# Don Cheadle

> American actor (born 1964)

**Wikidata**: [Q272019](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q272019)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Cheadle)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/don-cheadle

## Summary
Don Cheadle is an American actor, director, producer, and writer born in 1964, best known for his versatile performances in film, television, and voice acting. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Paul Snider in *Boogie Nights* (1997) and for his Academy Award-nominated performance in *Hotel Rwanda* (2004). His career spans a wide range of genres, from dramatic roles in films like *Devil in a Blue Dress* (1995) to comedic turns in the *Ocean’s* franchise, and he has also directed and produced projects such as *Miles Ahead* (2015).

## Biography
- Born: November 29, 1964
- Nationality: United States
- Education: California Institute of the Arts
- Known for: Acting in *Hotel Rwanda*, *Ocean's Eleven*, and directing *Miles Ahead*
- Employer(s): N/A (works as freelancer/contractor in film/TV)
- Field(s): Acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, voice acting

## Contributions
Don Cheadle has made significant contributions across multiple areas of the entertainment industry:
- **Film Acting**: Starred in critically acclaimed films such as *Hotel Rwanda* (2004), *Boogie Nights* (1997), *Devil in a Blue Dress* (1995), *Volcano* (1997), *Flight* (2012), and the *Ocean’s* film series.
- **Television Acting**: Appeared in series like *House of Lies* (2012–2016) and *Black Monday* (2019–2021), and had roles in shows such as *Picket Fences*.
- **Directing and Producing**: Directed and starred in *Miles Ahead* (2015), a biographical film about jazz legend Miles Davis, and produced the film *No Sudden Move* (2021).
- **Voice Acting**: Provided voice work in animated films and video games, including *Space Jam: A New Legacy* (2021).
- **Writing and Screenwriting**: Contributed to screenplays and authored works, including collaborations on biographical and historical narratives.
- **Awards and Recognition**: Received a Golden Globe nomination and was honored with various accolades for his humanitarian and artistic efforts.

## FAQs
### What are some of Don Cheadle’s most famous films?
Don Cheadle is best known for his roles in *Hotel Rwanda* (2004), *Ocean's Eleven* (2001), *Boogie Nights* (1997), *Devil in a Blue Dress* (1995), and *Flight* (2012). He also starred in and directed *Miles Ahead* (2015), a film about jazz musician Miles Davis.

### Has Don Cheadle worked in television?
Yes, Don Cheadle has had a significant television presence. He starred in the Showtime series *House of Lies* (2012–2016) and co-starred in the comedy-drama *Black Monday* (2019–2021). He also appeared in the drama series *Picket Fences*.

### What has Don Cheadle directed or produced?
He directed and starred in *Miles Ahead* (2015), a biographical film about Miles Davis. He also produced the 2021 crime thriller *No Sudden Move*, directed by Steven Soderbergh.

### What awards has Don Cheadle won?
Don Cheadle has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in *Hotel Rwanda*. He has also been recognized for his humanitarian efforts and contributions to cinema.

### Is Don Cheadle involved in any humanitarian causes?
Yes, Don Cheadle is known for his activism and humanitarian work, particularly through his involvement with The Sentry, a campaign focused on ending African conflict economies.

## Why They Matter
Don Cheadle has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry through his diverse and powerful performances, both in front of and behind the camera. His portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina in *Hotel Rwanda* brought global attention to the Rwandan genocide and elevated his status as a serious dramatic actor. As a director and producer, he has used his platform to tell important stories, such as the life of jazz icon Miles Davis in *Miles Ahead*. His work in television, including *House of Lies* and *Black Monday*, showcases his range and commitment to complex characters. Beyond entertainment, his activism and involvement in humanitarian causes, particularly in Africa, demonstrate his influence as a socially conscious public figure.

## Notable For
- Academy Award-nominated performance in *Hotel Rwanda* (2004)
- Role as Paul Snider in *Boogie Nights* (1997)
- Leadership role in the *Ocean's* film franchise
- Directorial debut with *Miles Ahead* (2015)
- Golden Globe Award nomination
- Television work in *House of Lies* and *Black Monday*
- Humanitarian activism, particularly with The Sentry campaign
- Voice acting in *Space Jam: A New Legacy* (2021)
- Production of *No Sudden Move* (2021)
- Advocacy for social justice and African conflict resolution

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Don Cheadle was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Denver, Colorado. He attended the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied drama and honed his craft in theater and performance. His early training laid the foundation for a career that would span film, television, and digital media.

### Acting Career
Don Cheadle's career began in the 1980s with roles in television and independent films. His breakthrough came with Carl Franklin’s *Devil in a Blue Dress* (1995), where he played the lead role of Easy Rawlins. This performance established him as a serious dramatic actor. His portrayal of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina in *Hotel Rwanda* (2004) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and brought global attention to the Rwandan genocide.

He became widely known for his role in the *Ocean’s* film series, beginning with *Ocean’s Eleven* (2001), where he played Basher Tarr. The franchise, which includes *Ocean’s Twelve* (2004) and *Ocean’s Thirteen* (2007), solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood. His versatility allowed him to take on both comedic and dramatic roles, including collaborations with directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Steven Soderbergh.

### Television Work
Don Cheadle expanded his career into television with a starring role in the Showtime series *House of Lies* (2012–2016), where he played Marty Kaan, a self-centered financial advisor. He also starred in the comedy-drama *Black Monday* (2019–2021), portraying a fictionalized version of the 1987 stock market crash. Earlier in his career, he appeared in the CBS drama *Picket Fences*, which earned him critical acclaim.

### Directing and Producing
In 2015, Don Cheadle made his directorial debut with *Miles Ahead*, a biographical film about jazz legend Miles Davis. In addition to directing, he starred as Davis and co-wrote the screenplay. The film was praised for its innovative portrayal of the musician’s life and legacy. He also produced the 2021 crime thriller *No Sudden Move*, directed by Steven Soderbergh, further showcasing his behind-the-camera talents.

### Writing and Screenwriting
Don Cheadle has contributed to screenplays and authored works that reflect his interests in history and social justice. His writing often intersects with his activism, particularly in projects that highlight underrepresented voices and global issues.

### Awards and Recognition
Don Cheadle has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for *Hotel Rwanda*. His work has been recognized by critics and audiences alike for its depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance.

### Humanitarian Work
Beyond his artistic contributions, Don Cheadle is deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. He is a prominent advocate for conflict resolution in Africa and works closely with The Sentry, a campaign dedicated to ending African conflict economies. His activism has taken him to various global forums, where he speaks on issues of human rights and social justice.

### Voice Acting and Other Media
Don Cheadle has lent his voice to animated films and video games, including *Space Jam: A New Legacy* (2021), where he played a fictionalized version of himself. His voice work extends to documentaries and educational content, where he uses his platform to raise awareness about global issues.

### Legacy and Influence
Don Cheadle’s influence extends beyond his filmography. He has become a symbol of integrity and activism in Hollywood, using his career to advocate for meaningful change. His work continues to inspire new generations of actors, directors, and producers to tell stories that matter.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Catalog of the German National Library
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. datos.bne.es
6. BlackPast.org
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. MusicBrainz
10. SNAC
11. filmportal.de
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Open Library
14. Global Conference 2022 - Speakers
15. IdRef
16. CONOR.SI
17. BBC Things
18. [Don" 't ask me google questions" Cheadle (@DonCheadle) / Twitter](https://twitter.com/DonCheadle)
19. The Movie Database
20. [Don Cheadle - Behind The Voice Actors](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Don-Cheadle/)
21. [Source](https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Don_Cheadle)
22. [Don Cheadle | Warner Bros. Wiki | Fandom](https://warnerbros.fandom.com/wiki/Don_Cheadle)
23. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Don_Cheadle-W66Y8)
24. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
25. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/don-cheadle-107a9GeoLw/appearances)