Don Cheadle Bio
Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. is an American actor known for his diverse roles in film and television. Over his extensive career, he has garnered multiple accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards, two Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award. Cheadle is also recognized for his nominations for an Academy Award and two BAFTA Awards, making him one of the few actors to achieve nominations for the prestigious EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). His career spans several decades, beginning in the mid-1980s and continuing to the present day, with notable roles in both dramatic and comedic projects.
Early Life and Background
Don Cheadle was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the son of Bettye Cheadle, a teacher, and Donald Frank Cheadle Sr., a clinical psychologist. Cheadle has a sister, Cindy, and a brother, Colin. His family moved frequently during his childhood, which exposed him to various cultures and experiences. Cheadle attended Hartley Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, before graduating from East High School in Denver, Colorado, in 1982. During high school, he was active in the theater department, performing in musicals and plays, and also played saxophone in the jazz band. He later pursued higher education at the California Institute of the Arts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater in 1986.
Path to Hollywood
During his time at the California Institute of the Arts, Cheadle participated in numerous plays, which helped him hone his craft. He became eligible for his Screen Actors Guild card when he appeared in the 1985 comedy Moving Violations. Cheadle’s early career included a small role in the television series Hill Street Blues and a notable appearance in the film Hamburger Hill in 1987. He gained further recognition with his role in the 1988 film Colors and later starred in the television series The Golden Palace, a spin-off of The Golden Girls, where he played Roland Wilson. His performance in the series helped establish him as a promising actor in Hollywood.
Don Cheadle Career
Early Career (1984–1992)
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Cheadle began to gain attention for his performances in various films and television shows. His breakthrough role came in 1995 with his portrayal of Mouse Alexander in Devil in a Blue Dress, which earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Following this, he starred in the HBO TV movie Rebound: The Legend of Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault and appeared in John Singleton’s historical drama Rosewood. Cheadle’s collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh began with the film Out of Sight in 1998, which marked the start of a successful partnership.
Breakthrough (1993–2001)
Cheadle’s rise to prominence continued in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His portrayal of Sammy Davis Jr. in The Rat Pack earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination. In 2000, he starred in Traffic, which garnered him further acclaim and nominations for various awards. Cheadle also joined the ensemble cast of Ocean’s Eleven in 2001, playing the role of Basher Tarr, and reprised this role in the sequels Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. His performances during this period solidified his status as a leading actor in Hollywood.
Notable Works and Milestones
Don Cheadle’s career-defining moment came with his role in Hotel Rwanda (2004), where he portrayed Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who sheltered refugees during the Rwandan genocide. This performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Additionally, he co-produced the film Crash, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006. Cheadle’s work in both film and television has earned him numerous accolades, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Don Cheadle Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Don Cheadle has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for Hotel Rwanda, two BAFTA Award nominations, and 11 Primetime Emmy Award nominations for various roles in television.
Don Cheadle Awards Won
Don Cheadle has won multiple awards, including two Golden Globe Awards, two Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award. His achievements in the entertainment industry highlight his talent and dedication to his craft.
Don Cheadle Family
Don Cheadle is married to Bridgid Coulter, an actress and co-star from the film Rosewood. The couple has been together for over 28 years and has two children. They married in early 2020, further solidifying their long-standing partnership.
Personal Life
In addition to his acting career, Cheadle is known for his activism, particularly in campaigning to end the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. He co-authored a book on the subject and co-founded the Not on Our Watch Project, which aims to prevent mass atrocities. Cheadle has also been involved in various humanitarian efforts and has received recognition for his work, including the BET Humanitarian Award in 2007. He is a U.N. Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador and has worked on climate change initiatives, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact beyond his acting career. Cheadle’s personal life reflects his values and dedication to social issues, making him a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and the community.
