Don Cheadle

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20 Feb 2024

Don Cheadle

Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Donald Frank Cheadle Sr. and Bettye Cheadle. He was raised in a middle-class family alongside his siblings. Cheadle has credited his parents with instilling in him a strong work ethic and a sense of social responsibility from a young age.

Cheadle attended Hartley Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, where his family moved when he was a child. He later attended East High School in Denver, Colorado, where he excelled both academically and athletically. During high school, Cheadle participated in various extracurricular activities, including acting in school plays and playing saxophone in the jazz band.

After graduating from high school, Cheadle attended the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied acting. He honed his craft under the guidance of renowned acting teachers and mentors, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting.

Cheadle's early acting career began with roles in theater productions and small television roles. He gained recognition for his performances in films such as "Hamburger Hill" (1987) and "Colors" (1988), where he played the memorable character "Rocket." Throughout the 1990s, Cheadle continued to build his career with diverse roles in films such as "Devil in a Blue Dress" (1995), "Boogie Nights" (1997), and "Bulworth" (1998).

His breakthrough role came in 2004 when he portrayed Rwandan hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina in the critically acclaimed film "Hotel Rwanda." Cheadle's performance earned him widespread praise and his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Cheadle's career continued to flourish in the 2000s and beyond, with notable roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as James "Rhodey" Rhodes/War Machine, as well as in television series such as "House of Lies" (2012–2016) and "Black Monday" (2019–2021).

In addition to his acting career, Cheadle has also been recognized for his work as a producer and his contributions to music. He has won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards for his involvement in music projects.
Throughout his career, Cheadle has been praised for his versatility, range, and commitment to his craft. He continues to be regarded as one of the most talented and respected actors in Hollywood.

Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Bettye Cheadle (née North) and Donald Frank Cheadle Sr. His mother was a teacher, while his father worked as a clinical psychologist. Donald Jr. grew up alongside his sister, Cindy, and his brother, Colin. Due to his father's profession, the family moved frequently during his childhood.

Cheadle's early education included attending Hartley Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, from 1970 to 1974. He later graduated from East High School in Denver, Colorado, in 1982. During his high school years, Cheadle was heavily involved in various extracurricular activities, including playing saxophone in the jazz band, singing in choirs, and actively participating in the theater department, where he performed in musicals, plays, and mime shows.
After completing high school, Cheadle pursued his passion for acting by enrolling at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). He graduated from CalArts in 1986 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater, laying the foundation for his successful career in acting.

Donald Cheadle began his acting career with small roles, gradually building his experience and recognition in the industry. Here's a timeline of his early career highlights:

1985: Cheadle appeared as a burger joint employee in the comedy film "Moving Violations," marking his eligibility for his Screen Actors Guild card.
1987: He received a small role in the seventh season of the television series "Hill Street Blues," playing a teenager with learning difficulties. He also appeared in the Vietnam War film "Hamburger Hill."
1988: Cheadle played the role of Jack in the "Jung and the Restless" episode of "Night Court." Despite playing a 16-year-old character, he was 23 at the time. He also portrayed Rocket in the movie "Colors."
1989: He appeared in a music video for Angela Winbush's hit single "It's the Real Thing" as a car wash employee.
1990: Cheadle guest-starred 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.
1992: He had a starring role in "The Golden Girls" spin-off series "The Golden Palace."
1993-1995: Cheadle played district attorney John Littleton in the TV series "Picket Fences" for three seasons.
1995: He gained widespread notice for his portrayal of Mouse Alexander in the film "Devil in a Blue Dress," earning critical acclaim and awards.
1996: Cheadle starred in the HBO TV movie "Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault" in the title role.
1997: He starred in "Rosewood" and "Volcano" and appeared in Paul Thomas Anderson's "Boogie Nights."
1998: Cheadle appeared in "Out of Sight," marking the beginning of his collaborations with director Steven Soderbergh. He also portrayed Sammy Davis Jr. in the TV movie "The Rat Pack," winning a Golden Globe Award.
1999: He starred as Grant Wiggins in the film "A Lesson Before Dying," earning critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award.
2000: Cheadle had major roles in "Traffic" and "Mission to Mars."
2001: He played Basher Tarr in "Ocean's Eleven," the first of his appearances in the "Ocean's" film series.
2002: Cheadle made a guest appearance in the ninth season of "ER," earning an Emmy nomination for his performance as a medical student with Parkinson's disease.