“A Different World” star Cornell Young IV caught some women’s attention after sharing his dating preferences on a recent episode of “The Shop,” hosted by Tony Bennett and Steelo Brim.
Young, 26, appeared alongside co-stars Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell to discuss swipe culture on social media and modern dating. Speaking about his experiences, Young said he prefers older women over women his age or younger.
He said conversation and communication are two key things he learned from his parents and grandparents.
“I always grew up around older people. You know, my grandmother, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother and my great-aunts, my great-uncles. I was on a space table at six, conversation. So, for me, I grew up around- we speak, we use words, and you express yourself a certain type of way,” Young said.
Because of his upbringing, he said, “All the women I’ve ever dated [have] always been older than me.”
Bennett chimed in, stating that he was “setting himself up,” while Bell jokingly said, “All the aunties going, ‘I gotta chance.’”
Ultimately, Young said it comes down to “the level of maturity,” adding that many women in his generation focus more on showing off for others than on meaningful conversations and real-life experiences.
Beyond his newfound stardom in the sequel series, Young previously had a small role in another Netflix smash hit, “Forever” from Mara Brock Akil. Since “A Different World” blew up, he’s added another Netflix project to his on-screen credits. He starred as Donovan in Tyler Perry’s new Netflix film “Doing Life,” which premiered globally earlier this month, according to TheGrio.
In an interview with Men’s Journal, Young discussed his evolving career, including his breakout role as Shaquille Johnson on “A Different World” and what the experience taught him.
“When you pray, you know for opportunities and to be in spaces, always just know you’re supposed to be in that room. So walk in knowing who you are. I just kind of live by that. I just walk in knowing who I am. And if the energy is there, trust me, I bounce off,” he said.
Watch the full episode below:
