Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle (Donald Frank Cheadle Jr.), born November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American screen artist celebrated for his range across drama, comedy, and blockbuster franchises. Over a career spanning decades, he has earned major industry recognition, collecting multiple top awards and nominations across film, television, and music—placing him among the rare performers with near-EGOT stature.

He broke through with standout supporting work in films such as Colors (as Rocket) and later gained momentum in projects including Out of Sight (as Maurice “Snoopy” Miller) and The Assassination of Richard Nixon (as Bonny Simmons). A key creative partnership with director Steven Soderbergh helped cement his profile, notably via the Ocean’s series, where he played fan-favorite Basher Tarr in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen.

Cheadle delivered one of his most acclaimed performances portraying Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda, a role that brought him major awards attention. He also expanded behind the camera as a producer on Crash, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Cheadle joined Iron Man 2 as Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes, becoming the face of War Machine for a new generation. On television, his leading roles have continued to draw acclaim, underscoring a career defined by versatility and impact.