There’s an old saying that goes, “Black don’t crack,” but let’s be honest, some people age worse than others. But on the other hand, there are a select few of people who seem to look even better as they age. One of them is actor Larenz Tate.
Born in Chicago, Tate’s work has been a cultural force, featuring in films that showcase the breadth of the Black experience, including roles in “Love Jones,” “The Inkwell,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” and “Ray.” Not to mention the popular series “Power” and “Power Book II: Ghost” as Councilman Rashad Tate.
Moving to California when he was just a pre-teen proved to be life-changing when his parents got him and his brothers (Larron Tate and Lahmard J. Tate, both of which are also successful actors) into a drama program. The program eventually became a gateway to the acting world.
Beyond his high stature as a seasoned actor and entertainer, Tate started the Tate Brothers Foundation with his brothers to raise awareness for various health conditions, and focuses on community improvement and capacity building, particularly for Black men and boys in their hometown. The foundation provides opportunities and pathways in creative and business industries, creating pipelines and connections to the arts and film world.. Married with four sons, he makes it a point to give back to his community, take care of his family, and continue to push the narrative for Black creatives in the industry.
The now 50-year-old star is busy as ever, but seems to look better as he ages. So what’s his secret?
“I get the question all the time, ‘What’s your secret?’,” says Tate. “And I just tell them I have vampire in my blood. I’m not getting older. I’m going to stay just this way.”
But the real secret to his youthful look is how he lives. Larenz Tate is a self-proclaimed lover of life and one who enjoys being happy. From his family life to his finances, Larenz lives a simple life.
Maintaining a youthful appearance for Tate, comes down to lifestyle choices. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, saying, “Trying to eat right, live right, and running the marathon not the sprint.” This philosophy reflects a growing awareness in the Black community about the impact of nutrition and exercise on overall health and appearance.
“I live below my means. If everybody’s going on vacation, I might not be able to do the Private Jet…but I’ll get there! If they want to do the yacht boat thing, I’ll put some ON the yacht! I got 4 kids and it doesn’t make sense. I’ve seen highs and lows in my career financially. When people are out there ballin’ out of control…I know the real deal.”
The same thing applies to his marriage.
“We don’t go by other people’s standards. What works in our relationship and our household may not work in the next household. It’s what we create and what we do. We don’t get involved in anybody else’s business, we just do our thing.”
Another major factor that keeps Tate looking young is love. Yes, LOVE.
What love will do to the body is miraculous. Did you know that being married–specifically to someone you absolutely love and cherish–tend to live longer. They have fewer strokes and heart attacks, have a lower chance of becoming depressed, are less likely to have advanced cancer at the time of diagnosis and more likely to survive cancer for a longer period of time. They even tend to survive a major operation more often.
Tate has found his love of over 15 years in his wife Tomasina.
“Marriage is great, but marriage isn’t for everybody,” admits Tate. “It’s something you have to make your own. What works in your relationship and marriage, may not work in your marriage. You have to find someone who is going to be in for the long journey and not the sprint. You give up a lot in marriage, but you don’t have to give up who you are. Find someone who is compatible with who you are.”
Another major portion of Larenz’s backwards aging is what he drinks. It’s not an elixer of fruits and berries or some high-priced energy drink. It’s simply water. That’s right: water.
Water helps keep skin looking good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss.
“Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration,” he says. “But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids.”
You can also help “lock” moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.
“You know for me, I just want to be the best version of myself,” explains Tate in a 2023 interview. “I’ve been in the game for a long time and I have been in this industry for 3 decades and I have seen how it has taken a toll on a lot of people. For me, I want to run the marathon as opposed to a sprint. So I try to avoid all the pitfalls that would cause self-destruction, that would cause a situation where I am aged before my time. It has an affect on your life all together.”
“I decided to go the other route – I don’t want that other route. I’ve seen it: the demise of so many people that I respect. So now for me, I just want the best version of myself and I have to be mindful of my health, my mental space and my body and mind and conscious. It all plays a part in it. It’s all about responsibility and accountability!”
So the real secret to his ‘secret’: Live, laugh, love…and drink water!
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