Terry Crews to Host 2014 TCA AWARDS Tonight

The "WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?" host Terry Crews, the fan-favorite actor, comedian, and star of the hit precinct sitcom "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE," will host the 30th Annual Television Critics Association (TCA) Awards, tonight, July 19, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, announced Scott Pierce, TCA President and TV critic for the Salt Lake Tribune.

As host, Crews will open the invite-only untelevised event and will be joined on stage by some surprise guests in this intimate celebration. Awards will be presented in genre-spanning categories such as news and information; youth; drama; reality; and comedy, as the top TV critics in North America honor the best television programs of the 2013-2014 season.

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991, Crews played six seasons in the NFL before making his feature debut in Arnold Schwarzenegger's sci-fi actioner "THE 6TH DAY." Since then, he has built a successful career carving out memorable roles in a wide variety of films such as "BRIDESMAIDS," "THE EXPENDABLES," and, of course, Mike Judge's cult classic "IDIOCRACY," in which Crews starred as the scene-stealing President Camacho. On the small screen, he has appeared in starring roles on the sitcoms "ARE WE THERE YET?" and "EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS," as well as his own reality series, "The Family Crews," on BET. He can currently be seen starring opposite Andre Braugher and Andy Samberg as Sergeant Terry Jeffords, in the critically acclaimed comedy, Golden Globe winning comedy "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE" in addition to being the new host of "WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?" which premieres this fall for the nationally Syndicated show's 13th season.

The Flint, Michigan native joins an unprecedented list of top-tier entertainers who have hosted the TCA Awards, including Bryan Cranston, Conan O'Brien, Drew Carey, Craig Ferguson, Wanda Sykes, the Smothers Brothers, Nick Offerman and Dax Shepard.

"This is a major milestone for our organization, and we wanted to go all out to make it one of the biggest and best awards yet," said Pierce. "Terry Crews is a perfect host. His infectious personality is equal parts hilarious, bold, and down-to-earth. His work speaks for itself-from comedy and drama, to sports and reality television, Crews is a diverse talent who can truly do it all. We're very pleased to have him on board for this landmark occasion."

The nominations for current programming are spread across four broadcast networks-ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX-as well as PBS, nine cable networks and the Internet streaming service Netflix. In 2014, CBS leads the way with nine nominations; HBO has eight; FX holds seven; and FOX finishes with six. This year's crop of nominees includes a number of notable past winners, such as celebrated comic Louis C.K. and beloved actor Bryan Cranston, and shows ranging from the smash fantasy epic "GAME OF THRONES," to childhood essential "SESAME STREET," newsroom satire "THE Daily Show," and reality TV titan "THE Amazing Race."

This year's lineup also features a batch of newcomers, with first-time nominees including Logo's hit "RUPAUL'S Drag Race," hosted by the goddess of glam herself; Netflix's critically acclaimed women's prison dramedy "ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK"; FX's "FARGO," starring Billy Bob Thornton in the small-screen adaptation of the Coen Brothers' masterpiece; FOX heavyweights "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE" and "SLEEPY HOLLOW"; and ABC Family's "THE FOSTERS."

For a complete listing of all the TCA Award nominees, visit the TCA's website at Tvcritics.org.