Don Cheadle is an American actor, director, and producer who has been active in the entertainment industry since the early 1990s. He was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Denver, Colorado.
Cheadle has been involved in several philanthropic and humanitarian causes. He is an advocate for environmental sustainability, serves as an ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, and has been involved in various campaigns to raise awareness about climate change and other environmental issues.
Don Cheadle is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation, and his contributions to the entertainment industry and humanitarian causes have made him a respected and influential figure both on and off the screen.
- Iron Man 2
Don Cheadle played the character of Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes in the movie Iron Man 2. Rhodes is a US Air Force officer and one of Tony Stark’s closest friends. He is also the liaison between Stark Industries and the military.
Rhodes takes on a more prominent role as he becomes the War Machine, donning a powerful suit of armor designed by Stark Industries. He uses this suit to help Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.) fight against Ivan Vanko, also known as Whiplash, who is a powerful villain with his own suit of armor.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Rhodes in Iron Man 2 adds depth and complexity to the character and sets the stage for his future appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Hotel Rwanda
Don Cheadle played the role of Paul Rusesabagina in the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda. The character is based on a real-life hotel manager who sheltered refugees during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Paul is a Hutu married to a Tutsi woman and has two children. He manages the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali, which is owned by a Belgian company. As the ethnic tensions in Rwanda escalate and the Hutu government incites violence against the Tutsi minority, Paul uses his position at the hotel to provide refuge and shelter for hundreds of Tutsi refugees.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda is widely praised for its authenticity, sensitivity, and emotional depth. The film raises important questions about genocide, human rights, and the role of individuals and institutions in times of crisis.
- House of Lies
Don Cheadle played the role of Marty Kaan in the TV series House of Lies, which aired from 2012 to 2016. Marty Kaan is a highly skilled management consultant who works for a firm called Galweather & Stearn. He leads a team of consultants who specialize in manipulating data, market research, and psychological analysis to help their clients achieve their business goals.
Kaan faces numerous challenges, both professional and personal. He must navigate the cutthroat world of corporate consulting, deal with the pressures of his job, and confront his own flaws and shortcomings. Despite his flaws, Kaan is often depicted as a sympathetic character who is ultimately driven by a desire to do what’s right for himself, his team, and his clients.
Cheadle’s performance as Marty Kaan in House of Lies earned him critical acclaim, including several award nominations. He is praised for his ability to bring nuance and depth to a complex character and for his skill in delivering rapid-fire dialogue and cutting humor.
- Miles Ahead
Don Cheadle played the role of Miles Davis in the 2015 film Miles Ahead, which he also co-wrote and directed. The film is a fictionalized portrayal of Davis’ life and career in the late 1970s.
Davis is portrayed as a brilliant but troubled jazz musician who has stopped playing and retreated from the public eye. He is haunted by memories of his past successes and struggles with drug addiction, as well as grief over the death of his first wife. When a Rolling Stone reporter (played by Ewan McGregor) shows up at his doorstep and offers to write a profile on him, Davis reluctantly agrees, but the encounter leads to a wild and dangerous adventure involving stolen recordings, gun-wielding thugs, and car chases.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Davis in Miles Ahead is widely praised for its authenticity and depth. He captures Davis’ unique musical style, his intense and mercurial personality, and his struggles with addiction and mental illness. Cheadle also showcases his talent as a musician, playing the trumpet himself in the film’s soundtrack.
Miles Ahead is a powerful tribute to Davis’ legacy as one of the most innovative and influential musicians of the 20th century. Cheadle’s performance is a standout and demonstrates his versatility as an actor and filmmaker.
- Iron Man 3
Don Cheadle played the character of Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes, also known as War Machine or Iron Patriot, in the 2013 film Iron Man 3. In this movie, Rhodes plays a pivotal role in the story as a close ally of Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.).
Rhodes is still working as a liaison between Stark Industries and the military, but he has also taken on the role of Iron Patriot, a heavily armed and armored suit designed by the military. Rhodes uses the Iron Patriot suit to help Stark fight against the Mandarin, a powerful terrorist who is responsible for a string of attacks on the United States.
Rhodes and Stark must work together to unravel the mystery behind the Mandarin’s attacks and stop him before he can cause any more harm.
Cheadle’s performance as Rhodes in Iron Man 3 builds on his previous portrayals of the character in the earlier Iron Man films. He brings a sense of humor and charisma to the role, and his chemistry with Downey Jr. is a highlight of the film. Overall, Rhodes plays an important role in Iron Man 3 and adds depth and complexity to the film’s story and characters.
- Space Jam: A New Legacy
Don Cheadle played the role of Al-G Rhythm in the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy. Al-G Rhythm is an artificial intelligence algorithm that is the main antagonist of the film.
Al-G Rhythm is the mastermind behind the digital world known as the Serververse, which is where he has imprisoned LeBron James’ son Dom. Al-G Rhythm is a manipulative and power-hungry character who wants to use Dom’s skills to create the ultimate basketball game and showcase his own abilities to the world.
Al-G Rhythm tries to persuade LeBron to join forces with him, but LeBron refuses and instead assembles a team of Looney Tunes characters to play against Al-G Rhythm’s team. This leads to a high-stakes basketball game where the fate of Dom and the Looney Tunes characters hangs in the balance.
Cheadle’s performance as Al-G Rhythm in Space Jam: A New Legacy is praised for its energy and intensity. He brings a sense of menace and danger to the character, as well as a playful and sarcastic tone. Despite being a villain, Al-G Rhythm is also portrayed as a sympathetic character with a tragic backstory, which adds complexity to his character.
- Ocean’s Thirteen
Don Cheadle played the character of Basher Tarr in the 2007 film Ocean’s Thirteen. Basher Tarr is a British explosives expert and a member of Danny Ocean’s (played by George Clooney) team of professional thieves.
Basher and the rest of the team are plotting a revenge heist against a casino owner named Willy Bank (played by Al Pacino). Bank has double-crossed one of their own, Reuben Tishkoff (played by Elliott Gould), and the team decides to teach him a lesson by ruining the opening night of his new casino in Las Vegas.
Basher’s role in the heist is to create a series of elaborate explosions that will cause a power outage in the casino and allow the team to break into the Bank’s vault. He is also responsible for creating a fake earthquake to cover up their escape.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Basher Tarr in Ocean’s Thirteen is praised for its humor and wit. He speaks in a thick Cockney accent and is known for his creative use of slang and metaphors. Despite his tough exterior, Basher is also shown to have a soft spot for his fellow team members and is willing to risk his own safety for their sake.
- Captain America: Civil War
Don Cheadle played the character of Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes, also known as War Machine, in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War. In this movie, Rhodey is a supporting character and a member of the Avengers team.
Rhodey is torn between his loyalty to his friend Tony Stark/Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jr.) and his duty as a soldier. He ultimately sides with Iron Man in the debate over the Sokovia Accords, a UN agreement that would regulate the actions of superheroes.
Rhodey participates in several key battles between the pro-registration and anti-registration factions of the Avengers. He also has several interactions with other characters, including Steve Rogers/Captain America (played by Chris Evans) and T’Challa/Black Panther (played by Chadwick Boseman).
Cheadle’s performance as Rhodey in Captain America: Civil War showcases the character’s loyalty, bravery, and sense of duty. He brings a level of gravitas and emotional weight to the role. Rhodey is an important part of the ensemble cast of Captain America: Civil War, and Cheadle’s performance is a key part of the film’s success.
- Avengers: Infinity War
Don Cheadle played the character of Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes, also known as War Machine, in the 2018 film Avengers: Infinity War. In this movie, Rhodey is a key member of the Avengers team and plays an important role in the story.
Rhodey works with the other Avengers to stop the villain Thanos (played by Josh Brolin) from acquiring the six Infinity Stones, powerful artifacts that would allow him to wipe out half the universe with a snap of his fingers. Rhodey participates in several key battles against Thanos and his forces, including a fight in Wakanda against a massive army of alien invaders.
Cheadle’s performance as Rhodey in Avengers: Infinity War builds on his previous portrayals of the character in the earlier Marvel Cinematic Universe films. He brings a sense of humor, bravery, and his chemistry with the other actors is a highlight of the film. Rhodey is a beloved and integral part of the Avengers team in Avengers: Infinity War, and Cheadle’s performance is a key part of the film’s success.
- Avengers: Endgame
Don Cheadle played the character of Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes, also known as War Machine, in the 2019 film Avengers: Endgame. In this movie, Rhodey is a key member of the Avengers team and plays a pivotal role in the story.
Rhodey is one of the few remaining Avengers after the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War. He works with the other surviving heroes to come up with a plan to undo the damage caused by the villain Thanos (played by Josh Brolin) and restore the universe to its previous state.
Cheadle’s performance as Rhodey in Avengers: Endgame builds on his previous portrayals of the character in the earlier Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Rhodey is an integral part of the Avengers team in Avengers: Endgame and Cheadle’s performance is a key part of the film’s success.
- The Guard
Don Cheadle played the character of FBI agent Wendell Everett in the 2011 film The Guard. The film is a black comedy crime thriller set in rural Ireland and follows the story of an unconventional police officer named Sergeant Gerry Boyle (played by Brendan Gleeson) who becomes involved in a drug-smuggling operation.
Cheadle’s character, Everett, is sent to Ireland to investigate drug trafficking and to work alongside Boyle. Everett is a by-the-book FBI agent who initially clashes with Boyle due to their different approaches to police work. However, as the investigation progresses, the two men develop mutual respect and work together to bring down the criminals.
Cheadle’s performance as Everett in The Guard showcases the actor’s versatility and talent for both dramatic and comedic roles. He brings a level of gravitas to the character, while also playing off Gleeson’s comedic energy in their scenes together. Everett is an important part of the story of The Guard.
- Traitor
Don Cheadle played the character of Samir Horn in the 2008 film Traitor. The film is a spy thriller that follows the story of Horn, a former U.S. Army Special Forces operative who becomes a suspected terrorist.
Horn is a complex character who is torn between his loyalty to his Muslim faith and his American identity. After being imprisoned in Yemen, he becomes involved with a terrorist organization and participates in attacks against American targets.
Cheadle’s performance as Horn in Traitor is powerful and nuanced. He brings a sense of vulnerability and inner conflict to the character, as well as a fierce determination to do what he believes is right. He also navigates the complicated moral questions raised by the film’s plot with skill and sensitivity.
- No Sudden Move
Don Cheadle played the character of Curt Goynes in the 2021 film No Sudden Move. The film is a crime thriller set in 1950s Detroit and follows a group of criminals who are hired to steal a document from a wealthy businessman’s home.
Goynes is one of the criminals hired for the job. He is a small-time thief with a quick wit and a rough exterior, who is brought in to provide muscle and help keep the other criminals in line.
Cheadle’s performance as Goynes is intense and captivating. He brings a sense of danger and unpredictability to the character, as well as a surprising depth and vulnerability. Despite his tough exterior, Goynes is revealed to have a complex past and a sense of honor that drives his actions.
- Crash
Don Cheadle played the character of Detective Graham Waters in the 2004 film Crash. The film is a drama that explores issues of race and prejudice in contemporary Los Angeles and follows multiple characters whose lives intersect over the course of two days.
Waters is a police detective who is dealing with personal and professional challenges. He is struggling with drug addiction, dealing with a difficult relationship with his mother, and trying to navigate the racial tensions and corruption within the police department. As he investigates a hit-and-run accident, he begins to uncover a web of interrelated stories that illustrate the complexity of race relations in modern society.
Cheadle’s performance as Waters is powerful and nuanced. He brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the character, as well as a fierce determination to do what is right. His struggles with addiction and his complicated relationships with the people in his life add a level of emotional depth and complexity to the story of Crash.
- Reign Over Me
Don Cheadle played the character of Alan Johnson in the 2007 film Reign Over Me. The film is a drama that explores themes of grief, loss, and friendship, and follows the story of two former college roommates who are reunited years later.
Johnson is a successful dentist who is struggling with his own personal and professional challenges. He is dealing with a difficult marriage, a strained relationship with his children, and a sense of dissatisfaction with his life. When he runs into his old friend Charlie Fineman, who is struggling with severe depression following the loss of his family in the 9/11 attacks, Johnson becomes drawn into a complicated and emotional journey of friendship and healing.
Cheadle’s performance as Johnson is powerful and understated. He brings a sense of warmth and empathy to the character, as well as a subtle sense of inner turmoil and conflict. His struggles to balance his responsibilities to his family and his desire to help his friend provide a sense of emotional depth and complexity to the story of Reign Over Me.
- Out Of Sight
Don Cheadle played the character of Maurice “Snoopy” Miller in the 1998 crime film Out of Sight. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Elmore Leonard and, follows the story of a bank robber named Jack Foley, who escapes from prison and goes on the run with a U.S. Marshal named Karen Sisco.
Snoopy is a criminal associate of Foley, and the two have a long-standing history together. Snoopy is a violent and unpredictable character, with a quick temper and a penchant for using weapons. He becomes involved in a plan to rob a wealthy businessman named Ripley, and things quickly spiral out of control.
Cheadle’s performance as Snoopy is intense and gripping. He brings a sense of danger and menace to the character, as well as a surprising level of depth and nuance. Despite his violent tendencies, Snoopy is also shown to have a vulnerable side, with a desire for respect and recognition within the criminal world.
- Black Monday
Don Cheadle played the character of Maurice “Mo” Monroe in the Showtime series Black Monday. The show is a dark comedy that takes place in the world of Wall Street in the late 1980s and follows the story of a group of traders who are involved in a major stock market crash.
Mo is the head of a small trading firm called the Jammer Group, and he is a charismatic and ruthless figure who will stop at nothing to make money. He is a master manipulator, and he uses his intelligence and cunning to stay one step ahead of his competitors and his enemies.
Cheadle’s performance as Mo is dynamic and engaging. He brings a sense of energy and charisma to the character, as well as a dark sense of humor and a willingness to push boundaries. Despite his questionable ethics and his willingness to engage in illegal activities, Mo is also shown to have a vulnerable side, with a deep sense of loyalty to his friends and colleagues.
- The Golden Palace
Don Cheadle made a guest appearance in the sitcom “The Golden Palace”, which is a spin-off of the popular show “The Golden Girls”. He appeared in the first season of the show as Roland Wilson, the brother of one of the main characters, Roland Wilson.
Roland is a businessman who comes to the Golden Palace hotel to meet his sister Blanche, who has purchased the hotel along with her friends Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia. Roland initially appears as a suave and charming figure, but he is soon revealed to be a con artist who is trying to scam his sister out of money.
Cheadle’s performance as Roland is entertaining and engaging. He brings a sense of charm and humor to the character, as well as a sly sense of mischief. Roland is also shown to have a vulnerable side, with a desire to reconnect with his sister and make amends for his past mistakes.
- Flight
Don Cheadle played the character of Hugh Lang in the 2012 drama film “Flight”. Hugh is a lawyer who represents the airline pilot, Whip Whitaker (Denzel Washington), who is being investigated for his actions during a flight that goes awry.
As the investigation into Whip’s actions becomes more complicated, Hugh becomes more involved in the case and starts to question his own ethical and moral beliefs. Cheadle portrays this conflict with skill and sensitivity, highlighting the character’s struggles and inner turmoil.
Hugh is a well-drawn and complex character, and Cheadle’s performance adds an important level of depth and complexity to the story of “Flight”. His portrayal of the character is a testament to his talent and range as an actor and adds an important layer of emotional resonance to the film.
- A Lesson Before Dying
Don Cheadle played the character of Grant Wiggins in the 1999 TV film “A Lesson Before Dying”, based on the novel of the same name by Ernest J. Gaines. Grant is a schoolteacher in a small, racially segregated Louisiana town in the 1940s, who is tasked with teaching a young Black man named Jefferson (Mekhi Phifer) who has been wrongly accused of murder and sentenced to death.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Grant is complex and layered, showing the character’s struggles with his own sense of identity and purpose. Grant is initially presented as a disillusioned and jaded figure, who is frustrated with his own lack of agency and power in a society that is deeply racist and unjust. However, as he begins to connect with Jefferson and work towards helping him find a sense of dignity and purpose in his final days, Grant starts to re-evaluate his own beliefs and priorities.
Cheadle brings a sense of intelligence and sensitivity to the character, highlighting his own inner turmoil and conflicts. He captures Grant’s sense of anger and frustration with a society that has failed him, as well as his deep compassion and empathy for those who are suffering around him.
- The Family Man
Don Cheadle played the character of Cash in the 2000 romantic drama film “The Family Man”. Cash is an angel who serves as a kind of guide and mentor to the main character, Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage).
Cash appears to Jack in a series of dreams and visions, offering him a glimpse of what his life could have been like if he had made different choices in his past. Cheadle’s performance adds a sense of magic and wonders to these scenes, highlighting the character’s sense of playfulness and humor.
Cash becomes more involved in Jack’s life, offering him guidance and support as he struggles to come to terms with his own sense of regret and longing. Cheadle’s portrayal of the character adds an important layer of emotional resonance to the story of “The Family Man”, highlighting the power of faith and hope to transform lives.
- Brooklyn’s Finest
Don Cheadle played the character of Clarence “Tango” Butler in the 2009 crime drama film “Brooklyn’s Finest”. Tango is an undercover police officer who has been working for years to infiltrate a drug organization in the Brooklyn housing projects.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Tango is intense and emotionally charged. The character is constantly struggling to maintain his cover and keep his true identity hidden, while also dealing with the moral ambiguity of his job and the violence that surrounds him.
Tango becomes more deeply embroiled in the criminal underworld, putting his life and the lives of those around him in danger. Cheadle’s performance captures the character’s sense of desperation and fear, as well as his unshakeable sense of loyalty to his fellow officers.
- Traffic
Don Cheadle played the character of Montel Gordon in the 2000 crime drama film “Traffic”. Montel is an undercover DEA agent tasked with infiltrating a major drug cartel in Southern California.
Montel is a man caught between his duty as a law enforcement officer and his sense of compassion for those he is targeting, and Cheadle’s performance captures that struggle perfectly.
Montel becomes increasingly embroiled in the drug trade, and his mission becomes more dangerous and complex. Cheadle’s performance captures the character’s sense of determination and grit, as well as his vulnerability and humanity.
- Colors
Don Cheadle played the character of Rocket in the 1988 crime drama film “Colors”. Rocket is a member of a street gang called the Bloods, who are in conflict with another gang, the Crips, in Los Angeles.
Cheadle brings a sense of authenticity and realism to the role, highlighting the character’s sense of desperation and fear. Rocket is a young man caught up in a world of violence and crime, and Cheadle’s performance captures the character’s sense of confusion and uncertainty.
Rocket becomes increasingly involved in the gang conflict, and his loyalty is tested. Cheadle’s performance highlights the character’s sense of humanity and his desire to do the right thing, even in the midst of chaos and violence.
- Manic
Don Cheadle played the character of Dr. David Monroe in the 2001 independent drama film “Manic”. Dr. Monroe is a therapist who works in a juvenile mental health facility where he meets a troubled teenager named Lyle, who is struggling with anger and violence issues.
Cheadle’s portrayal of Dr. Monroe is compassionate and understanding. He is patient and caring with his patients, but also firm and direct when needed. He is a dedicated therapist who truly wants to help his patients.
Dr. Monroe becomes increasingly involved in Lyle’s treatment, and his own methods and approaches are questioned. Cheadle’s performance highlights the character’s sense of frustration and determination to help his patient.
- After the Sunset
Don Cheadle played the character of Henri Mooré in the 2004 heist film “After the Sunset”. Henri is an FBI agent who has been investigating the main characters of the film, Max and Lola, for a long time. Max and Lola are professional jewel thieves who have retired to an idyllic island in the Bahamas after their last big heist.
Cheadle’s performance brings a sense of intensity and depth to the character of Henri. He imbues the character with a sense of authority and power but also shows a more vulnerable side when he is confronted with personal and emotional issues.
Henri becomes more involved in Max and Lola’s lives, and the lines between good and evil become blurred. Cheadle’s performance captures the character’s increasing sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, as he struggles with his own personal beliefs and the demands of his job.
- The Meteor Man
Don Cheadle’s character in “The Meteor Man” is a villain named “Goldilocks”. The 1993 superhero comedy film was written and directed by Robert Townsend and stars Townsend in the titular role as a schoolteacher named Jefferson Reed who gains superhuman powers after being struck by a meteorite.
Goldilocks is a member of a gang called “The Golden Lords”, who terrorize the community where Jefferson lives. Goldilocks is the right-hand man of the gang’s leader, Simon Caine, played by Roy Fegan. Goldilocks is a tough, street-smart criminal who is not afraid to use violence to get what he wants. He is often seen wearing gold jewelry and flashy clothing, hence his nickname.
Goldilocks and the Golden Lords are the main antagonists who constantly clash with Meteor Man as he tries to protect his neighborhood from their destructive activities. Don Cheadle’s performance as Goldilocks was praised by critics for his menacing and charismatic portrayal of the villain.
- Picket Fences
Don Cheadle played the role of “D.A. John Littleton” in the TV drama series “Picket Fences”. The show aired from 1992 to 1996 and was created by David E. Kelley.
John Littleton was a district attorney who came to Rome, Wisconsin, to take over the office after the previous DA died. He was a talented prosecutor who was determined to make a name for himself in his new position. Littleton was also a black man in a predominantly white town, which often put him at odds with some of the residents.
John Littleton’s character became more complex, and he was shown to have a troubled past. He had a history of drug abuse and had spent time in prison before turning his life around and becoming a lawyer. Littleton struggled to keep his past hidden, and it was a constant source of tension in his personal and professional life.
Don Cheadle’s portrayal of John Littleton was praised by critics, who commended his nuanced performance and the way he portrayed the character’s struggles with his past and present. He appeared in 18 episodes of the series, and his performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1994.
- Rosewood
Don Cheadle played the lead role of “Mann” in the historical drama film “Rosewood” directed by John Singleton. The film was released in 1997 and is based on the real-life events of the Rosewood massacre, which took place in 1923 in Florida.
Mann is a World War I veteran who has settled in Rosewood, a small and predominantly black town in Florida. He works as a piano player and has a reputation as a ladies’ man. Mann is a quiet and reserved man who tries to avoid confrontation and keep to himself.
The film follows Mann’s experiences during the Rosewood massacre, in which a white mob attacked and burned down the town, killing many of its residents. Mann becomes an unlikely hero as he tries to help his fellow townspeople and protect them from the violence.
Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Mann was praised by critics for his understated and powerful performance. He brought depth and complexity to the character, portraying him as a man who is haunted by his past experiences in the war and struggles to find a place in a world that is hostile towards him. Cheadle’s performance in the film was widely regarded as one of his best and earned him critical acclaim.
- Mission To Mars
Don Cheadle played the role of “Luke Graham” in the 2000 science-fiction film “Mission to Mars,” directed by Brian De Palma.
Luke Graham is a mission specialist and part of the first manned mission to Mars. Along with his crewmates, he sets out to explore the Red Planet but faces unexpected challenges along the way. Early in the mission, their landing module is damaged, and they lose contact with Earth. As they struggle to survive on the barren planet, they uncover mysterious structures and artifacts that suggest the possibility of life on Mars.
Don Cheadle’s performance in “Mission to Mars” was praised for its depth and nuance, as he brought both emotional vulnerability and a commanding presence to his role. His portrayal of Luke Graham added emotional weight to the film’s tense and thrilling plot, and helped to make the character one of the most memorable aspects of the movie.