Some exciting news has just reached my ears concerning the acclaimed theatre and film actor Jeffrey Wright. This accomplished man with an undeniable screen presence has already proven his worth both on stage and in front of the camera, first bursting onto the scene in 1994 when he appeared in the award winning Broadway play, 'Angels In America', for which he won a Tony award. Incidentially, I should add he was the only actor from the original stage production to appear in the 2003 HBO TV miniseries version, which starred Al Pacino and Meryl Streep. For his efforts he received both the Emmy and the Golden Globe for Best Supproting Actor.
Wright made a lasting impression in 1996 playing the New York street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the film 'Basquiat' where he appeared alongside Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman and David Bowie. From this he launched himself into several high profile movies including John Singleton's remake of 'Shaft' (which I felt had a terrible script but showed Wright to be the powerhouse actor that he is), the Muhammad Ali biopic, 'Ali' and the story of Chess Records, 'Cadillac Records' where he played blues legend Muddy Waters. His knack for playing real life characters paid off in dividends when he portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King in the 2001 TV movie, 'Boycott'. So impressive was his performance that he received the Actor Of The Year award in a miniseries or movie from the American Film Institute.
Wright made a lasting impression in 1996 playing the New York street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the film 'Basquiat' where he appeared alongside Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman and David Bowie. From this he launched himself into several high profile movies including John Singleton's remake of 'Shaft' (which I felt had a terrible script but showed Wright to be the powerhouse actor that he is), the Muhammad Ali biopic, 'Ali' and the story of Chess Records, 'Cadillac Records' where he played blues legend Muddy Waters. His knack for playing real life characters paid off in dividends when he portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King in the 2001 TV movie, 'Boycott'. So impressive was his performance that he received the Actor Of The Year award in a miniseries or movie from the American Film Institute.
Of late Jeffrey Wright's profile has risen even higher as he been seen in the recent James Bond films, 'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum Of Solace', both starring Daniel Craig as the superspy. His role has been that of CIA agent Felix Lester. This is quite noteworthy as the character, who has appeared in several Bond films including the very first adventure 'Dr. No', has always been played by a white actor. Wright became the first African American to play Lester in an official James Bond pciture. Special note should be made that African American actor Bernie Casey played the same role in the unofficial 1983 Bond flick 'Never Say Never' which starred Sean Connery.
Now the good word going around is Jeffrey Wright is going to join the cast of the Emmy Award winning gangster drama 'Boardwalk Empire' in it's fourth season. This terrific show is based on the trials and tribulations of a New Jersey hoodlum (masquerading as a decent politician) called Nucky Thompson, played by the ever reliable Steve Buscemi. The action takes place in Atlantic City during the Prohibition period of the 1920's when alcohol was outlawed throuhout the USA. Wright joins the cast as Valentin Narcisse, a philanthropist, a Doctor of Divinity and the guy who runs Harlem. As a huge fan of this intelligent, engrossing and sometimes very violent show, I've got to say just hearing the news of Jeffrey Wright hooking up with the 'Boardwalk' gangsters feels like a perfect fit. Season 4 of 'Boardwalk Empire' hits our screens before the end of the year.
Now the good word going around is Jeffrey Wright is going to join the cast of the Emmy Award winning gangster drama 'Boardwalk Empire' in it's fourth season. This terrific show is based on the trials and tribulations of a New Jersey hoodlum (masquerading as a decent politician) called Nucky Thompson, played by the ever reliable Steve Buscemi. The action takes place in Atlantic City during the Prohibition period of the 1920's when alcohol was outlawed throuhout the USA. Wright joins the cast as Valentin Narcisse, a philanthropist, a Doctor of Divinity and the guy who runs Harlem. As a huge fan of this intelligent, engrossing and sometimes very violent show, I've got to say just hearing the news of Jeffrey Wright hooking up with the 'Boardwalk' gangsters feels like a perfect fit. Season 4 of 'Boardwalk Empire' hits our screens before the end of the year.
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