Black Man/Silver Screen | The Savior

Morgan Freeman

No actor has served as a cinematic problem solver more than respected, veteran actor Morgan Freeman. Whether playing a hardcore pimp (Street Smart), The Commander-in-Chief (Deep Impact) or even the Lord (Bruce Almighty), Freeman has consistently lived by the mantra, “there’s not a problem that he can’t fix.” Writer/director Nelson George once said that Freeman was the one actor that studios relied on to give their films balance and acting credibility. A four-time Oscar nominee and Best Actor winner for Million Dollar Baby, the 70-year Freeman has no plans to slow down with six films in production and seven more in development.

Up Next: Freeman gets his God complex on again in the comic sequel, Evan Almighty.

Cinematic Forefather
Ossie Davis


Actor, writer, director, and civil rights activist – Ossie Davis. His death in 2004 closed a groundbreaking 54-year chapter that found him quietly revolutionize Black film. Davis made his film debut in 1950 alongside Sidney Poitier in the drama, “No Way Out.” After starring in two notable 1960s films, A Man Called Adam and Gone Are the Days, Davis climbed into the director’s chair joining Melvin Van Peebles and Gordon Parks to form the modern Black Directors Trinity. Davis directed several 70s films including, Cotton Comes to Harlem, Black Girl and Gordon’s War. His career was revitalized beginning in the late 1980s, when he starred in a series of films for Spike Lee, School Daze, Do The Right Thing, Jungle Fever, Get on the Bus and She Hate Me. Known for his sage counsel on-screen, Davis contributions and body of work will not be forgotten.

Next Generation
Laurence Fishburne


One of the industry’s most versatile actors is cinematic everyman, Laurence Fishburne. Still in his mid 40s, Fishburne has been acting for over thirty years. He co-starred in the classic Vietnam film, Apocalypse Now, when he was 18. Other notable Fishburne films, include The Cotton Club, The Color Purple, School Daze, King of New York, Boyz ‘N the Hood and Deep Cover. He received an Oscar nomination for a terrifying turn as Ike Turner in What’s Love Got To Do With It? He was introduced to a new generation as Morpheus in the sci-fi classic trilogy, The Matrix. Last year, Fishburne produced and starred in the inspirational charged, Akeelah and the Bee.

Up Next: Fishburne lends his voice to comic book villain, The Silver Surfer, in The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.