Special Agent Sam Hanna in NCIS: LOS ANGELES

Two-time Grammy Award-winner and NAACP Image Award-winner LL COOL J is an entertainment icon who has succeeded in a variety of fields, including music, film, television, author, fashion designer and philanthropist.

First introduced to the world in 1984 as a Def Jam Records flagship artist, LL is the first rapper to amass 10 consecutive platinum-plus selling albums, while 2004’s “The Definition” and 2006’s “Todd Smith” both went Gold. He is a multi-platinum artist who is currently tied for third place for most Billboard chart debuts by a rapper. In 2008, he released his critically acclaimed album “Exit 13,” his appropriately titled 13th and last album for the only label he has called home – Def Jam Recordings.

Also in 2008, as a focal point of rebranding efforts at Sears, LL inked an exclusive deal launching an affordable clothing line. The popular “LL COOL J collection” is available in stores for men, young men and juniors.

Expanding into the digital world, LL founded http://www.boomdizzle.com/, an online social networking community that provides a world-wide digital platform for existing and new artists to create, promote, perform and distribute music and entertainment. Boomdizzle gives every artist the opportunity to become the next superstar by providing all of the services traditionally offered by major entertainment labels.

LL’s starring film credits include “The Deal” opposite William H. Macy and Meg Ryan, the “Last Holiday,” opposite Queen Latifah, and “Edison,” starring Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and Justin Timberlake.

LL has appeared in more than 30 films and starred opposite acclaimed actors such as Samuel L. Jackson and Colin Farrell in “S.W.A.T.,” Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in “Any Given Sunday” and Gabrielle Union in “Deliver Us from Eva.” Other film credits include “Rollerball,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Kingdom Come,” “In Too Deep,” “Toys” and “Slow Burn” with Ray Liotta. He received a Blockbuster Award for best comedic performance as the “Chef” in Renny Harlin’s action film, “Deep Blue Sea.”

Four years ago, LL transitioned to television with a dramatic performance on the second season premiere of “House” and a comedic guest-star role on “30 Rock” as hip hop mogul Ridiculous.

Also an author, LL’s fitness book, LL COOL J’s Platinum Workout, was a New York Times bestseller, and in spring 2010, he released his second fitness book, LL COOL J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle. In 2002, he released a children’s book, And the Winner Is, as part of Scholastic’s series of books and CDs by today’s hottest rap stars called “Hip Kid Hop.” LL’s book tells the story of a young basketball player who learns the importance of winning and losing gracefully. He also penned a 1997 autobiography, I Make My Own Rules.

LL has always been an avid philanthropist involved in numerous causes, including literacy for kids as well as music and arts programs in schools. This year, he was named a member of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet which raises funds and awareness for initiatives tied to the organization.

LL is from Long Island, N.Y., and his birth date is Jan. 14. LL resides in N.Y. and L.A. with his wife Simone and their four children. He can be followed on Twitter @LLCOOLJ.

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