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Ruben Santiago-Hudson

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BIO

Ruben most recently helmed the world premiere of John Leguizamo’s The Other Americans at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and the Public Theatre in NYC. He will star opposite Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara in This World of Tomorrow, written by Hanks and James Glossman, at NYC’s The Shed in November 2025. His Broadway production of Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau received 4 Tony® nominations, including Outstanding New Play. His own autobiographical Lackawanna Blues was awarded The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as a Tony Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor. With Lackawanna Blues, Ruben became the first person in the history of Broadway to write, direct and star in a play. His Broadway production of Jitney garnered several awards for Outstanding Revival including the Tony Award and six Tony nominations. Santiago-Hudson adapted August Wilson’s play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix: produced by Denzel Washington, directed by George C. Wolfe, and starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.


Santiago-Hudson received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars and made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam; other Broadway credits include Stick Fly and Gem of the Ocean.
Ruben wrote, executive produced and co-starred in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues based on his Obie- and Helen Hayes Award-winning play. The movie received many honors, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, The Christopher Award, and the Humanitas Prize.
Film and television credits include “East New York,” American Gangster, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shaft, Devil’s Advocate, Domestic Disturbance, Forgotten Genius, The Red Sneakers, Selma, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Solomon and Sheba (the first time a biblical movie starred actors of color), Rear Window, “The Quad,” “Public Morals,” “Low Winter Sun,” “David Makes Man,” “Billions,” “The West Wing,” “Law & Order,” and numerous other guest star appearances. Santiago-Hudson starred in the hit ABC series “Castle” for three seasons as Capt. Roy Montgomery.
Ruben’s other honors as writer, director or actor include the Humanitas Prize, the National Board Of Reviews, the Christopher Award, the Clarence Derwent Award, the Lucille Lortel Award, 4 Obie Awards, 6 Audelco Awards, the Helen Hayes Award, the NAACP Image Award, the Glen Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award, the SDCF Joseph Calloway Directing Award, the Lloyd Richards Directing Award, the Nederlander Apple Award, and honorary doctorate degrees from Wayne State University and Buffalo State University.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
2026
Bynum Walker


[Off-Broadway]
2025
M-Dash


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
Signature Production, 2013


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Joe Levay


[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2010
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Caesar


[Off-Broadway]
2001
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1997
King Henry VIII


[Broadway]
1996
Canewell


[Off-Broadway]
1994
Roy


[Off-Broadway]
1993
Lucio


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Buddy Bolden


[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1991
Performer


Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director

Writing

Movies

Coming to America
[ 1988 ] Street Hustler Ruben Hudson
Blown Away
[ 1994 ] Blanket
Auf Wiedersehen Amerika
[ 1994 ] Mahatma
Bleeding Hearts
[ 1994 ] Todd
White Lies
[ 1997 ] Bum #2
The Devil's Advocate
[ 1997 ] Leamon Heath
Shaft
[ 2000 ] Jimmy Groves
Domestic Disturbance
[ 2001 ] Sgt. Edgar Stevens
Winning Girls Through Psychic Mind Control
[ 2002 ] Samuel Menendez
Brother's Shadow
[ 2006 ] Manny Botero
American Gangster
[ 2007 ] Doc
Mr. Brooks
[ 2007 ] Hawkins
Honeydripper
[ 2007 ] Stokely
The Invention of Lying
[ 2009 ] Landlord
Selma
[ 2014 ] Bayard Rustin
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
[ 2020 ] writer

TV Shows

Another World
Captain Billy Cooper
Billions
Raul Gomez
Castle
Captain Roy Montgomery
Dear John
Curtis, Orlando, Larry
East New York
Officer Marvin Sandeford
Gargoyles
Gabriel
Law & Order
Attorney Winters
Michael Hayes
Eddie Diaz
New York Undercover
Walter Perry, Johnny
NYPD Blue
Otis
Spawn
Jess Chapel
The Quad
Cecil Diamond
Law & Order
[ 1990-2025 ] Defense Attorney WintersDr. Paul JacksonDetective Brian KeeneMr. Gaines

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Tony Awards - 2026 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Skeleton Crew


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Special Achievement Awards

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Special Citation

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's Jitney

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned

Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson


winner
Obie Awards - 2013 - Direction

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson


winner
The Lortels - 2013 - Outstanding Director

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Ruben Santiago-HudsonLackawanna Blues


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Special Citations

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson , Seven Guitars

Videos

News


Video: Go Inside Opening Night of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Luka Vonier - May 1, 2026

The final play of the 2025/26 season opened just last week! August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, directed by Debbie Allen, officially arrived on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Watch in this video as the full company walks the red carpet on opening night!
70th Annual Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 29, 2026

Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen will announce the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards nominations on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:00AM ET. Check out the nominees so far and check back later for teh complete list.
Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 27, 2026

The Barrymore Theatre was the place to be on Saturday night, when August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos of the cast and creative team as they celebrate the special occasion on the red carpet.
Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 26, 2026

Joe Turner's Come and Gone celebrated opening night at the Barrymore Theatre. Directed by Golden Globe Award, four-time Emmy Award winner and recipient of the 2026 Academy Honorary Award, Debbie Allen, the revival is led by Taraji P. Henson as ‘Bertha Holly’ and Cedric “The Entertainer” as ‘Seth Holly.' Check out photos from the first official curtain call here.
Review Roundup: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2026

August Wilson is back on Broadway with Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” and more in a new production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, directed by  the legendary Debbie Allen. The critics are weighing in on the show! See what they're saying in tonight's review roundup!
Photos: Don Cheadle Visits JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2026

Don Cheadle recently paid a visit to Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway, and posed backstage with members of the cast after the performance. Check out photos here!
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
Photo Exclusive: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE On Broadway Starring Taraji P. Henson, Cedric 'the Entertainer' and More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2026

August Wilson is back on Broadway and BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first look at Joe Turner's Come and Gone, now in previews at Barrymore Theatre. Check out photos of the production.
Video: Taraji P. Henson Shares Why She Joined Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 20, 2026

Taraji P. Henson is making her Broadway debut in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, a new production of the August Wilson play helmed by renowned director and performer Debbie Allen. Watch her discuss the show and her relationship with Allen on TODAY.
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026

The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
THE FULL MONTY, THE IMAGINARY INVALID, MIX AND MASTER Will Arrive on Broadway in Roundabout's 2026/27 Season
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 16, 2026

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced the 2026-2027 season on Broadway and Off-Broadway marking Roundabout’s 60th Season. The  season includes two world premieres, three revivals, and two musicals, including The Heart and The Full Monty. We have all of the details!
Two River Theater Commissions New Works from Joe Iconis and Iraisa Ann Reilly
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026

Two River Theater has announced its latest slate of commissioned artists, including Joe Iconis and Iraisa Ann Reilly, as part of its ongoing investment in new plays and musicals.
Party of One: Broadway’s Solo Show Takeover
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Apr 12, 2026

Broadway has a long history of one-person shows, including many that have been added to the canon in this century.  Seeing one actor powerfully create a whole world on stage can be an exceptional experience. Of course, one handers are hardly one-person projects; while there may only be one actor on stage, they are collaborating with an entire team of creatives, designers, and behind-the-scenes personnel to bring a show to life. 
Tyler Perry Joins Producing Team of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026

Producer, director, writer, and actor Tyler Perry has joined the producing team of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway. Learn more here!
Shop JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Merch in BroadwayWorld's Theater Shop
by Michael Major - Apr 9, 2026

As August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone returns to Broadway, buy merch from the star-studded production! Be the first to buy merchandise from the show, including a beanie, music scarf, pin set, tote, mug, hoodie, and tee.
Photos: Inside the First Preview of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 31, 2026

August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone is now in previews at Barrymore Theatre, where it is now set to play through Sunday, July 26. Check out photos from inside the first preview performance here.
Video: JOE TURNER'S COME & GONE Takes First Bows on Broadway
by Michael Major - Mar 31, 2026

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” took their first bows on Broadway in August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone at the Barrymore Theatre. The Debbie Allen-directed production is now in previews. Watch the video!
Photo: First Look at the Cast of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE; Production Extended
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026

August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone has been extended for a second and final time. You can now get a first look at the cast in costume on the stage of the Barrymore Theatre.
Meet the Cast of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, Now Playing on Broadway!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 30, 2026

Performances are now underway for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway! The show recently extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. Meet the cast here!
JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Launches Lottery and Rush Policies
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2026

The digital lottery, in-person rush, and in-person student rush policies have been announced for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Find out how to get discount tickets here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ruben Santiago-Hudson been in?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Ruben Santiago-Hudson been in?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Ruben Santiago-Hudson been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Skeleton Crew, Special Achievement Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jitney, Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Jitney, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Jitney, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Lackawanna Blues and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Seven Guitars.

What awards has Ruben Santiago-Hudson won?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Special Achievement Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Lackawanna Blues. He received the Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Jitney and also earned a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. He was awarded for Direction at the Obie Awards for The Piano Lesson, along with the Outstanding Director at The Lortels for the same play. Additionally, he won the Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Lackawanna Blues and the Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for the same work. He received Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Lackawanna Blues and was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Seven Guitars.

How many shows has Ruben Santiago-Hudson written?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has written 1 shows including Lackawanna Blues (Playwright).

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