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LL Cool J Biography

Birth Name:James Todd Smith

Birth Place:Bay Shore, New York, United States

Profession Soundtrack, Actor, Producer, Writer

Fast Facts

Ten of his albums have reached platinum, and three of those reached double platinum
Was named Harvard University Artist of the Year in 2014
In 2017, he became the first rapper to receive a Kennedy Center Honor
Received the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award in 2010
Sent nine demo tapes to Sugar Hill Records, but was rejected every time
Worked as a paperboy before pursuing his music career
Became interested in acting after watching Bruce Lee
Quote: "It's important to give the people you don't need the same respect you give to those you do․"
Started his own music label, P․O․G․ (Power of God), in 1993
His rap name LL Cool J stands for Ladies Love Cool James
Possesses the ability to speak Spanish and Arabic

Awards

1996Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
1997Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
1997Blimp Award-Favorite Television Actor: nominated
1998Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
1999Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Supporting Actor - Horror: nominated
2000Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Supporting Actor - Action: winner
2000Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
2004BET Comedy Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Box Office Movie: winner
2004Black Reel-Film: Best Actor: nominated
2004Black Reel-Best Song: nominated
2005Teen Choice Award-Choice Rap Artist in a Movie: nominated
2006Teen Choice Award-Movies - Choice Liplock: nominated
2010Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2010Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Action: nominated
2011Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2011Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Action: nominated
2012Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2012Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Action: nominated
2013Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2013Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Action: winner
2014Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: winner
2014Prism Award-Male Performance in a Drama Series Multi-Episode Storyline: nominated
2015Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2016All Def Movie Award-Best Black Survivor in a Movie: nominated
2016Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2016Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Structured Reality Program: nominated
2017PGA Award-Outstanding Producer of Competition Television: nominated
2017Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Structured Reality Program: nominated
2018Image Award-Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) - Individual or Ensemble: winner
2018National Film and Television Award-Best Actor in a TV Series: nominated
2018PGA Award-Outstanding Producer of Competition Television: nominated
2018Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Structured Reality Program: nominated
2020Image Award-Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) - Individual or Ensemble: nominated