By Veronica Mixon

F or his role as the charismatic undercover cop, Linc in MOD SQUAD, Omar Epps didn't have the huge Afro hairstyle worn by Clarence Williams III in the classic television series. Instead he endured the straightjacket fit of tight leather pants - the de rigueur cool statement back in the day. "Those ridiculously tight pants. This was the one movie where I was, 'You guys keep the wardrobe.'" He laughs. "I liked them. The pants were hip. But, it's cool, you know, for Lenny Kravitz."

Although Epps was familiar with Linc as cultural icon, like his young co-stars, Claire Danes and Giovanni Ribisi, he'd never seen the hit television drama. "Linc was a character from posters and stuff. He's folklore," said Epps when he stopped in New York to talk about the film. "I saw a couple of shows after I booked it and I think the show was important because of what was going on in the world. The young people were politically aware and active, and these kids were underdogs who are just trying to make it up the hill."

Young, gifted and Black, Epps easily represents a nineties version of cool, dressed in a textured golf cap and leather jacket. Scott Silver, the director for "The Mod Squad," said that he'd seen quite a few actors before he auditioned. But, Silver knew instantly that he'd found the right actor. When I tell him what Silver said, he's mildly surprised. "I was filming 'Breakfast of Champions' and I had a week off. On that particular day, I was not in the best mood. I think that's what got me the role," Epps confides, laughing. "I wasn't acting like I was having a good time. It's a lesson that acting is true. It's living."

MOD SQUAD'S trio of actors is among a new group of rising young stars. "Claire is New York chic. She's really intellectual and real cool. Giovanni - you know that guy is a bull---- artist," he laughs.

"But, we had a blast." The fact that the film - a mish mash of music, attitude and no storyline - sank like a rock after the opening weekend won't hurt them in the least.

Since Omar Epps' debut in John Dickerson's "Juice" opposite Tupac Shakur, the Brooklyn born native has built a solid career with supporting roles in "Major League 2," the controversial college drama, "The Program," and lead roles in "First Time Felon" and HBO's "Deadly Voyage" produced by Danny Glover. His short stint as Dr. Dennis Grant on TV's "ER" delighted fans and garnered critical praise because of his remarkable emotional range.

Epps, who was raised by his mother, a high school principal, received his professional training at the High School of Performing Arts in New York City and has always been involved with writing and music. Behind the camera, he has directed music videos for Heather B, of MTV "Real World" fame, Special Ed and his own rap group, Wolf Pack. He has also recorded an as-yet-untitled album with his cousin, G-Sharp.

Next up is Alan Rudolph's "Breakfast of Champions" opposite Bruce Willis and Nick Nolte. "I play Wayne Hoover, a dreamer," says Epps. "I wanted to do the film because of the work and the cast. Nothing can beat Nick Nolte coming to the set every day in Twin Falls, Idaho in pajamas. Every day! He's brilliant."

Later this year, Epps will star in Miramax's controversial drama about undercover narc, "In Too Deep" and the much talked about male bonding movie, "The Wood." The story concerns three African American men on the eve of a wedding of one of the guys. "His friends come to his aid because he gets cold feet," says Epps. "It's a really good movie. We reminisce as little kids and men. It deals with the fundamentals of growing up."

edited by Veronica Mixon
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