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The 2001 film conquered the box office and quickly became a cult classic.

His portrayal of Sara Johnson’s boyfriend, Derek Reynolds, made him a heartthrob of the early aughts.

Sean Patrick Thomas smiling

Just like his onscreen girlfriend, Thomas went on to attain numerous accolades following the film’s success.

While some are strictly career-based like working with A-listers others are quite personal like becoming a father.

Thomas also made regular appearances in the crime drama “The District” following his portrayal of Derek.

Sean Patrick Thomas smiling

In 2002, Thomas played Jimmy James in “Barbershop.”

“I thought, ‘You know what?

I think it’s more than that.’

Sean Patrick Thomas and Aonika Laurent smiling

While Thomas was talking on the phone, a mutual friend came to introduce the two.

Since Thomas was preoccupied, Laurent thought Thomas seemed ill-mannered.

“You know, I think she felt blown off,” he stated.

Sean Patrick Thomas, Aonika Laurent, Lola Jolie Thomas, and Luc Laurent Thomas smiling

“But really, I was just focused on something else at that moment.”

Luckily, the two worked past their uncomfortable encounter and wound up getting married in 2006.

According toPeople magazine, their wedding was actually supposed to be held in 2005.

Sean Patrick Thomas smiling

Since New Orleans, Louisana, is Laurent’s hometown, she wanted to marry there.

Sadly, Hurricane Katrina caused the two to delay the big day.

In 2008, Thomas and Aonika Laurent welcomed their first daughter, Lola, into the world.

Sean Patrick Thomas smiling

Lola was born on New Orleans soil!”

Two years after Lola was born, Thomas and Laurent had their second child, a son named Luc.

Parenthood for Thomas and Laurent, however, came after lots of trying.

Sean Patrick Thomas smiling

Laurent revealed toPeoplein 2020 revealed that she experienced several miscarriages before having their firstborn.

After giving birth to Lola, the two were faced with the challenges of pregnancy yet again.

Luckily, the two pulled through and were able to have Luc.

Sean Patrick Thomas and Kerry Washington smiing

Despite his apparent success in film and television, Thomas also ventured into theater.

In 2009, it was announced that Thomas was set to star in William Shakespeare’s “Othello.”

At the theater,Arik Korman interviewed the actorto discuss his illustrious career.

Sean Patrick Thomas staring at a distance

Thomas explained the significance of acting on stage and how it differs from acting in film and television.

There, he’d retell Lorraine Hansberry’s classic story while sharing the stage with acting legend Denzel Washington.

Washington actually recognized the actor from a prior project.

According toDelaware Online, the two first met in 1996 for the film “Courage Under Fire.”

“Once I told him, it all came back to him,” he explained.

“He remembered us being in the conference room with all the soldiers.

He only needed a little clue.”

In a 2014 interview withBroadway.com, Thomas spoke candidly about getting starstruck by Washington while in rehearsals.

That’s Denzel Washington!'"

“I get this overwhelming sense of gratitude to be able to watch him and learn from him.”

The film depicts Emmett’s mother, Mamie Till, and the difficulties surrounding her attempts to find justice.

“Black men are getting killed because they are Black and for no other reason.”

After all, his inclusion in the 2001 film contributed to his heartthrob status in the early 2000s.

Ever since its release, Thomas couldn’t escape the impact the film had on the general public.

Thankfully, he doesn’t seem to mind.

Fans rejoiced when they saw anInstagram photoof Thomas and his fictional sister, Kerry Washington, in late 2021.

As it turned out, they were working together once again.

In 2022, Washington executive produced “Reasonable Doubt,” a series starringtheSean Patrick Thomas.

Thomas told theNew York Postabout rekindling that sibling-like bond.

“I remember when I first met Kerry.

… We instantly connected as brother and sister, really,” he revealed.

So now, 20 years later, it’s exactly the same."

In 2021, Thomas also voiced a character in the animated Prime Video superhero series, “Invincible.”

Finally, in 2023, he would play a superhero in the flesh.

In doing so, we see topics such as parental pressure become apparent throughout his role.

In an interview withCollider,Thomas spoke about the realistic themes explored in the show.

Nevertheless, we know Thomas is not opposed to reprisals.

After all, we did see him return as Jimmy James in the “Barbershop” sequels.

Although showrunners pitched a reboot to NBC, the data pipe ultimately passed and the revival was scrapped.

But then, in 2023, it was announced that a “Cruel Intentions” reboot wasofficiallyin production.

According toVariety, Prime Video greenlit an eight-episode TV series version of the popular film.

We can, however, expect Thomas to take part in the series albeit as a different character.

Variety reported that Thomas is set to play Professor Chadwick instead of reprising his role as Ronald.