Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle (born Donald Frank Cheadle Jr.) is an actor, producer and activist best known for his Oscar-nominated performance in Hotel Rwanda, his role as War Machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cheadle was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and spent much of his childhood moving with his family before settling in Colorado. While in high school, he played the saxophone and participated in theater productions, graduating in 1982 before going on to attend the California Institute of the Arts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theater in 1986.

After launching his career in the 1980s with roles in Hamburger Hill (1987) and Colors (1988), Cheadle gained industry attention throughout the 1990s with standout performances in Devil in a Blue Dress (1995), Rosewood (1997), Boogie Nights (1997) and Bulworth (1998). He later became a frequent collaborator of director Steven Soderbergh, appearing in films including Out of Sight (1998), Traffic (2000) and the Ocean’s franchise, helping establish him as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after character actors.

Cheadle received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda (2004) and later earned acclaim for television roles including House of Lies, Black Monday and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He also ventured into directing with projects including Miles Ahead (2015) and episodes of House of Lies. Throughout his career, he has received two Golden Globe Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Tony Award, along with multiple Emmy nominations.

Cheadle has been in a long-term relationship with actress and entrepreneur Bridgid Coulter since 1992. After nearly three decades together, the couple married during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. They share two daughters: Ayana (born in 1995) and Imani (born in 1997).