Michael Potts

Michael Potts is an accomplished actor of stage and screen. In March, he’ll portray Michelle Obama’s father “Frasier C. Robinson III” alongside Viola Davis in Showtime’s critically acclaimed limited series, “The First Lady” and star opposite Melissa Leo in the psychological thriller “Measure For Revenge.” Later this year, Potts takes on the role of civil rights activist “Cleveland Lowellyn “Cleve” Robinson” in Netflix’s historical drama ‘RUSTIN.” In 2020, his portrayal of “Slow Drag” earned him critical acclaim in Netflix’s award-winning, feature adaptation of August Wilson’s play “MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM.” The film served as Chadwick Bosman’s final acting portrayal. On the stage, he is known for originating the roles of “Mafala Hatimbi” in the 2011 Tony award winning musical comedy The Book Of Mormon from Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone as well as the heartwarming “Mr. Hawkins” in the Tony nominated Broadway musical The Prom. He received critical praise for his role as “Joe Mott” alongside Denzel Washington in the Tony nominated Eugene O’Neill revival The Iceman Cometh. For his role in Iceman – Potts received the distinguished “Richard Seff Award,” which is presented to veteran actors for their performances in supporting roles both on and off Broadway. Additionally, he was appointed as the 2018 Denzel Washington Endowed Chair in Theatre for Fordham University. In 2017, he starred as the notorious gossip “Turnbo” in the Tony award winning production of August Wilson’s Jitney, under the direction of Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s. That same year, Potts appeared alongside Olivia Wilde and Tom Sturridge in the stage adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984. Potts is widely recognized for his role opposite Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as “Detective Maynard Gilbough” in the Emmy Award winning HBO anthology series “True Detective.” Well versed in producer David Simon’s work, Potts starred opposite Idris Elba as the well-mannered yet feared assassin, “Brother Mouzone” on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Wire.” He starred in the HBO six-hour miniseries, “Show Me a Hero,” co-created by David Simon (“The Wire”) and directed by Oscar winner Paul Haggis. Recurring television roles also include CBS’ “Madam Secretary” and FOX’s “Gotham.” As a graduate the Yale School of Drama, Potts’ extensive theater background has afforded him several performances on New York’s theater stages. Roles in Rent, The Tempest, Twelfth Night and Richard III garnered him the Falstaff Award for best ‘Male Supporting Performance’ and The Village Voice’s Obie Award for his portrayal in the off-Broadway production of The American Play. Potts originated the role of “Brooks, Sr.” in the Tony Award winning play Grey Gardens and additionally the role of “Paul Pierce” in Tony Kushner’s The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures at the Guthrie Theatre. In the regions, Michael has starred in Oedipus, Highway Ulysses, Romeo and Juliet, The Hostage, The Rivals and was in the original Broadway company of Lennon. He is an active supporter and contributor of the 52nd Street Project, dedicated to the creation and production of new plays for, and often by, kids between the ages of 9-18 that reside in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in New York City. The organization achieves this goal through a series of unique mentoring programs that match kids with professional theater artists. Potts was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Wisacky, South Carolina. He resides in New York City.