Shemar Moore’s first on-screen kiss did not happen in a romantic scene. It happened while he was studying in a friend’s apartment. That detail comes from a guest appearance Moore made in 1995 on the sitcom Living Single, and it is now the subject of renewed attention as the actor headlines the Starz spin-off S.W.A.T. Exiles.
In the Season 2 episode “The Last Temptation,” Moore played Jon Marc, a super attractive classmate of Synclaire (played by Kim Coles). He showed up at Synclaire’s apartment to study, but things went off the rails when Synclaire’s friend Maxine (Erika Alexander) swooped in, jokingly pretending to be her. The entrance was played for laughs, but the moment that stands out is when Jon Marc kissed Synclaire during their study session. She briefly participated, then remembered she had a boyfriend and scrambled to fetch Jon Marc’s belongings and push him out the door.
The Episode That Made History
The episode aired more than 30 years ago, and it remains a favorite among fans. On IMDb, viewers have rated it a solid 8.1/10. Posts of Moore’s scene have gathered spirited comments from viewers, including one who noted how the ladies in the audience screamed when she opened the door and Shemar was standing there. Another commenter simply said, “My fave episode. So many funny scenes in this one.”
Kim Coles’ Confession
Kim Coles made the kiss admission during an episode of the “ReLiving Single” podcast. Speaking with co-host and “Living Single” alum Erika Alexander, Coles said, “Shemar Moore had been on soap operas for years, and he said, ‘Actually, I’ve never kissed before. You’d be my first onscreen kiss.’”
The confession puts Moore’s appearance in context: he was already a familiar face on daytime television, but this was his first time sharing a kiss on screen.
The Guest Star Lineup
Moore’s appearance put him in the ranks of other notable guest stars that appeared on “Living Single.” The show drew performances from Rosie O’Donnell, Morris Chestnut, and Giancarlo Esposito, among others. The episode featuring Moore was one of many that kept the series a cultural touchstone throughout the mid-1990s.
What Came After
“Living Single” was not Moore’s only sitcom. His most notable projects include “The Nanny,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “Moesha,” and “Malcolm & Eddie.”
The Comedy Origin Story
Some actors shy away from comedy, but Moore cut his teeth on it early in his career. The “Living Single” episode allowed him to flex his comedy chops, and it set a template for the kind of light-footed performances that would define his later work.
A Kiss That Changed Everything
The episode’s significance goes beyond its humor. It marked a turning point in Moore’s career, and it introduced audiences to a side of him that would remain central to his work. The fact that his first on-screen kiss came in a study session is a detail that fans have carried with them for decades.
Why It Matters Now
The episode’s enduring popularity is a reminder of how deeply the show connected with its audience. Fans continue to revisit it, share clips, and discuss it across social media. The 8.1/10 rating on IMDb reflects that sustained affection.
The fact that Moore’s first kiss was on “Living Single” also speaks to the show’s influence. It was a hit sitcom that gave young actors a platform to develop their craft, and Moore’s story is one example of how that platform launched careers.
The Legacy of the Episode
The episode’s legacy is secure. Fans keep returning to it, and the kiss confession adds a personal dimension to a beloved performance. For Moore, it remains a defining moment in a career that has spanned decades of television.
| Episode | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Living Single | “The Last Temptation” | 1995 |
| Guest Star | Role | Notable Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Shemar Moore | Jon Marc | First on-screen kiss |
| Rosie O’Donnell | — | Notable guest |
| Morris Chestnut | — | Notable guest |
| Giancarlo Esposito | — | Notable guest |
The episode’s place in television history is secure. Its status as Moore’s first on-screen kiss adds a layer of personal history to a beloved performance. For anyone who grew up watching “Living Single,” the memory of Jon Marc’s visit to Synclaire’s apartment is part of the fabric of the show.
Moore’s path from soap operas to sitcoms to action roles has been a long one, and this episode represents the moment where it all began. The kiss that started it all happened in a study session, and the memory of it has lasted for more than three decades.
Source material: “S.W.A.T. Exiles Star Shemar Moore's First Comedic Role Was On A Hit '90s Sitcom,” TVLine.
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