of 11. Was not professionally trained and considers Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor his biggest influences. At the age of 19, began his stand-up career by self-promoting and performing at The Lion's Den in Chicago. Worked as the house emcee at Jokes and Notes comedy club in Chicago. Performed at the NBC Diversity Showcase in Los Angeles and Aspen Showcase in New York. Launched The Lil Rel Company in 2009. In 2012, was named by Variety magazine as one of the Top 10 Comics to Watch.

Trivia: Played football at Saginaw High School as a freshman before focusing primarily on basketball. Led Saginaw's basketball team to consecutive Michigan Class A state championships in 2007 and 2008. Originally committed to attend University of Kentucky before opting to stay closer to home and play at Michigan State. Named NABC National Player of the Year and the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year after a senior season in which he averaged 16.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Finished his collegiate career as MSU's all-time leading rebounder, while ranking second in blocks and steals, and 17th in scoring (1,517 points). Selected in the second round (35th overall) in the 2012 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. Made the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2015 and 2016. Earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team in 2016. As part of the U.S. national team, won a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Trivia: Stands 4'1" and has a rare form of dwarfism known as acromicric dysplasia. High-school extracurricular activities included football and drama club. Post-high school, made his acting debut at Radio City Music Hall, where he continued to perform for 10 years. In addition to acting, has worked as a stuntman since the early '90s; credits include movies such as Evan Almighty and Van Helsing. Is close friends with Little People, Big World stars Matt and Amy Roloff and appeared on their show several times. Is an accomplished soccer player who competed in the 2009 World Dwarf games as a member of soccer team the Statesmen. Works with the Coalition for Dwarf Advocacy, a nonprofit foundation formed to assist and advocate for people with dwarfism.

Trivia: Kuzma attended Swartz Creek Community Schools and transferred to Bentley High School in Michigan, where he averaged 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.4 blocks per game as a junior.Kuzma enrolled at the University of Utah in 2013. He redshirted his freshman year due to the fact that he signed late. He became a starter for the Utes in his sophomore year, when he averaged 10.8 points per game.Kuzma graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in sociology.Kuzma was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets. In a draft-day trade, he was dealt along with Brook Lopez to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.Kuzma is biracial. Kuzma met his father only once as an infant, but viewed the father of his half-siblings, Larry Smith, as a father figure.

Trivia: After being selected by Portland with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft, Lillard was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year.Lillard wears the jersey No.0, representative for the letter 'O' and his journey of life, from Oakland to Ogden, and now Oregon. A Christian, Lillard has a scripture on his left arm of Psalms 37:1-3. Lillard lives in the affluent Portland neighborhood of West Linn and established the RESPECT Program to help high school kids in the area graduate. In 2019, Lillard became one of a number of NBA players to sign a contract with HULU.

Trivia: Nicknamed CP3 because he, his father and his brother all have the same initials: C.P. (his father is CP1, his brother is CP2). Scored 61 points in a 2002 high-school game as a tribute to his 61-year-old grandfather, who had just been murdered (he died the day after Paul signed with Wake Forest); after he reached 61 points, Paul intentionally missed a free throw and removed himself from the game. Stitches the number 61 on his shoes. Had a copy of his grandfather's obituary with him at every game during his first year at Wake Forest. Holds the ACC record for steals by a freshman with 84 and also broke school freshman records for three-point percentage, free-throw percentage, free throws and assists. Ranks second in minutes played as a freshman in school history behind former NBA player Frank Johnson (1977). Ranks third in games started as a freshman in school history behind current NBA players Josh Howard (1999) and Tim Duncan (1994). Named 2004 ACC Rookie of the Year and was named unanimously to the 2004 ACC All Rookie first team. Led the Demon Deacons to two NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Sweet 16 in his freshman year (2004). Two-time All-American at Wake Forest. Coached at Wake Forest by Skip Prosser, who also coached Hornets teammate David West at Xavier. Started the CPS Foundation in 2005 to better the Winston-Salem, NC, community. Declared for the draft after his sophomore year at Wake Forest; selected fourth overall in the 2005 draft by the New Orleans Hornets. Voted 2005-06 NBA Rookie of the Year almost unanimously; missed by only one vote (from a Utah journalist who voted for Deron Williams of the Jazz, who was drafted third). Named to the 2006 NBA All-Rookie First Team. Played on Team USA in the 2006 FIBA Championship tournament, winning a bronze medal. Named a spokesperson for the United States Bowling Congress in 2007. Set Guinness record for sinking four half-court shots within a minute during 2008 All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. Second place in 2008 NBA MVP voting (Kobe Bryant). Won a gold medal with the 2008 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team. Selected for the Western Conference All-Star Team, the All-NBA First Team and the All-Defensive Second Team in 2008.

Trivia: Grew more than six inches from his junior to senior seasons in high school; has a standing reach of nine feet. Led Kentucky to the 2011-12 NCAA title while setting an NCAA freshman record with 186 blocked shots. Awarded the Naismith Trophy and named AP Player of the Year for 2012; he joined Kevin Durant as the only freshmen to win the AP honor. Selected with the first overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2012 NBA draft. Davis was the first of six picks from Kentucky. Added to the U.S. Olympic team for London in July, following an injury suffered by Blake Griffin. Known for his connected eyebrows, trademarking the phrases "Fear the Brow" and "Raise the Brow" once turning pro.

Trivia: Father Mychal was the first overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. Moved from California to Oregon at age 2. Was a childhood friend and Little League teammate of NBA player Kevin Love. Was a two-time All Pac-10 first-teamer at Washington State. Drafted in 2011 in the first round by Golden State. Has been an NBA All-Star twice and won the NBA Championship with the Warriors in 2015. Won World cup gold medal in 2014 with the U.S. National team. Set an NBA record scoring 37 points in one quarter of a game in 2015. Won the NBA 3-Point Contest in 2016. As part of the U.S. national team, won a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Trivia: Her father, Mario, played professional soccer in Italy. Named the 2000 Parade magazine National High School Player of the Year. Was part of three NCAA championship teams at Connecticut, where she won the 2003 and 2004 Naismith Player of the Year awards, and was a member of gold-medal winning Olympic teams in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Appeared in the 2006 hoops docudrama Believe in Me as a basketball coach. Selected No. 1 overall in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, and won the WNBA scoring title, regular-season MVP, team championship and WNBA finals MVP in 2009. Was named the WNBA Finals MVP in 2014. Sat out the 2015 WNBA season at the request of her Russian Premier League team, UMMC Ekaterinburg.