TOP 50 Best Black actors. My guess is quite often. Christopher Mintz-Plasse is an American actor, drummer and comedian who is widely known for playing McLovin from the hit high school comedy film Superbad. He studied acting at NYU's Theatre Program. He continued to work with other big names like Clint Eastwood in "Bird" in 1988, in which he played a jazz player. Possibly best known for his work in Christopher Guest's films.Insanely funny as Simeon Dyson on the few MADtv sketches he acted in. A marvelous character actor with intense eyes, a sly grin and somewhat grizzled appearance, Golden Globe-winner Fred Ward had nearly 90 appearances under his belt in many tremendous films and television programs. ", Jones also appeared in several TV shows, which include "Agent Carter" and "Doctor Who." The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Without Billy, there would be no Chadwick Boseman, Terrence Howard, or Idris Elba. He played the disillusioned son Biff Loman in the 1951 screen Bruce McGill grew up in San Antonio, Texas. All this month, Essence.com will present TWENTY, THE REMIXthree digital exhibits I curated celebrating excellence in the worlds of acting, art, and fashion. He was born in Pakistan, the youngest son of an eye surgeon who moved to London to join Moorfields Eye Hospital. Although Keith David started as a Broadway actor, he quickly took on film roles that made him a recognizable face in the industry. Their faces you recognize, but they are not quite household names yet. Round #4. They show up in all your favorite movies but still you just can never place them. By 2000, she appeared in two more cult classics: "But I'm a Cheerleader" and "Girl, Interrupted. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Known to film fans for his turn as Richard Nixon in Robert Altman's one-man show film Secret Bob Balaban was born on August 16, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The versatile actor has turned in Oscar-nominated performances inAliandThe Pursuit of Happyness and helmed blockbusters likeIndependence DayandSuicide Squad. He went to thirteen different schools, as his father served in the Royal Air Force and travelled around the world. Learn more. The good news is that with the advent of streaming channels and a sprawl of cable slots, there are lots of roles for male characters out there. A theater actor, Feore has serious dramatic chops, which have helped land him supporting roles in several films throughout his career as well, includingPearl Harbor, The Sum of All Fears, Paycheck, and The Chronicles of Riddick. You need a tough guy? This uber-familiar character actor has appeared in highly quotable television and film projects (often alongside Will Ferrell), including both Anchorman and Anchorman 2, Talledega Nights,. re: Actors/Actresses you recognize, but don't know their names. While there, he earned his degree in Philosophy and as a senior, was cast in the stage production of "Picnic," where he played a football player. Fifi in Mad Max Hes also busy between jobs, working as a director as well. However, most recognize O'Hare from his work on FX's "American Horror Story," in which he has played multiple parts. Full Cast of Quantum Of Solace Actors/Actresses, All The Celebrities Who Call Chicago Home, Actors in the Most Christopher Guest Movies. Frederic Forrest, the Oscar-nominated character actor, was born two days before Christmas Day in 1936 in Waxahachie, Texas, the same home town as director Robert Benton. ), if she's not working or hanging out with her friends and family, including her 8-year-old son, she's probably relaxing with a crisp glass of wine while binging her latest TV series obsession. Cousin Greg and Tom are barely holding on, and Kendall and Roman are poised to inherit the Waystar Royco empire provided they can trust one another enough to fight all the internal sharks that are coming for them. An actor with incredible range and intensity British export Idris Elba has emerged as one of cinemas sexiest stars. Hector Elizondo has played small roles in "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride," though his standout performance was as the scene-stealing royal bodyguard Joe in both "Princess Diaries" films. My guess is quite often. After the RAF, his father worked as an engineer in the copper mines in Rhodesia. Andrew Jordt Robinson was born in New York City and attended the University of New Hampshire, later receiving his B.A. Actors dont get into the business thinking they'll be a character actor, they simply want to act. Played by Anna Silk, Bo is a complex and powerful character that still feels relatable, despite the fact that she's a succubus that can (and has) killed people she's intimate with. Find out what is trending and never be out of the loop. Duke Media Entertainment, led by actor, director, producer, writer and humanitarian, Bill Duke, is dedicated to bringing quality Edutainment to audiences around the globe. Mary Woronov. He has been married to Catherine Jensen since 1984. Most recently, he has lent his voice to "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder" and "Rick and Morty.". | Public. Gary Cole began his career in television, lending his acting chops to projects like "Fatal Vision" in 1984, "American Playhouse" in 1984, and "First Steps" in 1985. He is an actor, known for I Spit on Your Grave (2010), A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988) and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987). Currently appearing in the Netflix reimagination of 1970s/80s sitcomOne Day at a Time, you may have also seen Tobolowskyin popular series like Silicon Valley, Californication, Deadwood, Heroes, and White Famous. An admitted TV junkie (feel free to reach out for recommendations on what to watch! Very talented actor, possibly best known from Rush Hour, Dante's Peak and 24.He plays Francine's adoptive father in American Dad! He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. var device = 'desktop'; He is an actor and writer, known for Nightmare Alley (2021), BASEketball (1998) and Galaxy Quest (1999). Catch Mitch in the upcoming flick White Noise (2005) starring Michael Keaton. He has been married to Sarah Tucker Smallwood, the eldest son of an educator and diplomat, was a NBC television director before being drafted into the US Army in 1967. He is an actor, known for Coming to America (1988), The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) and Do the Right Thing (1989). They have two children. For those who do know Giancarlo Esposito, you probably recognize him from "Breaking Bad" and its spin-off show, "Better Call Saul," in which Esposito plays Gus Fring, a restaurant owner who secretly sells drugs. He played Jeff Billings on "The Wonder Years," Duffy Guthrie in "The New Leave It to Beaver," and Cory Kupkus in "My Two Dads. Hes played them all.Career highlights:Bosch, Transformers: Age of Extinction, The Good Wife, Argo, The Mentalist, The Town, Gone Baby Gone, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Promised Land, Sons of Anarchy, Lost,Deadwood. If one actor on this list has made it by the sheer volume of roles hes played, its Samuel L. Jackson. Jeffrey Duncan Jones was born in Buffalo, New York. His film career began in 1982 with John Carpenter's "The Thing" and Oliver Stone's "Platoon" in 1986 as King. He is an actor, known for Die Hard (1988), Licence to Kill (1989) and Street Fighter: The Movie (1995). Excellent actor, gone too soon.Delivers a top notch cameo performance in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. But FXsAtlanta,which he created, stars in, and often directs, made him a star. Aside from his acting career, Vincent was the author of three cookbooks, and has written numerous Barry Shabaka Henley was born on September 15, 1954 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He was born on August 11, 1950 in Riga, USSR [now Latvia] as Elya Zalmanovich Baskin to Zalman and Frieda Baskin, both of Russian Jewish descent. Diggs originated the role of Benny in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicalRent, which he later reprised in the film adaptation. Journeyman actor Ernie Hudson began his career as the resident playwright at Detroits Concept East, the oldest black theatre in the US. Everyone in Britain knows #3 is Vinny Jones because he's primarily a football player who also acts. Hahn has acted in some of the most popular comedies of the last two decades, including 2003's "How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days," 2004's "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," 2008's "Step Brothers," 2013's "We're the Millers," and 2016's "Bad Moms.". He also does a ton of voicework and narrations. ", Most recently, Ealy has appeared in the Starz series "Power Book II: Ghost," "Reasonable Doubt," and "A Black Lady Sketch Show.". He died on April 24, 2017 Richard E. Grant is an actor and presenter. In 2012, he was nominated for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy for his portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock in HBO's "The Girl. He was an actor and director, known for Red Dragon (2002), The World's Fastest Indian (2005) and The Limey (1999). These male character actors are the best in Hollywood, filling out casts and rounding out films with memorable bit parts and supporting roles. Raymond J. Barry was born in New York, and attended Brown University, where he was a star athlete in football, basketball, and track. As an amateur actor in the city's Karamu House Theater, he starred in the Ossie Davis play "Purlie Victorious". Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. He rose to fame on NBCsCommunity. Taye Diggs has made quite a name for himself on Broadway and in Hollywood. He is an actor and producer, known for A Mighty Wind (2003), Pitch Perfect (2012) and Best in Show (2000). Strong-featured, narrow-eyed actor who has portrayed a mixed bag of both good guys and bad guys. as Super Hero Darla and "Harlem.". ", Denis O'Hare's acting career spans nearly three decades, and he's racked up dozens of film and TV credits in this time. ", Grant's career also expands to television, as she has appeared in "Jericho," "Pushing Daisies," and "Mockingbird Lane.". But you can't quite place and certainly can't remember their names. Continuing with a theme I love, exalting Black greatness while telling our stories, these galleries showcase those who pave the way for the next generations. He has been married to Kim since May 2, 2002. ", Margo Martindale has appeared in "August: Osage County," "The Hollars," and "Mrs. America," and played smaller parts such as "Woman on Shuttle" in "Downsizing.". and our He attributes many of his offbeat characters on his midwestern upbringing. The bad news is, there are tons of great character actors vying for those roles. He was previously married to Sigrid Insull and Marycarolyn Linda Elizabeth "MiMi" Hawkins. Logan Roy is dead. As a child, I read my mothers ESSENCE magazines from cover to cover, breathing in the beauty and wonder of the Black experience. When he was thirteen, his parents divorced and he went with his mother to live in Chicago. Blake Clark Actor | 50 First Dates Born in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada, Kevin grew up in Rossland, British Columbia. Probably best known as "Chef" in Apocalypse Now and Nick, The Nazi Surplus Store Owner in Falling Down.Think about it. In the 2000s, Cole began to shift towards more comedic roles, appearing in 2004's "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!" It was he who played Secret Service Agent Aaron Pierce in 24, and appeared in the Transformers film series, X-Men: First Class, and Bloodline. He is best known for appearing in the 1997 film "Boogie Nights" and "Traffic" in 2000. More recently, O'Hare has appeared in "Big Little Lies," "This Is Us," and "The Nevers.". He was previously married to Denise Farr, Bek Nelson, Nita Talbot and Helen Westcott. Paul Dillon is an actor born in Joliet who began his career in show business in Chicago. Growing up the youngest of four siblings in a Catholic family in Warrington, Lancashire (near John Pyper-Ferguson was born in Mordiallic, Australia. No one here feels lazy at all. in English from the New School for Social Research in NYC. Billy Dee Williams is the prototype for the suave, Black leading man. They're those guys who you totally recognize from that thing and maybe that other thing? Some of his most notable roles include John Briggs in 2008's "Milk," Dr. Jonathan Steele in 2008's "Changeling," Duke Monahan in 2009's "Duplicity," and Dr. Sevard in 2013's "Dallas Buyers Club.". With his distinctive face and piercing blue eyes, you immediately recognize Baker from his roles in series like Homeland, Blindspot, The Americans, and The Good Wife. (2018), winning various awards including the Independent Spirit Graham Greene was born on June 22, 1952 in Six Nations Reserve, Ontario, Canada. A fixer? Since then, Roundtree has become on constant presence in films and on television. Most people will recognize Heather Matarazzo as the dorky friend opposite Anne Hathaway in the "Princess Diaries" movies from 2001 and 2004. He is an actor, known for Full Metal Jacket (1987), Space Jam (1996) and Sudden Death (1995). and Tangled: The Series. He was previously married to Jennifer Jay Stewart. My guess is quite often. We certainly hope not. Born in New York, Larry Hankin took an industrial design degree from the University of Syracuse; multifaceted artist, in addition to being an actor, he is also a screenwriter, producer, director and singer. Black Actors Whose Face You Know But Whose Name you May Not-Bebe Drake#BebeDrake #MartinTvShow #BlackActors Hahn has also appeared in the Amazon series "Transparent," for which she earned a Primetime Emmy nomination. He started his acting career in 1987. Esposito is no stranger to television, though. The family soon moved to Beaumont, California (between Los Angeles and Palm Springs), where his parents built and operated a movie theater, where stars such as Gene Autry would occasionally stop Michael Jeter was an American actor from Tennessee. Digital Trends has a handy guide to the best MCU shows on Disney+. He is best known for his work on Smallville (2001) as Sheriff Ethan Miller. There are a lot of actors whose faces you recognize, but their names just won't stick in your head. Robin Gammell was born on September 22, 1936 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. Who is cooler thanSHAFT? Ritter in Turkey Shoot Nonetheless, these actors have proven to be very good at their craft and make a good living doing what they love. In both of these shows, she plays a lesbian character something DuVall has become known for. She continued to take on roles on television like "The Game" in 2011, "Californication" in 2012, and "Minority Report" in 2015. He stayed at Brown and took up acting classes, and realized it was his true calling. Bloodsport inThe Suicide Squad. The bad news is, there are tons of great character actors vying for those roles. Handsome, rugged, versatile and charismatic character actor Tom Atkins was born on November 13, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also played Fishlegs from How to Train Your Dragon, Augie Farcques from Role Models, Giuseppe from Marmaduke, Chris D'Amico from Kick-Ass, . He was previously married to Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Crellin. His mother, Adriel Rose (Jacobs) is an artist, and his father, Woodrow Wilson McGill, is a real estate and insurance agent. Paul Dillon is an actor born in Joliet who began his career in show business in Chicago. Privacy Policy. Wheres Paula Abdul when you need her? He was an actor, known for Dumb and Dumber (1994), Dances with Wolves (1990) and Titan A.E. During 19 years in New York City, he appeared on Broadway in such productions as " Philip Baker Hall was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Berdene (McDonald) and William Alexander Hall, a factory worker who was originally from Montgomery, Alabama. His long and successful career includes numerous Kevin's first dream was to be a cartoonist, but in later years decided to on acting. Bottom Line: Judy Greer Judy Greer has spent her career starring alongside huge Hollywood names, like Jennifer Garner and Katherine Heigl. ", Luis Guzmn's onscreen debut was in "Short Eyes" in 1977. and "Dodgeball: a True Underdog Story." Tracey Walter was born on November 25, 1947 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. But too often these stars are supported by a cast of fantastic actors that we recognize, but . Toby Jones is a Primetime Emmy-nominated actor for his portrayal of Alfred Hitchcock, and he has been in several blockbusters. Tall, bearded, heavy-set Anglo-French character actor, best known internationally for playing Deputy Commissioner Claude Lebel in The Day of the Jackal (1973) and Bond villain Hugo Drax in Moonraker (1979). He has been married to Margaret Welsh since February 1, 2003. He then entered the Elya Baskin is a Soviet Latvia-born American actor, best-known for his work on Spider-Man 2 (2004), The Name of the Rose (1986) and Spider-Man 3 (2007). To me he will always be De Bracy from Ivanhoe. Very talented actor, possibly best known for playing the bad guys in Lethal Weapon 3 and The Mask of Zorro. Kinds most notable roles were in Mad About You and Spin City in the 1990s and early 2000s, but he has since appeared in plenty of series like Gotham, Big Mouth, and Im Dying Up Here. Transitioning from stage to screen, Diggs made his film debut as the love interest inHow Stella Got Her Groove Back, followed by starring roles inThe WoodandThe Best Man. 38 votes, 24 comments. He shares two Screen Actors Guild Awards with the Ensemble of Mad Men for his role as 'Grandpa Gene', Betty Draper's father. Note: This article contains major spoilers for the current season of Succession. The eldest of four siblings, he was followed in birth by Joseph Bottoms, Sam Bottoms and Ben Bottoms.All four boys were born and raised in Santa Barbara, Born into a military family in Huntsville, Alabama -- his father was an army vet who had served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, while his mother held a somewhat mysterious job in the Department of Defence -- Reg E. Cathey spent much of his early childhood living on a rural farmhouse in Germany. Nick Chinlund was born and raised in New York City. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. He is an actor and writer, known for Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), The Dark Knight (2008) and Argo (2012). Milana Vayntrub is a unique addition to this list in that she is best recognized for her work in advertisements, particularly her role as Lily Adams in the AT&T TV commercials. TWENTY, THE REMIXa collection of digital exhibits celebrating excellence in the worlds of acting, art, and fashionturns to our leading men. He died on February 27, 1998 in La Mesa, California, USA. A consummate pro with a sprawling rsum, Tobolowsky even joked about his status during a hilarious Jimmy Kimmel Live! What is a character actor? He is an actor, known for Reindeer Games (2000), The Core (2003) and Human Cargo (2004). Colm Joseph Feore OC is a Canadian actor. In 1970 he moved to the East Coast, and began his acting career doing improvisational theater in Boston and New York. Actors don't get into the business thinking they'll be a character actor, they simply want to act. His movie career began in 1994 with the movie Blink (1993) in which he played the role of Neal Booker. Young icon Donald Glover is a two-time Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor, director, producer, and writer. From Westworld to The Hunger Games, Boardwalk Empire,Casino Royale, and House, Wrights IMDB rsumincludes some of the best content on television and in theaters. The good news is that with the advent of streaming channels and a sprawl of cable slots, there are lots of roles for male characters out there. On first breaking into film, his intensity and " American character actor born in Cincinnati and raised in Louisville, Mitchell Ryan was a well known supporting actor in films and television. He was noticed by casting agents and started to appear in Australian TV commercials, print ads, local Stuart Wilson was born in Guildford, Surrey in England, on December 25th, 1946. Who else could have so elegantly portrayed Jackie Robinson in42, James Brown inGet on Up, and TChalla inBlack Panther. In the '90s, David's career flourished, appearing in "Clockers" and "Dead Presidents." His first film role was in The Hiro Kanagawa is a Vancouver-based actor and writer. Good's career did not stop when she grew up, though. ", Clea DuVall's big break came in 1998 when she was cast in "The Faculty" opposite Elijah Wood and Josh Hartnett. Random Entertainment or Actor Quiz. He portrayed an eclectic Rex Maynard Linn is an American film and television actor. Need we say more? Judy has not been the headline star in any movie, but she is in so many movies and shows that we all know her work very well. He was a former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Scottish National Theatre, with many leading stage performances in Edinburgh, Stratford-on-Avon and London's West End. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts These male character actors are the best in Hollywood, filling out casts and rounding out films with memorable bit parts and supporting roles. He recently appeared in Having worked extensively in film, theatre and television in both the UK and the US, and on location in many parts of the globe. Yet, while hes been actively working in Hollywood for more than three decades, Baker has often been relegated to supporting roles that, while memorable, still havent quite put his name on the map. Toby Jones jumped into Hollywood in 2006, with his breakthrough portrayal of Truman Capote in "Infamous" opposite Sandra Bullock, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sigourney Weaver. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. Walsh was born on September 28, 1943 in San Francisco, California, USA. In the last few years, the MCU has expanded greatly on both the big and small screens. In the 1950s, Grammy and Tony award-winning actor, singer, and activist Harry Belafonte introduced American audiences to calypso. He died on October 7, 2005 in Canterbury, Connecticut, USA. John Fleck is an actor, known for Waterworld (1995), Falling Down (1993) and The Naked Gun 2: The Smell of Fear (1991). Bruce Payne (Producer, Actor, 1st A.D.) was born in London Town and is a much-loved and respected talent recognized around the world. Historically, the Black actor has dared to challenge the stereotypes of what it means to be a Black man in a White world. He is married to Lisa Houle. Though he earned a Best Actor Academy Award nomination forHustle and Flow,Howard hasnt gained full movie star status.