Shemar Moore Had a 'Good Time' Dating Halle Berry, Toni Braxton in '90s 'I Became More Popular as 'That Guy' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Shemar Moorehas some pretty impressive ex files.

Shemar Moore holding photo of himself as a kid.People

People

Early on he struggled with his identity and appearance. “I’m half Black, half White. That was an insecurity as a kid. ‘Am I Black enough? I’ll never be White because I’m too Brown. Where do I fit in?’” he recalls. He credits his mom with giving him perspective. “She said, ‘Shemar, understand both families’ backgrounds, respect it all, but just be yourself.’”

While attending Santa Clara University, Moore found success in modeling before landing the audition that would change his life. “They looked at me, and for whatever reason they took a chance,” he says of the team behindThe Young and the Restless.

Shemar Moore on ‘The Young and the Restless’.Monty Brinton/CBS/Getty

During his many years on the soap, he formed a deep bond with onscreen brotherKristoff St. John, who died in 2019. “He had a family, I didn’t. He’d say, ‘Go, brotha, I want to see how high you can fly.’ He gave me that confidence.”

Moore’s high-profile romances also gave his ego a boost. “I had a pretty good entrance into Hollywood,” says Moore. Early in his career he became known as “the guy who datedHalle Berry[in 1997] andToni Braxton[in 1995],” he says.

Shemar Moore and Halle Berry.Ke.Mazur/WireImage

Ke.Mazur/WireImage

At the time, “Lovely ladies would look at me and say, ‘You want to hang out?’ and I’m like, ‘Duh!’ Initially I became more popular as ‘that guy’ than I did as an actor. I had a good time being single.” But, he adds, “I did it right — I was always honest.”

Toni Braxton and Shemar Moore.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

As for what kind of partner he was back then, “Anybody in my personal space through history, I strongly know they’d go, ‘He was a punk sometimes. He got on my last nerve. But he kept it 100.'” That’s a report card Moore is proud of.

Now 30 years later and happily datinggirlfriend Jesiree Dizon, with whom he recently welcomeddaughter Frankie, 1, Moore says he’s still happy to be a sex symbol. That said, “It’s a show,” he admits. “I’ve told Jesiree and girlfriends in the past ‘When I leave this house I put my cape on with dignity and honesty and I put on a show.”

Shemar Moore, daughter Frankie and girlfriend Jesiree.Jesiree Dizon/Instagram

Jesiree Dizon/Instagram

Back at home, there’s no swooning fans. “I’m Babe, dad, and to the homies I’m Sham,” he says. “I know I’m cool. I earned that. But I’m normal, I’m regular.”

For more on Shemar Moore’s life now as a new dad, pick up this week’s issue, out Friday.

source: people.com