Brandon Hammond

Film audiences came to know Brandon Hammond as the young Michael Jordan in "Space Jam" (1996) and as Ahmed, the narrator of the hit film "Soul Food" (1997), but TV audiences know this young, rising actor as Matty Stevenson, the teenaged son of a widower, in "The Gregory Hines Show" (CBS, 1997-98). Born in Baton Rouge, LA, this rising talent began acting at the age of six with an appearance in a public-service announcement. Within two years, he had landed a recurring role on the NBC sitcom "Open All Night" (1992-93), starring Patti LaBelle and went on to make guest appearances in a host of series. Hammond made his screen debut in a tiny role in "Lorenzo's Oil" (1992) and made appearances as the young Caine in "Menace II Society" (1993) and in support of Angela Bassett in three films, "What's Love Got to Do With It?" (1993), "Strange Days" and "Waiting to Exhale" (both 1995). He was also seen as Wesley Snipes' young son who is held hostage by Robert De Niro in "The Fan" (1996).