The Full Package: Taye Diggs

He helped Stella get her groove back -- and if super-gorgeous renaissance man Taye Diggs can't help you locate your groove, then it's probably gone for good. This multitalented performer has it all: His gorgeous face and rockin' bod helped make him one of People magazine's Sexiest Men Alive in 2006 and 2007; he's had starring roles on stage, in films and on television; and he is, by all reports, an all-around nice guy. Plus, he's married to stunning Broadway diva Idina Menzel and is an out, proud metrosexual (who admittedly has more shoes in his closet than said diva).

So how can you not dig Mr. Diggs? Taye currently stars in the "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff "Private Practice," on which he plays a world-renowned internist known by his acolytes as Dr. Feel Good. And whether he's revealing his well-toned, um, assets in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," giving us musical magic in "Rent" or locking lips with Eric McCormack as Will's boyfriend on "Will & Grace," Diggs has been making his gay fans feel good for many years.

A regular guy -- on Broadway

Taye is one of those smokin' hot celebrities who stretch the limits of our credulity by asserting that they were nerdy, unattractive teenagers. Usually, those celebrities are thus trying to communicate that they're "just regular folks" -- and one of the most appealing things about Taye is that, sex appeal and talent aside, he truly does seem like a down-to-earth guy (as hard as it is to picture him as the Urkel-esque youngster -- complete with taped glasses -- he claims to have been). And it's clear that he has worked hard to get where he is today.

The eldest of five siblings, Taye was born in New Jersey (in 1971) and raised in Rochester, New York. He caught the performing bug early and attended Rochester's School of the Arts. After that, he went on to earn a BFA in musical theater from Syracuse University. During his senior year there, he landed his first professional job in a Broadway revival of the musical "Carousel."

The triple threat

"In the forties, fifties, and sixties they were good singers, good actors, and good dancers. That's the school that I come from." -- Taye Diggs

One of Taye's charming qualities is humility -- and the fact that his role in "Carousel" didn't catapult him immediately to superstardom may have aided in that quality's development. There were still show-biz dues to pay. Taye's next job took him to Japan for several months -- where he sang in the Caribbean revue at Tokyo Disneyland. "I get a little red when I mention it," he confesses, "but I had a ball."

When Diggs returned to the United States, he auditioned for a few more Broadway roles before landing the part that would put his name in lights: Benny, in the original production of the Pulitzer- and Tony-award winning musical "Rent." (This role also led to his meeting his future bride, Idina, who played Maureen in the production.)

His early resumé makes it clear that Taye is a true triple threat: a singer, an actor and a dancer (and he could certainly add modeling to that list!). But some fans may not know that he's also a skilled choreographer -- he has worked with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and is a cofounder of the dance company dre.dance. Says Diggs, "Nobody knows that between singing, acting and dancing, I enjoy dance the most."

Setting up camp!

What can we say about a career launched by "Carousel," Tokyo Disneyland and "Rent" on Broadway? Taye's career is decidedly campy -- and we love him for it. "Rent" led to a recurring role on the soap "Guiding Light" and then to his man-candy-with-a-heart-of-gold role in "How Stella ..." (When Taye found out he'd been cast in his first film, he reportedly ran gleefully through the theater where "Rent" was being rehearsed -- and he didn't even bother to put clothes on first.)

Then there's the film version of "Rent," a recurring role on "Ally McBeal" (a big fan of the show, Taye called the role a "dream come true"), the movie "Chicago" and a stint in "Wicked" (sharing the stage with his wife, Idina), among other great performances. Obviously, the man has at least something of a gay sensibility.

Then, of course, there's his famous role as Will's boyfriend in the final season of "Will & Grace." But if Taye had had his druthers, he would've been locking lips with someone other than Eric McCormack: When Elle magazine asked him who he'd sleep with if he were to sleep with a man, he replied, "It would have to be a really put-together brother. So, Tyson Beckford."

A true gentleman -- and family man

From his early film roles in "The Best Man" (which he says is one of his favorites) and "Brown Sugar" to his short-lived but critically acclaimed series "Kevin Hill" and his current show, "Private Practice," Taye has always been a feast for the eyes.

And to add to the swoon factor, he's the perfect boyfriend and husband: After meeting Idina Menzel in 1996, he's been a one-woman man -- they married in 2003, and Taye describes his marriage as "fun, exciting, humorous, hopeful and sexy." He's extremely sensitive (he cried when Idina won her Tony). And he says he's the one who does the household tidying-up!

Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel have been together for 13 years and are expecting their first baby. The baby is due later this year.