Shemar Moore has drawn legions of fans to his roles on CBS through 22 years now, so it's no wonder that the star known for his chiseled physique and characters of empathy wanted to turn the tables on “CBS This Morning” co-anchor, Gayle King. King started her introduction of Shemar Moore with a clip of the talented TV veteran showing off his moves on “Soul Train” 17 or so years ago, but instead, the star asked the anchor used to reporting hard news to recite a line for him on his September 21 segment-- one that might be familiar in today's vernacular.

Gayle King relented and obliged the request to say, “Mama, here come that man,” but not without protest to Shemar Moore. “I am so mad at you right now,” she insisted, likely preferring that an off-camera comment had stayed that way. Any woman might find it hard to refuse the broad, beaming smile of the star who joined the CBS network in the 90s as Malcolm Winters on the daytime drama, “The Young and the Restless,” before his 11-year stint as Derek Morgan on “Criminal Minds.”

Many actors might lose enthusiasm after decades of performances in the realm of television, but Shemar Moore radiated with the excitement of a teenager when he talked about Season 2 of his drama, “S.W.A.T,” even if his character has to deal with someone with a bone to pick in the very first episode.

Body and soul

Gayle King’s co-anchors broke into hysterical laughter as she playfully called for security. In his portrayal of Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Shemar Moore and his “S.W.A.T.” costars are the only conveyors of security in situations of crisis. In a preview of the September 27 Season 2 premiere, there are hints that a personal crisis may come to a head for the team, as Hondo thanks a crime-fighting friend for filling in “while we're a man down,” just as another team member enters, saying, “Street says ‘Hello.’” After a painful pause, a retort comes with “ask him yourself” to the boss’ inquiry about the fired member’s well-being.

Needless to say, the tensions are thick enough to be cut with a knife.

Shemar Moore feels no tension and all about brandishing his loyalty to his show, or the real-life men and women who are on S.W.A.T. teams in service every day. The actor proudly pulled up the sleeve of his suit to reveal a S.W.A.T. tattoo on his forearm.

That emblem emblazed on his body complements the carpe diem across his back, with portraits of Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, and Malcolm X. along with the word “freedom” and an eagle. There is a lion on his shoulder, and the Yin and Yang symbol to complete his body’s engravings. The symbol of tactical police operations is effective in the actor's role, but it has a meaning far deeper for Moore, representing the effort of his climb to a leading role, and the powerful message of the drama.

Mom-approved

Shemar Moore constantly describes his mother as his own hero, reflecting on the dignity that she exudes through her battle with multiple sclerosis. He declares that she deems his S.W.A.T.

tattoo “pretty,” and expressed her support for her son and the role in another way.

Before the possibility of becoming Hondo Harrelson was ever on the horizon after “Criminal Minds,” the actor's mother offered the assurance, “Leap, and the net will appear.” Her confidence and love are part of every performance for Shemar Moore.

Beyond the diversity of the cast, the stories, and even guest stars on ‘S.W.A.T.,” Shemar Moore is particularly proud that his show takes on topics of human trafficking, cyber-bullying, immigration, and other headline- consuming topics without playing politics or being “preachy.”

The star may look to have the same 8-pack abs as the younger man dancing in that introduction clip, but doing “about 90 %of my stunts” at age 48 takes a greater toll of the fan-favorite star. He teases that “everyone sees me running around being Hondo, but no one sees me hobbling up the stairs.”

No matter the physical shape of Shemar Moore, odds are that he will remain a pleasure to see.