African-American Actors Who Are Trained In Shakespeare

African-American actors have a long and storied history of mastering the works of William Shakespeare through rigorous academic and theatrical training. Many of the most recognizable stars of the stage and screen began their careers by studying classical verse at prestigious institutions. These performers bring a unique depth and cultural perspective to the characters created by the Bard while breaking down barriers in the entertainment industry. The following list highlights talented male actors who have dedicated significant portions of their education to the study and performance of Shakespearean literature.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington developed his love for classical theater while studying at Fordham University during the late seventies. He portrayed the character of Othello in a campus production which served as a major milestone in his early development. After graduation he continued his training at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco to further refine his stagecraft. Throughout his career he has returned to the works of the Bard in productions like ‘Richard III’ and ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors of his generation after training at the University of Michigan. He spent many years performing with the New York Shakespeare Festival and gained fame for his deep vocal resonance. His portrayals of characters in ‘King Lear’ and ‘Othello’ are considered definitive moments in American theater history. Jones received numerous accolades for his ability to bring a sense of regal authority to the stage.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher was a graduate of the Juilliard School and a prominent figure in the New York theatrical scene. He earned a reputation for his masterful handling of blank verse in productions of ‘Henry V’ and ‘As You Like It’. His dedication to the classics was evident in the intensity and precision he brought to every performance. Braugher often credited his classical training for the success he found in more contemporary dramatic roles.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown attended the New York University Tisch School of the Arts where he earned his Master of Fine Arts degree. He performed in various stage plays including the production of ‘Macbeth’ at the Public Theater. His training focused heavily on the technical aspects of performance and classical literature. Brown has maintained a strong connection to his theatrical roots even while starring in major television series.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali earned his graduate degree from the acting program at New York University. He spent a significant portion of his early career performing in regional theater productions of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. His education provided him with a robust set of tools for interpreting complex texts and layered characters. This background in the classics helped him achieve great success in his transition to film.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance is an alumnus of the Yale School of Drama where he received top tier instruction in classical acting. He rose to prominence on Broadway and in regional theater through his work in several Shakespearean dramas. His ability to navigate the intricacies of traditional verse allowed him to deliver powerful and nuanced performances. Vance remains a respected figure in both the theatrical community and the broader entertainment industry.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright studied at Amherst College and briefly attended New York University before becoming a regular at the New York Shakespeare Festival. He displayed a remarkable range in productions such as ‘King Lear’ and ‘Julius Caesar’. His training allowed him to inhabit diverse characters with an intellectual depth and emotional honesty. Wright has consistently used his stage background to elevate the quality of his work in modern cinema.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II graduated from the Yale School of Drama which is renowned for its focus on classical works. During his time at Yale he performed in numerous plays that required a mastery of traditional stage language. This training prepared him for the physically and emotionally demanding roles he would later take on in Hollywood. He continues to apply the lessons he learned from studying the Bard to his current projects.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry is another notable alumnus of the Yale School of Drama who has extensive experience with the works of the Bard. He performed in a wide array of stage productions that emphasized the importance of vocal clarity and physical presence. His time at Yale provided him with a deep understanding of the structural elements found in classical drama. Henry often reflects on how this rigorous training shaped his versatile approach to acting.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke received his Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama where he studied alongside many talented peers. He participated in various theatrical performances that focused on the works of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. His commanding stature and classical training made him a natural fit for complex and authoritative roles. Duke has used his background in the theater to bring a unique perspective to his characters in major film franchises.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins trained at the Juilliard School and quickly became a prominent young voice in the world of classical theater. He starred as Tybalt in a Broadway revival of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ early in his career. His education at Juilliard emphasized the importance of rigorous text analysis and physical discipline. Hawkins has successfully transitioned to film and television while maintaining the high standards of his theatrical upbringing.

Keith David

Keith David is a graduate of the Juilliard School who has enjoyed a long and varied career on stage and screen. He has appeared in numerous Shakespearean productions including a notable performance in ‘Coriolanus’. His training in the classics helped him develop the distinctive voice and presence for which he is well known. David remains a frequent collaborator in theatrical projects that celebrate the enduring relevance of traditional literature.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson studied at Morehouse College and was a member of the Negro Ensemble Company during his early years. He performed in several productions for the New York Shakespeare Festival including ‘Mother Courage and Her Children’. His theatrical background provided him with the skills necessary to handle diverse and challenging scripts throughout his career. Jackson often points to his early stage work as the foundation for his longevity in the industry.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne began his professional journey at a young age but later dedicated himself to the study of classical theater. He delivered an acclaimed performance in the film version of ‘Othello’ and has appeared in various stage productions. His deep understanding of the Bard’s work has allowed him to tackle some of the most difficult roles in the canon. Fishburne continues to support the theatrical arts through both his performances and his advocacy.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman spent many years working in the theater before becoming a household name in Hollywood. He participated in multiple productions for the New York Shakespeare Festival during the 1970s and 1980s. His performance in ‘Coriolanus’ at the Public Theater earned him critical praise and a prestigious award. Freeman often attributes his calm and authoritative screen presence to the discipline he learned on the stage.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito has a rich history in the theater that dates back to his childhood and early adulthood. He performed in various classical plays including productions of ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ in New York. His training in the theater helped him develop a meticulous approach to character development and performance. Esposito remains a highly respected actor who values the lessons learned from the great works of literature.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie attended the Juilliard School where he was a member of the drama division’s Group 30. He appeared in several classical productions during his time in school and shortly after graduation. His education focused on the integration of movement and speech within the context of traditional plays. Mackie has carried these skills into his successful film career where he is known for his dynamic performances.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman studied at Howard University and attended a summer program at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford. His training in the United Kingdom allowed him to focus specifically on the works of William Shakespeare. He applied this classical knowledge to his work as both an actor and a playwright throughout his life. Boseman was often praised for the grace and dignity he brought to every role he inhabited.

Harry Lennix

Harry Lennix is a classically trained actor who has spent much of his career performing the works of the Bard. He is a frequent collaborator with various Shakespearean theater companies across the United States. His performance in the film ‘Titus’ showcased his ability to handle the dark and complex themes of classical tragedy. Lennix is also a co-founder of a theater company dedicated to bringing the classics to a wider audience.

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks is a highly educated performer who has served as a professor of theater at Rutgers University. He is well known for his powerful portrayal of Othello in several high profile stage productions. His background in the classics has informed his work in both television and live performance for decades. Brooks has dedicated a significant portion of his career to the exploration and teaching of Shakespearean literature.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Ruben Santiago-Hudson is an actor and director who has a deep commitment to the American theatrical tradition. He has appeared in numerous productions for the New York Shakespeare Festival and earned a Tony Award for his stage work. His training allowed him to become an expert in the delivery of complex dialogue and poetic verse. Santiago-Hudson continues to be a major force in the world of classical and contemporary theater.

Joe Morton

Joe Morton began his career with a strong focus on the stage and classical performance after studying at Hofstra University. He has appeared in various Shakespearean plays throughout his long career in the industry. His training helped him develop a versatile skill set that has served him well in theater and film. Morton is respected for his ability to bring clarity and passion to every character he portrays.

Clarke Peters

Clarke Peters is an American actor who has spent much of his professional life working in the prestigious theaters of London. He has performed in several productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and other major classical venues. His training in the British tradition provided him with a unique perspective on the works of the Bard. Peters remains a versatile performer who can seamlessly transition between classical and modern roles.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg E. Cathey was a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and a frequent performer in the New York theater scene. He appeared in multiple productions for the Public Theater including ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Hamlet’. His deep voice and classical training made him a standout in every stage production he joined. Cathey was widely admired for the intelligence and warmth he brought to his theatrical performances.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume had a long career that included significant work in the field of classical musical theater and drama. He notably played the title role in ‘Coriolanus’ and performed in a production of ‘Othello’. His early training provided him with the vocal and physical tools necessary to excel in the most demanding roles. Guillaume was a trailblazer who helped pave the way for other actors of color in the classical arts.

Paul Winfield

Paul Winfield was a distinguished actor who received his training at the University of Portland and Stanford University. He performed in various Shakespearean plays early in his career including ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’. His ability to handle the complexities of the Bard’s language was a hallmark of his stage work. Winfield remained a prominent figure in American drama until his passing and is remembered for his great talent.

Roscoe Lee Browne

Roscoe Lee Browne was a highly intellectual performer who had a deep appreciation for classical literature and poetry. He was a regular participant in the New York Shakespeare Festival and worked closely with director Joseph Papp. His elegant delivery and mastery of the English language made him a perfect fit for the works of the Bard. Browne served as a mentor to many younger actors who sought to master the art of classical performance.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors earned his Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama where he studied the classics extensively. His training included rigorous coursework in Shakespearean analysis and performance techniques. He has credited his time at Yale for giving him the discipline and focus required for his film roles. Majors continues to be recognized for the physical and emotional intensity he brings to his work.

William Jackson Harper

William Jackson Harper is an actor who has spent many years performing in the New York theatrical community. He has appeared in several classical productions including ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the Public Theater. His training allowed him to develop a natural and relatable approach to the delivery of traditional verse. Harper has successfully transitioned to television while maintaining a strong commitment to the stage.

Ving Rhames

Ving Rhames is a graduate of the Juilliard School where he was a member of the drama division in the early eighties. His education at the prestigious institution included a heavy emphasis on the works of the Bard. He performed in various stage plays before finding major success in the film industry. Rhames often uses the skills he learned during his classical training to add depth and gravity to his screen characters.

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce attended the Juilliard School and has remained a constant presence in the world of American theater. He has appeared in numerous Shakespearean productions including a recent and highly acclaimed turn in ‘Death of a Salesman’. His training in the classics helped him develop a nuanced and powerful acting style. Pierce is a dedicated advocate for the arts and continues to perform in both classical and modern plays.

Jesse L. Martin

Jesse L. Martin studied at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts and has a strong background in musical theater. He participated in several classical productions during his early career including works by the Bard. His training in both speech and song allowed him to handle the rhythmic demands of Shakespearean verse. Martin has balanced a successful career in television with frequent returns to the theatrical stage.

Michael Beach

Michael Beach is a graduate of the Juilliard School where he received comprehensive training in the performing arts. He performed in several classical plays during his time in New York before moving to Los Angeles. His education focused on the importance of technical proficiency and emotional truth in acting. Beach has enjoyed a prolific career in film and television while remaining proud of his classical roots.

Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle attended the Juilliard School and later the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He received intensive training in the works of the Bard and other classical playwrights during his university years. His background in the theater helped him build a strong foundation for his work as an actor and director. La Salle is well known for the intensity and focus he brings to every project he undertakes.

John David Washington

John David Washington has made a significant impact in the film industry after starting his career in professional sports. He recently starred in a production of ‘The Piano Lesson’ and has engaged in classical training to enhance his craft. His performance in the film ‘Macbeth’ showed his ability to handle the challenging language of the Bard. Washington continues to seek out roles that push his boundaries as a classically trained performer.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a talented artist who received his training at Carnegie Mellon University. He has a long history of performing in the theater and has appeared in several Shakespearean productions. His training in the classics provided him with a strong vocal foundation and a deep understanding of dramatic structure. Porter is a celebrated performer who has achieved great success on Broadway and in television.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. graduated from Carnegie Mellon University where he studied the works of the Bard as part of the curriculum. He has appeared in various stage productions that showcase his ability to blend classical acting with modern sensibilities. His education emphasized the importance of storytelling and emotional connection in every performance. Odom has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry through his work in theater and film.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a versatile actor and playwright who has spent years honing his craft on the stage. He has appeared in numerous classical productions and is known for his incredible range as a performer. His training in the theater allowed him to develop a unique and compelling approach to character development. Domingo continues to receive critical acclaim for his work in both traditional and contemporary projects.

Michael Potts

Michael Potts is an alumnus of the Yale School of Drama and a veteran of the New York stage. He has performed in several Shakespearean plays including ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Richard III’. His classical training is evident in the precision and grace he brings to his theatrical roles. Potts is highly respected by his peers for his dedication to the craft of acting and his mastery of verse.

Earle Hyman

Earle Hyman was a legendary actor who was best known to the public for his television roles but had a massive career in the theater. He was a lifelong student of the works of the Bard and performed the role of Othello hundreds of times. Hyman also spent much of his time performing in Norway where he was celebrated for his classical performances. He remained a dedicated Shakespearean actor until the end of his long and illustrious life.

Moses Gunn

Moses Gunn was a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company and a highly respected classical actor. He earned critical praise for his portrayal of Othello and appeared in numerous Shakespearean dramas. His training and natural talent allowed him to become one of the most prominent Black actors of his era. Gunn is remembered for the power and dignity he brought to the stage during a pivotal time in American theater.

Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto was a versatile performer who began his career studying at the Actors Studio in New York. He performed the role of Othello early in his professional life and received great acclaim for his stage work. His classical training helped him develop a commanding presence that became his trademark in film and television. Kotto remained a passionate supporter of the theatrical arts throughout his distinguished career.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was a graduate of the Yale School of Drama where he received a rigorous education in the classics. He appeared in various Shakespearean productions before becoming a staple of prestigious television dramas. His training provided him with the discipline and vocal control necessary for his many authoritative roles. Reddick was widely admired for the intelligence and intensity he brought to every performance.

Grantham Coleman

Grantham Coleman is a graduate of the Juilliard School and has quickly made a name for himself in the world of classical theater. He has starred in productions of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Hamlet’ at major venues. His education focused on the intersection of physical movement and the delivery of traditional verse. Coleman is considered one of the most promising young classical actors of his generation.

Brandon J. Dirden

Brandon J. Dirden is a highly accomplished stage actor who has appeared in numerous productions of the Bard’s work. He has performed with the Shakespeare Theatre Company and other prestigious organizations across the country. His training in the classics allows him to bring a modern energy to traditional characters. Dirden continues to be a leading voice in the contemporary American theater scene.

John Douglas Thompson

John Douglas Thompson is widely considered one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the modern era. He has received numerous awards for his portrayals of iconic characters like Othello and Richard III. His training and dedication to the classics have earned him a reputation for excellence in the theatrical community. Thompson remains a dominant force on the stage and a mentor to aspiring classical performers.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. is a veteran of the stage who spent many years performing with the New York Shakespeare Festival. He appeared in multiple classical productions that helped him build a strong foundation for his later success. His training in the theater provided him with a unique set of skills for interpreting complex characters. Whitlock is well known for his work in television but remains deeply connected to his theatrical roots.

Seth Gilliam

Seth Gilliam is a graduate of the State University of New York at Purchase and has extensive experience in the theater. He has performed in various Shakespearean plays including a notable production of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ at the Public Theater. His training focused on the integration of classical techniques with a realistic acting style. Gilliam has successfully balanced a career in popular television series with regular returns to the stage.

Ato Blankson-Wood

Ato Blankson-Wood earned his Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama and has quickly risen in the theatrical world. He has starred in classical productions such as ‘Hamlet’ and ‘As You Like It’ to great critical acclaim. His education provided him with a deep understanding of the language and themes found in traditional literature. Blankson-Wood is recognized for the emotional depth and vocal clarity he brings to his performances.

Teagle F. Bougere

Teagle F. Bougere is a classically trained actor who has appeared in numerous productions for the New York Shakespeare Festival. He has performed in plays such as ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Coriolanus’ at the Delacorte Theater. His background in the theater has allowed him to develop a versatile and enduring career in the industry. Bougere remains a dedicated performer who values the timeless nature of the works he brings to life.

Please share your favorite performances from these classically trained actors in the comments.