Don Cheadle Named Goodwill Ambassador For United Nations

According to the Associated Press, Don Cheadle has been named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations environment program. Cheadle was appointed on Saturday in Kigali, Rwanda. During the announcement Cheadle promised to work on issues such as climate change and environment conservation.

In 2004, Cheadle's lead role as Rwandan hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina in the genocide film Hotel Rwanda earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also campaigns for the end of genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and co-authored a book concerning the issue titled Not On Our Watch: The Mission To End Genocide In Darfur And Beyond.

Cheadle's other film credits include 'Devil in a Blue Dress' for which he was nominated for a Screen Actor's Guild award for Male Actor in a Supporting Role, 'Volcano.' 'Boogie Nights' for which he was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, 'The Rat Pack,' 'A Lesson Before Dying,' 'Traffic,' 'Ocean's Eleven,' 'Crash,' 'Hotel For Dogs,' and the upcoming 'The Avengers.'

In 2001 Cheadle starred in TOPDOG/UNDERDOG off-Broadway. Cheadle also appeared on stage in a production of CYMBELINE.