Chaz Lamar Shepherd is an American actor and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his roles as Artis Tower in Me and the Boys (1994–1995), John Hamilton on 7th Heaven (1996–2001), and Piranha in Luke Cage (2018). He is also known for his portrayal as Al Bryant in the 1998 NBC miniseries The Temptations.
Early life Shepherd grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was active in Tindley Temple United Methodist Church and graduated from Evelyn Graves Christian Academy. His mother, Cheryl Shepherd, is a dancer and choreographer who left her work in Philadelphia's public schools to manage his career. He first appeared on stage when he was 5 years old as an MC at a recital for his mother's dance school.
Career Shepherd's professional debut came in a production of Fame staged by the Walnut Street Theatre. On television, he portrayed Al Bryant in the NBC miniseries The Temptations (1998).he also played on the Parkers. He also played Artis Tower, son of Steve Tower (Steve Harvey) on Me and the Boys and appeared on In the House, Moesha, and Sister, Sister. He played John Hamilton on 7th Heaven, had a recurring role as Trey Wiggs on The Game, and portrayed Raymond "Piranha" Jones in the second season of Luke Cage. He was also a guest lead vocalist on Judith Christie McAllister's first album, "Send Judah First" track 7, The Prayer of Recommitment, released in 2000.
Shepherd appeared on film in Set It Off in the role of Stevie, On Broadway, he portrayed Billy Flynn in Chicago (2018) and Harpo in The Color Purple (2005). His other work on stage includes appearing as Curtis Taylor, Jr. in a 2009–10 national tour of the musical Dreamgirls.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1993 Survive the Night Thad TV movie 1994–1995 Me and the Boys Artis Tower 19 episodes 1995 A Pig's Tale Royce Direct to video1996 Moesha Whitlock Episode: "Million Boy March" Minor Adjustments Bam 2 episodes The Nutty Professor Student The Steve Harvey Show Dexter Episode: "Loose Lips Sink Friendships" Set It Off Stevie Newsom Credited as Chaz Lamar Shepard 1996–1997 Sister, Sister Shawn Russell 3 episodes 1996–2001 7th Heaven John Hamilton 33 episodes1998 Twice the Fear College student Direct to video In the House Mark 4 episodes The Temptations Elbridge "Al" Bryant TV movie 2001 Touched by an Angel Young Candy McCloud Episode: The Perfect Game 2001–2002 The Parkers Aaron 4 episodes 2002 The Division Keith Episode: "This Thing Called Love" 2004 Woman Thou Art Loosed Deacon 2006–2007 & 2012 The Game Trey Wiggs 4 episodes2016Haters Back Off!Keith4 episodes2018Blue BloodsDetective ChamberlinEpisode: "Close Calls"Marvel's Luke CageRaymond "Piranha" Jones6 episodes2019Almost LoveDamon 2022 Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story Marvin Sapp TV movie 2023 Saturdays Doug Jones Episode: "Skates, Lies & Videos"
Discography
Albums Love & Truth Released: October 26, 2010 Label: Chaz Records/Introspect Music Formats: CD, Digital Download
References
External links