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Laurence Fishburne

Birth Place: Augusta, GA, USA

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BIO

He is a three-time Emmy Award and Tony Award winner known for his roles on stage and screen. He has been hailed for his forceful, militant, and authoritative characters in his films. He is known for playing Morpheus in The Matrix series (1999–2003), Jason "Furious" Styles in the John Singleton drama film Boyz n the Hood (1991), Tyrone "Mr. Clean" Miller in Francis Ford Coppola's war film Apocalypse Now (1979), and "The Bowery King" in the John Wick film series (2017–present).



For his portrayal of Ike Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It (1993), Fishburne was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. He won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Two Trains Running (1992), and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in TriBeCa (1993). Fishburne became the first African American to portray Othello on film when he appeared in Oliver Parker's 1995 film adaptation of the Shakespeare play. He has also received five Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He received an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead nomination for his performance in Deep Cover (1992).

Other film credits of Fishburne include Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple (1985), Spike Lee's School Daze (1988), Abel Ferrara's King of New York (1990), Clint Eastwood's Mystic River (2003), Steven Soderbergh's Contagion (2011), and Richard Linklater's Last Flag Flying (2017). He has also gained a wider audience with the blockbuster films Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). On television, he starred as Dr. Raymond Langston on the CBS crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2008–2011), and as Special Agent Jack Crawford in the NBC thriller series Hannibal (2013–2015), as well as having a recurring role as Earl "Pops" Johnson in the ABC sitcom Black-ish (2014–2022). He is currently starring in the Broadway revival of David Mamet's play American Buffalo alongside Sam Rockwell and Darren Criss.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2024
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2022
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Thurgood Marshall

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 1999
Henry II

[Broadway]
1992
Sterling

Writing


Movies

Death Wish II
[ 1982 ] Cutter Laurence Fishburne III
Rumble Fish
[ 1983 ] Midget
The Cotton Club
[ 1984 ] Bumpy Rhodes
The Color Purple
[ 1985 ] Swain
Band of the Hand
[ 1986 ] Cream
Quicksilver
[ 1986 ] Voodoo
Cherry 2000
[ 1987 ] Glu Glu Lawyer
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
[ 1987 ] Max
Gardens of Stone
[ 1987 ] Sgt. Flanagan
School Daze
[ 1988 ] Dap Dunlap
Red Heat
[ 1988 ] Lt. Stobbs
King of New York
[ 1990 ] Jimmy Jump
Cadence
[ 1990 ] Stokes
Boyz n the Hood
[ 1991 ] Furious Styles
Class Action
[ 1991 ] Nick Holbrook
Deep Cover
[ 1992 ] Russell Stevens Jr., John Hull
What's Love Got to Do with It
[ 1993 ] Ike Turner
Searching for Bobby Fischer
[ 1993 ] Vinnie
Bad Company
[ 1995 ] Nelson Crowe
Othello
[ 1995 ] Othello
Higher Learning
[ 1995 ] Professor Maurice Phipps
Just Cause
[ 1995 ] Sheriff Tanny Brown
Fled
[ 1996 ] Piper
Hoodlum
[ 1997 ] Bumpy Johnson
Event Horizon
[ 1997 ] Miller
Welcome to Hollywood
[ 1998 ] Laurence Fishburne
The Matrix
[ 1999 ] Morpheus
Once in the Life
[ 2000 ] 20, 20 Mike
Osmosis Jones
[ 2001 ] Thrax
The Matrix Revolutions
[ 2003 ] Morpheus
The Matrix Reloaded
[ 2003 ] Morpheus
Biker Boyz
[ 2003 ] Smoke
Mystic River
[ 2003 ] Whitey Powers
Assault on Precinct 13
[ 2005 ] Marion Bishop
Five Fingers
[ 2006 ] Ahmat
Akeelah and the Bee
[ 2006 ] Dr. Larabee
Bobby
[ 2006 ] Edward
Mission: Impossible III
[ 2006 ] Theodore Brsel
TMNT
[ 2007 ] Narrator
Bobby Z
[ 2007 ] Tad Grusza
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
[ 2007 ] The Silver Surfer
21
[ 2008 ] Cole Williams
Days of Wrath
[ 2008 ] Mr. Stafford
Armored
[ 2009 ] Baines
Black Water Transit
[ 2009 ] Jack
Predators
[ 2010 ] Ronald Noland
Contagion
[ 2011 ] Dr. Ellis Cheever
The Colony
[ 2013 ] Briggs
Man of Steel
[ 2013 ] Perry White
Khumba
[ 2013 ] Seko
The Signal
[ 2014 ] Damon
Rudderless
[ 2014 ] Del
Ride Along
[ 2014 ] Omar
Passengers
[ 2016 ] Gus Mancuso
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
[ 2016 ] Perry White
Standoff
[ 2016 ] Sade
John Wick: Chapter 2
[ 2017 ] Bowery King
Last Flag Flying
[ 2017 ] Reverend Richard Mueller
Imprisoned
[ 2018 ] Daniel Calvin
Ant-Man and the Wasp
[ 2018 ] Dr. Bill Foster
The Mule
[ 2018 ] Special Agent in Charge
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
[ 2019 ] Bowery King
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
[ 2019 ] Paul Jellinek
Running with the Devil
[ 2019 ] The Man
Under the Stadium Lights
[ 2021 ] Harold Christian
The Ice Road
[ 2021 ] Jim Goldenrod
The School for Good and Evil
[ 2022 ] School Mter
All the Old Knives
[ 2022 ] Vick Wallinger
John Wick: Chapter 4
[ 2023 ] Bowery King

TV Shows

Black-ish
Pops, James, James Earl Jones
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Dr. Raymond 'Ray' Langston
Grown-ish
Pops
Hannibal
Jack Crawford
One Life to Live
Josh West Hall
What If...?
[ 2023-2024 ] Bill Foster Goliath

Awards and Nominations


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Laurence FishburneThurgood


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Laurence Fishburne, Thurgood


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Laurence Fishburne , Thurgood

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Laurence Fishburne, Thurgood


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Debut Performance

Laurence Fishburne, Two Trains Running

Videos

News


Norm Lewis Will Lead CEREMONIES IN DARK OLD MEN Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2025

Norm Lewis will return to the stage in a new production of Lonnie Elder III's Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, directed by Clinton Turner Davis. Learn more about the show here!
Broadway Stage and Screen- A Spring 2025 Watch Guide
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 2, 2025

hile many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 14 are already films or series that you can watch from home now. If you are seeing any of the below productions in 2025, check out how you can study up beforehand or unpack afterwards!
Grace VanderWaal Returns With New Single 'Babydoll' Feat. Aliyah's Interlude
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 28, 2025

Internationally acclaimed artist and actress Grace VanderWaal returns with an unabashedly bratty pop anthem titled 'Babydoll' featuring Aliyah's Interlude. Check it out here!
NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET Honored by the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 28, 2025

Apple TV+’s upcoming “Number One on the Call Sheet” was awarded the highly coveted Spotlight Honor at the 18th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon on February 27 at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel.
Video: Cynthia Erivo, Denzel Washington & More in NUMBER ONE ON THE CALL SHEET Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 27, 2025

Apple TV+ has revealed the trailer for the highly anticipated two-part documentary film event “Number One on the Call Sheet,' which features Cynthia Erivo, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, and more. Watch the trailer now.
Jane Lynch, Sharon Lawrence, Gina Torres, John Ross Bowie And More Set For PARENTS IN CHAINS World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

Ensemble Theatre Company has announced additional casting for an add-on production to its season, the world premiere of a new comedy, PARENTS IN CHAINS, written by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jay Martel and directed by Andy Fickman.
Laurence Fishburne to Reprise Role in RIFF RAFF Presented by The Center at West Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Laurence Fishburne will reprise his starring role in the play Riff Raff for two staged readings in March. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Gracie Lawrence & Emily Bergl Join Jonathan Groff in JUST IN TIME
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 14, 2025

JUST IN TIME, starring Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin, has found its supporting cast. Find out who will join the Tony winner in the new production along with additions to the show's design team
THE PIANO LESSON, WICKED & More Receive NAACP Image Awards Nominations
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 7, 2025

NAACP has announced the full list of “56th NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with Wicked and The Piano Lesson nominated for Outstanding Motion Picture and Wicked's Cynthia Erivo nominated for Entertainer of the Year.
DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY Announced At Overture Center
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2025

Dixie's Tupperware Party, the hilarious show starring Dixie Longate rolls into Overture Center with “The Final Season” on Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m..
Review: Theater UnCorked's THE LION IN WINTER Roars with Royal Intrigue
by R. Scott Reedy - Dec 13, 2024

Theater UnCorked has opened its sixth season with a sharp, searing production of “The Lion in Winter” that lays out a powerful story of a royal family struggling both with succession planning and with each other. It may be an unconventional offering given this season’s predictable plethora of holiday productions, but the drama – which inspired the Fox-TV series “Empire” – is definitely a gift for discerning theatergoers.
Bernadette Peters, Raúl Esparza & More to Perform at NYSAF 2024 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 4, 2024

New York Stage and Film has revealed additional details for their 2024 Annual Gala honoring award-winning director, producer, and writer Amanda Lipitz and four-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza. Learn how to attend.
Francis Ford Coppola's MEGALOPOLIS Debuts on Premium Video Tomorrow
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 11, 2024

On November 12, MEGALOPOLIS will be available to rent for $19.99 (for a 48-hour period) on participating digital platforms where movies are purchased, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more.
TRANSFORMERS ONE Arrives On Digital; 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray Coming in December
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2024

Discover the untold story of how legendary leaders OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON went from brothers-in-arms to sworn enemies in the action-packed and visually stunning TRANSFORMERS ONE, arriving to buy on Digital October 22, 2024 from Paramount Home Entertainment. 
Meet the Cast of MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2024

Maybe Happy Ending, the new musical starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shen is now in previews on Broadway and we're meeting the cast. Meet the cast of Maybe Happy Ending here!
Videos You Missed This Week: DEATH BECOMES HER, THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA, and More
by Sidney Paterra - Sep 27, 2024

Catch up on all the latest from the week ending September 27, 2024 with videos from Forbidden Broadway, Little Shop of Horrors, Death Becomes Her, and more!
Video: CLIPPED's Kelly AuCoin Spills the Tea on Working with Laurence Fishburne
by Survival Jobs - Sep 26, 2024

In this video, AuCoin spills the tea on sharing the screen with such legendary actors such as Laurence Fishburne and Ed O’Neil in the six episode series and why bringing the real life character of Andy Roeser to life has been his favorite role thus far. 
Lea Salonga, Sheryl Lee Ralph, & More Join FINDING YOUR ROOTS Season 11
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 19, 2024

In the new season of the Emmy® nominated series FINDING YOUR ROOTS WITH HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR., nineteen celebrity guests will sit down with Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. to dive into their ancestral history and solve mysteries that have plagued their families when the series returns January 7 on PBS.
23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival Reveals 2024 Slate
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 18, 2024

The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ‘Celebrating the Power of Film’ with curated screenings that inform, inspire and entertain. The Opening Night film premiere and party will be held at The Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park on Wednesday, October 16th.
Video: Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign, and ARE WE DREAMING Unveil Official Video For 'If I Fall'
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 17, 2024

Quavo, Ty Dolla $ign, and ARE WE DREAMING (Composer – Brian Tyler) – roll out the official music video for their resilient anthem, 'If I Fall,' for Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment’s upcoming motion picture TRANSFORMERS ONE.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Laurence Fishburne been in?

Laurence Fishburne has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Laurence Fishburne been in?

Laurence Fishburne has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Laurence Fishburne been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Thurgood , Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Thurgood, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Thurgood, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Thurgood and Best Debut Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Two Trains Running .

What awards has Laurence Fishburne won?

Laurence Fishburne has won the following awards: Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Thurgood; Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Thurgood; Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Thurgood; and Best Debut Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Two Trains Running.

How many shows has Laurence Fishburne written?

Laurence Fishburne has written 1 shows including Like They Do in The Movies (Playwright).

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