Leon Looks Back At His Career From 1989 Controversial Madonna Video to “The Five Heartbeats"

[@ladytinag4276]

I love Leon! It’s rare to see him in an interview. Thanks for snagging him Tamron Hall!

[@DavidRichardson95]

Nobody will ever play David Ruffin the way that Leon did. Give the man his flowers. 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@vickibaggs3042]

Ain't Nobody Come To See You Otis🤣🤣💕

[@JustRaine97]

Facts!!!!!!❤😂

[@jimmyboyzable]

Lawd, that scene in "The Temptations Movie" where he SNATCHED that microphone out the guy's hand, that was EPIC !!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sonjabethay2277]

J.T., Little Richard Anything he touches is 🔥🔥🔥

[@DavidRichardson95]

@jimmyboyzable That was Dennis Edwards, his replacement.

[@angell504]

He’s funny, he can act his butt off, and he can saaang! He’s a triple threat who will forever be one of the most memorable entertainers

[@christywatson7051]

Quadruple threat!…he’s also a ⛹🏾‍♂️🏀(Above the Rim w/ 2Pac)💫

[@clariseharrington8252]

Facts!

[@Carlacookingfood]

Let’s not forget his role in “ WAITING TO EXHALE”🎞️

[@kerry-j4m]

He was in that film ??? Haven't seen that movie in-EONS. LOL. But,I sure remember the Madonna video,lots of folks-LOST-their minds !!!! LOL. I thought the video was-WEIRD-at tha time tho.

[@terryabrams-dq5pc]

I know, right...he was brilliant in that role

[@kerry-j4m]

@@terryabrams-dq5pc I'm gonna have to watch the movie again,don't remember anything from it. Have the dvd somewhere in my apt,but,they don't make films like WTE any more.

[@rkms5606]

Yes

[@kikiboharris1010]

Besides him playing David Ruffin, “Waiting to Exhale” was my first thought when Tamron said his name!

[@ceejay3121]

that’s one smooth brotha! 😍🙌🏾 Can’t believe he’s 61, he doesn’t look a day over 40.

[@soniarena5250]

Yep

[@jdawg313]

He really don’t look 61 at all Damn

[@RealRoyaltE]

Leon looks better than most of these snaggle tooth 35yo’s 🤨

[@bigred4379]

@@RealRoyaltEyes he does !

[@shawnese1]

Omg amazing 😻

[@stephonlane4671]

Bro is in his 60’s and He hasn’t changed. #RESPECT💪🏾💯

[@yvonnewilliams8800]

This man still looks the same❤

[@LouiseP7756]

Yes he does!! I read an article in Ebony years ago, when asked what's his secret in not aging... He said I Don't Worry nor Stress about Anything.

[@devalyngolliday4652]

Let s not forget his portrayal of Little Richard!! He was amazing!!

[@naturalgirldiy]

Yes He was awesome as Little Richard...

[@SeanChukwuezi]

In the late 90s and early 00s he was your go too guy for tv music biopics 😅

[@aliciawarecager8808]

Wow. Leon does not age. Looks amazing

[@beverleyreid7572]

You can say that again.

[@TheeMrsGrinch]

Um it's called make up and he's clearly wearing a lot or it. He looks really tired, has black rings around his eyes that's covered by make up. Y'all need to quit with this myth of black people don't age because we clearly do. It's juat celebrities wear lots of nake up, get cosmetic procedures, and do other things that make them age slowly or doesn't show their aging faces as much.

[@terencethomas7485]

​@@TheeMrsGrinch yeah we act like aging is a bad thing , black men especially 2:01 are lucky if we make it pass 40

[@virgo7956]

​​@TheeMrsGrinch Either way; his physique for a 61 year old...he looks great!!! Can't put make up on that!

[@SusanFey]

He lightened his skin it's sad

[@GreatGownsBeautifulGowns2018]

Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis. I just saw that movie for the first time a few weeks back. He killed it like in the five heartbeats.

[@abdurobinson6827]

The five Heartbeats basically A Temptations story just as DreamGirls was to The supremes

[@aliciaroberts3206]

Man he has to be one of the most underrated celebrities. This man is multitalented and is great in every genre !!

[@maryannelocklear4278]

You are definitely right about this man not being recognized for the talent he has and shows in all of his work but we all love him so dearly ❤❤

[@kennethdrake7686]

One of the most underrated actors!!!

[@mrs.h.2597]

Leon is a completely talented guy ! Followed his career from the beginning and he keeps getting better and better !! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@1goldbaby]

He is such a great actor!! I don't think he gets enough roles..

[@MixtapeKilla2004]

REAL TALK!

[@4dyamondx745]

He did have a lot of roles, but they were not talked about, he was in this move called "cover" he played a gay man, he played it too well, but it was good!!!

[@dmad3612]

I want to see more Leon on TV and the big screen. I miss him. So fine!❤❤❤

[@carolynbratton7827]

He is definitely so handsome still.

[@pamelalumb9818]

He's Sexy❤...a great actor too!..I miss good movies and great acting

[@empresserica]

Yes!!!!!!!

[@mwilliams3587]

the walk and all❤❤

[@4dyamondx745]

Stop being lazy and google and watch.

[@San-ui9cr]

Tam looks absolutely stunning! This entire look is everything!! Love Leon, and he is aging like fine wine.

[@usereEyez8890]

Yes,she’s 53 mouthdrop she’s gorgeous.

[@Kev20011]

Oh yeah. 😍

[@Sassycat757]

Leon and that smile. He's a good actor. I don't know how manys times, I've watched The Temptations and The Five Heart Beats

[@neommutle8033]

An Oscar is coming for this man, he can truly act 🎬 👏 🙌

[@kerry-j4m]

AGREED and the Five Heartbeats is a true classic. GREAT film.

[@JenShea]

I fell in love with Leon in Five Heartbeats 💛. He is still dreamy and beautiful!

[@AngelHoll]

Yup

[@kerry-j4m]

The Five Heartbeats is a wonderful film,can watch it over and over again. And I remember that controversial Madonna video,it was kinda-STRANGE-to me,I didn't understand the meaning of that video. I'm gonna rewatch it today.

[@lisabaker5460]

Yesss me tooo

[@Xone7]

Leon is everything! Great actor!!

[@ericabrams2377]

This man never aged. So proud of him and may GOD continue to bless him with many more projects

[@zurihall738]

This interview clip was a breath of fresh air. So refreshing. Nice to hear more about the many talents he has. Liked the vibe of that song.

[@mka6671]

This man is 61 and looks like a 40 year old man. 🙌🏾

[@neommutle8033]

He doesn't age. ❤❤

[@1goldbaby]

Leon is 61? Wow Black pp sure age good!!

[@BlackWomenInComedyLaffFest]

No way❤

[@clariseharrington8252]

Very handsome, youthful.

[@Stacey_Mae]

He's a beautiful man

[@thompsonzb]

I love Leon. I introduced my sons to "Cool Runnings" when they were 4 & 6. They watched it so much, they learned every line in the movie. Also, I can't believe he's 61. Looks great!

[@jazmindax2255]

Cool Runnings was my first experience watching Leon on video and my children were young also. I can’t quite remember the characters names. However, isn’t there a line in the movie where Leon asks, Felix are you dead? lol

[@janicesanders9981]

One of his best roles for me was playing Little Richard in the Little Richard Story..

[@sandragriffey4869]

Me Too, but Also in Waiting to Exhale, Russell(trying to Love 2)

[@janicesanders9981]

@@sandragriffey4869 Don't forget The Temptations and Five Heartbeats...

[@krystaleve10]

YEEESSS! ❤

[@marquitashiver6141]

I like the part where he says "I am a genie up and out of the bottle and I ain't going back in". I'm ready for the day that I can say that to somebody 😂

[@janicesanders9981]

@@marquitashiver6141 So true. I heard that....

[@lynnm.3453]

This actor, Leon, rocks in everything he touches as in Waiting to Exhale, The Temptations, The Five Heartbeats, etc, etc.

[@meemeepalmer4144]

“Ain’t nobody come to see Otis!” Classics line!!!! Leon is still as sexy n as fine as ever!!!!😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰💐💐💐

[@unclaimedtreasure352]

He should’ve gotten an award a long time ago this man is really really talented.

[@veewalker4472]

Now😊 I know why he was so great in the roles in Temptation and Five Heartbeats. He is such a great talent

[@chrisjohnson4272]

Criminally underrated actor

[@maryjohnson5079]

Yes PLEASE 🙏 give LEON his FLOWERS 💐 💐💐, because he is a darn good actor!

[@GoldenLady1007]

LEON! My celebrity crush. Still fine as ever. He did a Hallmark movie a couple of years back that I really enjoyed. He sang in it. One of the greatest actors of our time. 😊💛

[@Uniquesentiments]

Leon is super talented and has a wonderful legacy of work. Proud to be a member of this generation!

[@mimiaquariusharris6244]

Loved him in Waiting to Exhale ❤

[@soniarena5250]

I grew up watching Leon. I remember that Like a Prayer video, being a little girl, around 8 or 9 even I understood that Jesus and or a saint being portrayed by a black man was different. Leon is good in everything he do!!

[@themagicians1122]

No, it's Truthful NOT " DIFFERENT" HOLLYWOOD JUST DON'T LIKE IT

[@goddessjones6559]

No it was different.

[@rhondawells401]

Jesus being portrayed as a white man was the gag!

[@phynomenalwoman29]

Absolutely 💯✔️

[@tom11zz884]

So are you saying Jesus portrayed by a White man is normal....lol

[@nilabusch749]

Leon is the best! He has the most positive attitude and a beautiful smile! Looking forward to his next endeavor. Keep smiling handsome❤

[@adc2327]

My experience with Leon: I was backstage at some sort of variety show. There were models wearing local designer's fashions in between acts. I was helping out. I see Leon run behind the curtains. I holler "Leon!". He hollers "What?". That's it. Lol! 😆

[@NostalgicNatasha]

😂😂😂 Too cute!

[@belizegal29]

😂😂😂😂

[@srowe1528]

🤣🤣🤣 ❤❤❤

[@4dyamondx745]

Why were you hollering in public?

[@adc2327]

@@4dyamondx745 Backstage! It was Leon back in the day. A reason to holler! 😁😆

[@TheLovely990]

Hello beautiful Tamron Hall. leon's swag is off the charts. Talented actor.❤❤

[@jasonkieler5584]

Leon definitely needed more time to discuss his catalog! He's been gone for so long, I wanted to hear more from him and his music.I hope he will stop by JHud and Sherri Sheppard show.

[@Seachange01120]

Leon is a class act. He has a beautiful smile and is so smooth. He's like a cool cat that is naturally that way.

[@Veronna79]

Kool Leon is ageless, still great looking & very handsome. Acting skills beyond awesome. Much respect, Blessings & love Bravo.⭐❤️🙌🏼👏😎

[@AngelHoll]

Yup

[@juliemack791]

Tamron Hall being out all the stars!! Great seeing the one and only Leon on your show today, who knew he could sing. Also love the fashions from the upcoming designers.

[@shrondasmith7544]

I love Tamron's hair and Leon has a lot of swag about himself in a good way he is a great actor very versatile. When I am at work my client likes the music from the Lil Richard story so we watch that every other day on KZbin.

[@mcpheejesus5945]

Leon's still looking fit, youthful. healthy, and handsome. Cool Runnings is one of my favs! Leon's roles in Cliffhanger & Waiting to Exhale were outstanding also. Shout out to him for being in the stands supporting Coco Gauff during the recent Women's US Open, of which she won the championship. Thanks for having Leon on the show, Ms. Tamron. The red lipstick looks very lovely on you. God bless you both.

[@alicedayee8993]

AMAZING ACTOR AT ALL TIME

[@SupaBlessedAries]

A Legendary Actor Period💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@janicescott-pair97]

He is aging well.😊 he is such a talented actor.

[@unbiasedtv6525]

This dude is a legend, especially jn our community. Too many classic moments in blk cinema. 🙏🏿✊🏿

[@lolaajames4371]

I love Leon, hope he will play in more movies

[@tishafay]

I love Leon, he's among the people who'll always keep their niche until the end. This man and his sideways hats!! He'll never let that look go well into his 60's. It's still on the market. 😂

[@rooseveltwilliams1073]

And shirts with collars unbutton to show a little skin. 😉😁 Leon is going to rock the 70s look 4ever. 😅

[@brilliantdiva5068]

With Leon invited to your show todayMUCH MORE RESPECT FOR YOU Tamron❤️⭐️HE JUST DOES NOT AGE. FINE AS WINE. Let’s also remember Leon is a great Dad to his only daughter whose Mother is one of the original cast members on Real Housewives of Atlanta⭐️⭐️⭐️Leon’s daughter inherited her parents height looks and intelligence and has embarked on her career as a Model. LEON CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY FOR HIS FAMILY FANS AND THE WORLD with his projects in AFRICA 🌎

[@tyfdh9]

I thought Leon acted sensual, but he is sensual. Watch his eyes!

[@trudy_triad]

He's just got it!

[@RyanJames-de9xn]

Very. Sexy

[@RyanJames-de9xn]

Sexy. Is. All. I. Can. Say. Extra. Fine. Good luck with your work. Love. You

[@courtnaesmith6198]

Blessings Leon! I love you! Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts with us! ❤

[@LouiseP7756]

A perfect example of Tall Dark and Handsome. ❤

[@tonjastandley375]

❤❤❤❤

[@cyrilhall3845]

Great actor and is a real cool dude. Not egotistical at all, just one of the smoothest celebrities in the business. Much more success to you my brother 🙏

[@audreydavis2260]

I was struck by his charisma. And that’s never to be confused with arrogance. I love him.

[@vegasmitch1472]

Leon Should've been in a Lot More Big Budget Films!! Great Actor!

[@glw5166]

I'm glad to see this has so many views. Leon is a treasure.

[@perfumelover777]

I love Leon, he’s an amazing actor and singer. He does not get the recognition he deserves. I love how private he is about his personal life. I would like to know his secret because he does not age.

[@lisae9958]

Everybody's coming to see you Leon🤗😍

[@trentyates418]

Let’s not forget, his role on Above the Rim was legendary!!! Who knew he could ball, one of the greatest roles ever

[@darylcarr8748]

His David Ruffin act was a classic and is so underrated. This dude had some legendary roles forreal

[@JustRaine97]

Leon looks great!!!! ❤

[@sheilaj4645]

Leon is still looking good😊

[@teresaboykin4861]

Just a Awesome interview!! Love the song 🎵 MR Leon ❤

[@CozumelTy]

Leon is a legend! Love his many roles. He is underrated for sure!

[@Siris35]

This man is aging beautifully. He looks the same but with a natural charisma.

[@danamoore6970]

He's so multi talented. I seen him at a live reggae concert his band is great.

[@Ohsnapitzann]

I remember Leon from the film a mothers courage. He's an amazing actor.

[@yeslia2010Godis]

Leon is a real Benjamin Buttons!!!! Very talented!!!!

[@reedykat30]

Leon is an entertainment gift. 💐💐💐💐

[@mo-a8410]

Leon looks incredibly amazing ! Superbly talented gentleman.

[@camcal4523]

His best and most underrated movies is "Cover!" So many twists and turns. ❤

[@abeltesfaye_]

So excited to watch Leon get the appreciation he deserves!!!

[@bcusaaus4749]

Still fine as ever!!!

[@owenbeharry8478]

He is actually better looking in person. Once saw him on the subway.

[@yvonnetengen158]

He got a good voice!

[@shayanchamas60]

I remember him from Cool Runnings and Cliffhanger. Great actor.

[@SharonTerry-f1s]

Very very talented man i thank god for him love u

[@carolynbratton7827]

I'm so sorry I missed seeing this show. I love seeing Leon. He is so very talented and handsome.

[@lanelljohnson5767]

Tamron was blushing 😊 interviewing Leon. 😂

[@armandoucles5346]

Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” song was on replay in my household to the point where my family got sick of it. But the music video scarred the hell out of me!!! I was 5 years old and I would cry every time it came on TV. But Leon was a big part of my childhood. From “Like A Prayer” to “Cool Runnings”, Leon is a childhood icon to many of us 80’s-90’s kids.

[@missnene8339]

This!! Leon looking every so handsome and Tamron, ma’am, hair and all!! Loving it!!!

[@angelarobins9201]

Great interview! I met him in Houston back in 2014 or 2015. He still looks the same. Very down to earth, handsome man. Keep up the good work Leon.

[@justjoan4010]

Leon still looks great. Thanks Tamron. I looked up the song, Beautiful. It is beautiful in its entirety. Great interview, show, Tamron. Loving the new season.

[@AT-zl6dk]

My favorite movies - Leon Temptations Above the Rim Waiting to exhale Cool Runnings This was the Good ol days 🌟

[@AT-zl6dk]

The five heartbeats 🤍

[@AllThingsSoul]

He's 61? He's still got it. Smooth, confident, swag!

[@etheledwards4061]

He played David Ruffin, so well, I keep thinking he is going to start acting like David. That is how good he was in that movie.

[@annawatson5067]

Simply the best!

[@RealRoyaltE]

🤎Leon - Five Heartbeats is my fav movie of all time! The Temptations, Above the Rim, Waiting to Exhale Leon always shines while being smooth and oh soo sexy even if he’s the bad boy character. I’m checking for his music too 🎤 🎶 Great show Tam!

[@cyndinahicks8798]

❤ Much respect Leon

[@JOHN327]

I mostly remember him in “Waiting to Exhale”. One of my favorite movies 🍿

[@PrettyBlkSense]

I can't believe he's 61yrs old. He looks great! 😮

[@barbarapatrick2687]

Hey Tamron! I happened on accidentally and BAM, got a chance to see Leon. I saw him live years ago at the Essence Music festival singing with the temptations. Thank you. Love your show❤.

[@gheechiedan9299]

Listen, Leon did NOT play a Black saint! He played BLACK JESUS!!!! There is a BIG difference and I remember when this video WORLD premiered on MTV way back in the day! EVERYBODY in my hood was watching it. When we saw Madonna, who was the BIGGEST music star in the WORLD at that time, kissing "BLACK" Jesus feet I KNEW it was gonna be some BIG shyt! I thought they were gonna KILL Madonna for doing that shyt and I was afraid for her for REAL because everybody KNOW how racist amerika is.I ALWAYS had MAD respect for Madonna JUST because of this video because I KNEW she being a whyte girl KNEW what it meant to be seen kissing BLACK JESUS feet WORLDWIDE! She HAD to know she was risking her LIFE doing that shyt! She had BRASS BALLS and she got my respect til this day!🤔

[@AquaPholic]

Funny how CATHOLICS THINK JESUS WAS WHITE with blond hair !!! He wasn’t he was Arabic totally different they always get offended !!!! Same as every religious group does !!! YET those groups offend everyone else hypocrites

[@todddepue681]

Leon's role was inspired by Martin de Porres, patron Saint of mixed race people and interracial harmony. But I won't quibble because 100% everything else you said!👏👏👏

[@patienceboafo1998]

Wow he looks soo good 👍 I watched him Since the 80s

[@rheeryder2524]

"Ain't nobody come to see you, Otis!" will forever be a vibe. 🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂

[@bcovington3]

I love that smirchy smile!

[@TheeMrsGrinch]

Been a fan of Leon since his Oz days. He looks very handsome in this and has the sweetest smile in this interview. I also like the song and I'm going to look it. Good to see you Mr. Leon.♥️

[@lostindallas62]

Great Interview Tamron! We love LEON, remembering ALL those legendary roles that he has played!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️😊❤️😊❤️😊 Leon cam SING too!!!❤️😊❤️😊👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@donitabrown8100]

Thank you for this conversation.... I had no idea Leon was a singer but I love his voice and he still looks so amazing!!

[@freddiemgraham3661]

I love ❤️ him he's a very talented man