Shemar Moore Bio
Shemar Franklin Moore (born April 20, 1970) is an American actor known for his roles in popular television shows and films, including Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless and Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds. He is also notable for his lead role on S.W.A.T., which ran until 2025. Moore has garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple awards, including eight NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance in daytime television. Off-screen, he is involved in charitable causes and has a daughter born in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Shemar Moore was born in Oakland, California, to Marilyn Wilson, a teacher, and Sherrod Moore. His father is African-American, while his mother, who was born in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, is of Irish and French-Canadian descent. Moore’s mother worked as a teacher in Bahrain and Denmark, and he spent part of his early childhood abroad. The family returned to the United States in 1977, eventually settling in Palo Alto, California. Moore attended Gunn High School and was recognized as a gifted student, later receiving an athletic scholarship to Santa Clara University, where he played varsity baseball and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a minor in Theater Arts.
Path to Hollywood
Moore began his career in the entertainment industry as a model, which helped him gain exposure. He made his acting debut in 1994 with the role of Malcolm Winters on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless. His performance on the show earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Over the years, he transitioned to more prominent roles, including a significant part in the CBS series Criminal Minds, which solidified his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Shemar Moore Career
Early Career (1994–2005)
Shemar Moore’s early career was marked by his role on The Young and the Restless, where he portrayed Malcolm Winters from 1994 to 2005. During this time, he also hosted the syndicated version of Soul Train from 1999 to 2003. His work on The Young and the Restless earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000. In addition to his soap opera success, he appeared in films such as The Brothers and Diary of a Mad Black Woman, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Breakthrough (2005–2017)
Moore’s breakthrough came when he joined the cast of Criminal Minds in 2005 as Derek Morgan. His portrayal of the character made him a fan favorite and contributed to the show’s success over its 15-season run. Moore left the series in 2016 after 251 episodes, marking a significant chapter in his career. In 2017, he took on the lead role of Sergeant II Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in the CBS series S.W.A.T., which premiered to positive reviews and ran until 2025.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Moore has become known for his signature roles on television, particularly in The Young and the Restless, Criminal Minds, and S.W.A.T. He has won multiple awards, including eight NAACP Image Awards, and has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Shemar Moore Award Nominations
Shemar Moore has received numerous nominations throughout his career, highlighting his talent and impact on the television industry. His work on The Young and the Restless and Criminal Minds has earned him critical acclaim and recognition from various award organizations.
Shemar Moore Awards Won
Moore has won several prestigious awards, including the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000 for his role in The Young and the Restless. He has also won eight NAACP Image Awards, showcasing his contributions to the entertainment industry and his popularity among audiences.
Shemar Moore Family
Shemar Moore has a daughter born in 2023 with his partner Jesiree Dizon. He has previously dated several individuals, including soccer player Shawna Gordon and actress Anabelle Acosta.
Personal Life
Moore is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his retail clothing company, Baby Girl LLC, which supports multiple sclerosis research, a cause close to his heart due to his mother’s battle with the disease. He has been open about his personal life and relationships, maintaining a connection with his fans through social media and public appearances.
