Charles Dutton

Charles S. Dutton is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama, acclaimed for his compelling work across theater, television, and film. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Dutton encountered significant challenges in his youth, including time spent in prison for various offenses. It was during his incarceration that he discovered a profound passion for acting, participating in a prison drama program. Following his release, he pursued and completed formal acting education at Yale.

Dutton's theater career is marked by his creation of lead roles in three of August Wilson's early plays: "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," "Jo Turner's Come and Gone," and "The Piano Lesson." His performance in both "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "The Piano Lesson" on Broadway earned him Tony Award nominations for Best Actor. He also starred in the television film adaptation of "The Piano Lesson," which brought him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He has appeared in a wide array of television series, including significant roles in "The Murder of Mary Phagan," "The 60's," "Deadlock," and "Aftershock," as well as episodes of "House," "The Sopranos," and "Oz." Dutton won Emmy Awards for his guest roles in "Without a Trace" and "The Practice."

In his television career, Dutton gained substantial recognition playing the title character in the Fox comedy/drama "Roc," portraying a diligent garbage collector in Baltimore. This role highlighted working-class life and offered social and political commentary, distinguishing "Roc" in early 1990s television. Additionally, he produced this series, which earned him several NAACP Image Award nominations. He also acted and directed in "The Corner," an Emmy-winning miniseries about life in a drug-ravaged neighborhood.

Dutton's film roles span a range of characters, from authority figures to emotionally complex individuals, in movies such as "Alien 3," "Rudy," "Menace II Society," and "Cry, the Beloved Country." His directorial talents extend to films and television, including the HBO movie "First Time Felon," the award-winning HBO miniseries "The Corner," the Paramount film "Against the Ropes," and the Lifetime movie "Racing for Time."

Recently, Dutton has continued to expand his filmography with roles in "The Express," "Fame," and "Legion." He also starred in the Sundance selection "LUV" and directed the pilot "Under" for A&E. His journey from a troubled past through Yale to a successful career in acting and directing remains a testament to his resilience and determination.