Half & Half: Chico Benymon Talks Acting & Music

Actor Chico Benymon is one of the many Hollywood stars speaking out against the lack of diversity on primetime television, specifically as it pertains to Black sitcoms.

Star of the now defunct series 'Half & Half,' Benymon is still shocked that the high-rated former UPN comedy was canceled during the merger of UPN and The WB in 2006.

"It was a total shock when we were canceled! No one expected that," he confessed. "Everything went down hill after the big merge between the networks. Sitcoms were vanishing form the network on purpose."

The 34-year-old actor, who also starred in Lifetime's 'Life is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story,' believes that reality shows are a major factor in the current state of television and the lack of scripted programming across the board.

"I think it's sad where TV has gone. The reality of it all is reality shows are becoming the new sitcoms or dramedies, if you wanna call it that. Networks are supposed to be for the people. Now it seems like they are for whoever runs it. I say this because half of the shows on there ratings aren't that well," the actor expressed.

Benymon, like many others, is disappointed about the end of 'Everybody Hates Chris' and believes the idea of possibly canceling 'The Game' is a bad decision.

"'The Game' is a great show! So is 'Everybody Hates Chris!' If the people love those shows then they shouldn't be canceled," he stated.

The Amityville, New York-bred talent has a few acting projects of his own in the works.

He has two movies coming out this fall including 'Speed Dating' and 'See Dick Run.'

The actor also recently shot a new TV show called 'Chico's Kids,' which is currently being shopped to children's networks.

Benymon became an actor after his Will Smith-backed R&B group Tra-Knox disband.

Continuing to fulfill his music aspirations, Benymon has been working on a forthcoming album that he hopes to have ready soon.

"I am 90% done with album. It's been a while now. Been working with [music producers] Tim & Bob (Bobby Valentino/Jennifer Lopez) for two years. We don't wanna give the public B-side songs; we want them to all be great songs! Our target is to start promoting the single and releasing it this late spring. I been performing live at events so I can get the buzz out," he shared.

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VIDEO: Check out this YouTube clip of Chico Benymon's music video 'All of It.'

Mel B Pictures

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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