10 Actors Who Should Portray Martin Luther King Jr.
Over the years, many actors have been given the task of porting the legendary civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Whether on stage or on-screen, many actors have struggled to successfully portray the multifaceted King, whose life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet. However, there have also been many portrayals of King that have left audiences amazed at the actor’s ability to resurrect King. In the 2014, David Oyelowo breathed new life into King when he portrayed him in the film Selma. However, with another King centered film in the works, and a legacy that will live on forever, there will likely be many more opportunities for actors who would like to take on the challenge. Here are 10 actors who should portray Martin Luther King Jr.
10. Cuba Gooding Jr.
Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has had an extremely successful career over the last three decades. Gooding Jr’s resume includes numerous starring roles on both the big and small screen. His ability to capture an audience without any over-the-top antics would make him a great fit for the role of the legendary Martin Luther King Jr.
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9. Idris Elba
Idris Elba has taken the acting world by storm over the last several years. The Britain based actor has earned numerous awards and nominations throughout his career including a 2014 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie. With a resume that includes a role as the revolutionary South African leader, Nelson Mandela, Idris Elba already knows how to successfully embody the leader of a movement.
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8. Omar Epps
Throughout his career, Omar Epps has proven time and time again that he can take on any role he is given. From the role of basketball superstar, Quincy McCall in the 2000 film, Love and Basketball, to his role as agent Bellamy in the NBC series, Resurrection, Epps has managed to attract a diverse audience of fans. Although taking on the role of Martin Luther King Jr. may be different from anything Epps has ever done before, his track record proves that he would be able to pull it of.
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7. Blair Underwood
Over the last thirty years, Blair Underwood has built up an impressive acting resume that has featured numerous film and television roles. However, away from the camera, Underwood has worked hard to contribute to the black community. With his combination of incredible acting skills and real life activism, Underwood could bring a very unique perspective to the role of Martin Luther King Jr.
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6. Anthony Mackie
Actor Anthony Mackie is a classically trained actor who isn’t afraid to take on a variety of roles. In 2002, he made his film debut as Eminem’s rap rival in the film 8 Mile. Since then, Mackie has appeared in several popular films including Million Dollar Baby and The Hurt Locker. Mackie’s commanding on-screen presence and his captivating voice would make him very believable in the role of Martin Luther King Jr.
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5. Wood Harris
Wood Harris may not be the most well-known actor in the business, but he is certainly very talented. Although Harris is best-known for his role on the popular HBO series, The Wire, he has more than 30 acting credits to his name. Throughout his career, Harris has displayed a wealth of talent that has proven that there are very few roles that he can’t successfully take on.
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4. Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor gained mainstream fame for his portrayal of Solomon Northup in the 2013 period drama, 12 Years a Slave. Although some may have a hard time separating Ejiofor from his award-winning role, many of his fans feel like as if they sky is the limit for the 37 year-old London native. Ejiofor, who was also in the 1997 film, Amistad, is definitely not a stranger to taking on roles that help raise social awareness.
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3. Don Cheadle
Golden Globe winning actor, Don Cheadle has been very success for more than 30 years. Over the course of his career, Cheadle has appeared on several movie rules that have discussed civil rights within the black community. In 1997, Cheadle had a starring role in the film Rosewood, which told the story of the destruction of an all-black community in Florida during the early 1920s. Cheadle also starred in the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda which focused on the Rwandan genocide of 1994. In 2007, Cheadle was cast in the starring role of Emmy Award-winning radio host Ralph ‘Petey’ Green Jr. in the film Talk to Me.
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2. Chi McBride
Chi McBridge has had a successful career in both TV and film productions. Well-known for his roles in TV series such as Boston Public and Pushing Daises, McBride’s commanding confidence has helped him win the hearts of millions of fans. In 2011, McBride appeared on an episode of Celebrity Ghost Stories in which he discussed an experience he had in 1988 which led him to go to the cite of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination where he then experienced psychic visions of the slain civil rights leader.
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1. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is perhaps one of the most well-known actors of his generation. Many believe that there isn’t a role that Washington can’t play, and at 60 years old, the role of Martin Luther King Jr. may be a great opportunity for Washington to show fans that he is still capable of delivering compelling dramatic performances. However, the chances of Washington actually being cast in the role are very slim as he’s already portrayed fellow civil rights leader, Malcolm X in the 1992 self-titled film.
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