50 Facts About Don Cheadle

Early Life and Education

Don Cheadle's journey to stardom began in the heartland of America. His upbringing and education played a significant role in shaping his career.

1. Full Name: Donald Frank Cheadle Jr.
2. Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
3. Birthdate: November 29, 1964
4. Early Life: Cheadle was raised in a middle-class family that frequently moved during his youth. He spent much of his elementary school time in Lincoln, Nebraska, and eventually graduated from high school in Denver, Colorado in 1982.
5. Family Background: His mother, Bettye (née North), was a teacher, and his father, Donald Frank Cheadle Sr., was a clinical psychologist. He has a sister named Cindy and a brother named Colin.
6. Education: Cheadle attended the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater in 1986.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Cheadle's early career was marked by small roles that gradually led to more significant opportunities. His talent and dedication quickly caught the industry's attention.

7. Early Career: His first professional acting role was on the hit series Fame in 1982, which led to his first film roles in Colors (1988) and Hamburger Hill (1987).
8. Screen Actors Guild Card: Cheadle became eligible for his Screen Actors Guild card when he appeared as a burger joint employee in the 1985 comedy Moving Violations.
9. Hill Street Blues: In 1987, he received a small role in the 7th season of Hill Street Blues, where he played a teenager with learning difficulties.
10. Night Court: Cheadle secured the role of Jack in the April 1, 1988, "Jung and the Restless" episode of Night Court, although his character was 16 years old, Cheadle was 23 at the time.
11. Colors: He played the role of Rocket in the 1988 movie Colors.
12. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: In 1990, he appeared in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air titled "Homeboy, Sweet Homeboy," playing Will Smith's friend and Hilary's first love interest, Ice Tray.
13. The Golden Palace: In 1992, he had a starring role in The Golden Girls spin-off The Golden Palace as Roland Wilson, a young serious hotel manager retained by Blanche, Rose, and Sophia from the previous owners.
14. Picket Fences: He played district attorney John Littleton on three seasons of Picket Fences.
15. Devil in a Blue Dress: Cheadle first received widespread notice for his portrayal of Mouse Alexander in the 1995 film Devil in a Blue Dress, for which he won Best Supporting Actor awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and the National Society of Film Critics. He also earned nominations for similar awards from the Screen Actors Guild and the NAACP Image Awards.

Rise to Prominence

Cheadle's career took off with roles that showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. His performances in various films and TV shows earned him critical acclaim.

16. Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault: Following his success in Devil in a Blue Dress, he performed in the title role of the 1996 HBO TV movie Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault.
17. Rosewood: In 1997, he starred in John Singleton's historical drama Rosewood and in the disaster film Volcano.
18. Boogie Nights: The same year, he appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson's period drama Boogie Nights.
19. Out of Sight: The following year, he appeared in Out of Sight, an adaptation of Elmore Leonard's 1996 novel of the same name, marking the beginning of his collaborations with director Steven Soderbergh.
20. Sammy Davis Jr.: Cheadle's portrayal of Sammy Davis Jr. in the 1998 TV movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge earned him critical acclaim.

Personal Life and Heritage

Cheadle's personal life and heritage have also played a significant role in shaping his identity and career.

21. African American Lives 2: In 2008, Cheadle's family history was profiled on the PBS series African American Lives 2. The show revealed that his ancestors had been owned by the Chickasaw Nation, who refused to free their slaves until 1866. His ancestors did not hold U.S. nor Chickasaw citizenship until the 1890s, thanks to the Dawes Commission. DNA tests revealed that Cheadle is of Cameroonian descent, with one-third of his African ancestry coming from Senegal to Liberia, just over one-quarter from the Congo-Angola region, and the rest from western Nigeria and Benin.
22. Marriage: Cheadle married his long-time partner, actress and Rosewood co-star Bridgid Coulter, in early 2020. The couple has been together for more than 28 years and has two children.

Awards and Recognitions

Cheadle's talent has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. His contributions to film and television have earned him a place among the industry's elite.

23. Grammy Awards: Cheadle is a two-time Grammy Award winner, recognized for his narration/dramatization of the Walter Mosley novel Fear Itself in 2004.
24. Tony Award: He won a Tony Award for his work in the play Miles Gloriosus.
25. Golden Globe Awards: Cheadle has won two Golden Globe Awards, one for his performance in Hotel Rwanda and another for his role in House of Lies.
26. Screen Actors Guild Awards: He has won two Screen Actors Guild Awards, one for his work in Crash and another for his role in Hotel Rwanda.
27. Academy Award Nominations: Cheadle has been nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Hotel Rwanda.
28. Primetime Emmy Nominations: He has earned 11 Primetime Emmy nominations throughout his career.
29. EGOT Status: Cheadle is one of few black individuals to be nominated for the four major American entertainment awards (EGOT): Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Filmography and Notable Roles

Cheadle's extensive filmography includes a wide range of roles that highlight his versatility as an actor. From dramatic performances to action-packed roles, he has done it all.

30. Filmography: His extensive filmography includes notable roles in Ocean's 11 and 12, Devil in a Blue Dress, Hotel Rwanda, James Rhodes War Machine, and multiple Marvel cinematic films.

Music and Humanitarian Work

Beyond acting, Cheadle is also a talented musician and dedicated humanitarian. His contributions to music and various causes demonstrate his commitment to making a difference.

31. Music Career: Cheadle is a talented musician who plays saxophone and writes music. He has shared his gifts for writing and singing throughout his career.
32. Humanitarian Work: Cheadle has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including being named a United Nations Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador in 2010. He has brought awareness to genocide and Darfur, co-authoring a book titled Not on Our Watch.
33. BET Humanitarian Award: In 2007, Cheadle received the BET Humanitarian Award for his work in Darfur and Rwanda.
34. Summit Peace Award: He shared the Summit Peace Award by the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates in Rome with George Clooney for their work in Darfur.

Directorial Work and TV Appearances

Cheadle has also ventured into directing and has made numerous appearances on television. His work behind the camera and on TV has further showcased his talents.

35. Directorial Work: Cheadle has also ventured into directing, with notable projects including The Big Cigar, House of Lies, and Miles Ahead.
36. TV Mini-Series: He has directed several TV mini-series, including Vanity Fair: Decades and The Big Cigar.
37. Awards and Nominations: Cheadle's extensive list of awards includes a Tony Award, two Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and multiple Grammy nominations.
38. Philanthropy: Cheadle is involved in various philanthropic activities, including supporting the cause of Darfur and Rwanda through his work with organizations like Not on Our Watch.
39. Public Appearances: He frequently appears on talk shows and has been a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2022.

Personal Details and Publicity

Cheadle's personal life and public appearances have also contributed to his public image. His height, family, and various public listings provide a glimpse into his life beyond the screen.

40. Height: Cheadle stands at 5’8” (1.73 m).
41. Children: He has two children with his wife Bridgid Coulter.
42. Publicity Listings: Cheadle has been featured in various publicity listings, including a TV commercial for NFL playoffs.
43. IMDb Profile: His profile on IMDb lists over 38 wins and 119 nominations, making him one of the most recognized actors in Hollywood.
44. Known for: He is known for his roles in Crash, Hotel Rwanda, and James Rhodes War Machine.

Career Retrospective and Legacy

Cheadle's career retrospective highlights his journey from early roles to his recent appearances in Marvel films. His legacy extends beyond acting, with significant contributions to humanitarian causes and the arts.

45. Career Retrospective: A career retrospective on IMDb highlights his journey from early roles in Fame to his recent appearances in Marvel films.
46. Personal Details: His personal details include his spouse, Bridgid Coulter, and his children, Ayanna Cheadle.
47. Public Sites: Official sites include his profile on IMDb and other entertainment platforms.
48. Education Background: His educational background at CalArts played a significant role in shaping his career.
49. Early Auditions: Encouraged by his college friends, he attended various auditions, which led to his first professional roles.
50. Legacy: Don Cheadle's legacy extends beyond his acting career, with significant contributions to humanitarian causes and his dedication to the arts.

Don Cheadle's Lasting Impact

Don Cheadle's career is a testament to his versatility and dedication. From his early days on Fame to his powerful performance in Hotel Rwanda, Cheadle has consistently delivered memorable roles. His work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as James Rhodes, aka War Machine, has cemented his place in pop culture. Beyond acting, Cheadle's humanitarian efforts, especially in Darfur and Rwanda, showcase his commitment to making a difference. His accolades, including Golden Globes and a Grammy, highlight his talent across various mediums. Whether he's acting, directing, or playing music, Cheadle's passion shines through. His journey from Kansas City to Hollywood stardom is inspiring, proving that hard work and talent can lead to incredible success. Don Cheadle's legacy is not just in his films but also in his contributions to society and the arts.