Blair Underwood plays head surgeon in `City of Angels'

Blair Underwood plays head surgeon in `City of Angels'

Kay Bourne

Blair Underwood's career was just revving up when he met his hero.

The advice Sidney Poitier gave Underwood has meant that the younger actor takes chances, taking diverse roles in Hollywood movies and becoming a force in independent film making as well.

"I was flying out to the west coast having just landed the role in `LA Law,'" relates Underwood.

When he settled into his first class seat who should be seated next to him but the legendary Poitier. Underwood was thrilled and not a little nervous. "I had wanted to be an actor largely because of him.

"For the first hour of the …