Cylk Cozart's impressive career spans over 30 films and more than 20 television shows, with over 75 million viewers in the United States alone having seen his work. Despite his success, Cozart's love for children and helping others less fortunate has been his driving force in the entertainment industry.
Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to a Native American mother and an African-American father, Cozart was given the fuel he needed to fulfill his life-long dream. A natural athlete, he excelled at sports in high school and was one of the best players on both the basketball and football teams. Graduating with high marks and outstanding athletic skills, he was offered numerous basketball and football scholarships to colleges across the country. He chose King College in Bristol, Tennessee, where he majored in Child Psychology.
After college, Cozart pursued his goal of playing professional basketball, but a foot injury while playing in the NBA Summer Pro League ended his dream. He then pursued a successful modeling career in Miami, making his feature film debut in Warner Bros. Blue Skies Again (1983) opposite Andy Garcia. He continued modeling and appeared in numerous publications such as Vogue, GQ, and Essence.
Cozart's love for theatre soon led him to be in two prominent stage plays: "Diary of a Black Man" and "The Big Knife." He also trained at the American Repertory Theatre and the Sundance Institute under the tutelage of Robert Redford.
Since then, Cozart has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Conspiracy Theory (1997),White Men Can't Jump (1992),Three to Tango (1999),Love Affair (1994),Eraser (1996),Play It to the Bone (1999),Blue Chips (1994),and In the Line of Fire (1993). He has also had recurring roles on several television shows, including Reasonable Doubts (1991),Gabriel's Fire (1990),and Dream On (1990).
In addition to his acting career, Cozart is also a producer, writer, singer, model, and songwriter. He has his own production company and is also Co-Chairman of the newly formed production entity, P.O.V. Planet. He has produced several projects, including the Wave to the World (2000) All-Star Celebrity Recording and Video "Spirit of Life" for the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
Cozart is also a devoted philanthropist, using his celebrity status to advocate and support numerous charities and humanitarian events. He is a spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and is the founder of the "Hoops for Hope" Basketball Charity Game, a non-profit star-studded event. He is also a celebrity supporter for the National Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and others.
In recognition of his outstanding charitable efforts and accomplishments, he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.
