Hollywood actors and longtime friends Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau brought star power — and a new business venture — to Jacksonville during a recent appearance promoting their Sable Bourbon brand.
The actors greeted fans at Total Wine at River City Marketplace, where customers lined up for photos, autographs and signed bottles of the newly launched spirit.
Chestnut, whose credits include “Boyz n the Hood” and “The Best Man” films, and Perrineau, known for roles in HBO’s “Oz” and “The Best Man” franchise, said Sable grew from their decades-long friendship and a shared appreciation for bourbon. They are joined in the venture with actor Taye Diggs and writer/director Malcolm Lee.
For the longtime friends, however, the venture represents more than putting their names on another celebrity-backed product. They say it reflects brotherhood, ownership and a decision to invest in themselves.
“We know each other well,” Chestnut said, pointing to the trust they have developed through years of friendship and working together.
Perrineau said the concept also draws inspiration from a familiar image portrayed in their films — friends gathering together over conversation, cigars and bourbon. Over time, that shared experience evolved into a potential business opportunity.
“People have invested in us, and we decided to invest in ourselves,” the actors said of their move into entrepreneurship.
Those same people are also willing to stand in line for hours as they make their grassroots tour to introduce their libation. Natille Duncan had the opportunity to attend the meet and greet and was delighted to support. “I have grown up watching these two in the movies, to see them take their brand to the next level and for them to be as charming as they are on screen is a double treat,” she said, Adding, “I look forward to my glass of Sable and reflecting all that it represents.”
The Jacksonville stop gave fans an opportunity to interact with two familiar Hollywood faces while also highlighting a new chapter in the actors’ careers — moving beyond performing in front of the camera to building ownership behind a brand. Displaying their Hollywood smiles, and heartthrob charms, the two gentleman graciously greeted each and every fan in line to see them and it is no doubt they are a staple that has lasted for decades.
For Chestnut and Perrineau, Sable is a toast to a friendship that has endured for decades and a business partnership designed to capitalize on it.