Black Men/Silver Screen | The Distinguished Gentlemen

From the inception of film, there have been five dominant archetypes that have been prevalent and consistent for African-Americans. Author Donald Bogle wrote a book over 30 years ago called Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies & Bucks: An Interpretive History of Blacks in American Films. In an effort to clearly clarify the archetypes for the 21st Century, we introduce seven new Black Male Movie Archetypes, The Distinguished Gentleman, The Angry Black Man, The Class Clown, The Savior, The Emasculated Man, The Entertainer and The Lover.

The Distinguished Gentleman
Denzel Washington

For over 25 years, Denzel Washington has been the epitome of class on and off screen. In over 50 films, Washington’s career has been legendary, including five Oscar nominations (two wins) and countless memorable performances in films such as Malcolm X, Glory, A Soldier’s Story, Training Day, and many others. Although, critics will argue that Washington’s strong suit is not playing an everyman, there’s no denying his cinematic regal bearing and ability to inject stirring passion into every role he sinks his teeth into.

Up Next: Another potential Oscar turn as drug lord turned informant, Frank Lucas in American Gangster.

Cinematic Forefather
Sidney Poitier

In a career that spanned 50 years, Sidney Poitier blazed historic trails. Coming straight out of Cat Island, Bermuda, Poitier burst on the scene and forever changed the game for Black-leading men. Prior to Poitier’s arrival, black men played servants or second fiddle to array of White counterparts. But Poitier’s passion and determination, along with some outstanding acting, would not let him be denied. After riveting performances in films such as The Defiant Ones, Raisin in the Sun, Poitier became the first Black actor to win an Oscar for a leading role. In 1967, he released three highly successful films, In the Heat of the Night, To Sir, With Love, and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, ending the year as the top grossing actor in Hollywood. Poitier received an Honorary Oscar in 2002 and remains the platinum standard of excellence for all Black actors.

Next Generation
Will Smith

The actor formerly known as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Will Smith has made the transition from rapper and sitcom star to a bonifide heavyweight in Hollywood. In 15 short years, Smith has garnered A-list status defeating aliens (Independence Day and Men in Black), criminals (Bad Boys 1 & 2) and big bad George Foreman (Ali). His performances have garnered the kid from Philly two Oscar nominations as well as over $2.5 billion in box-office grosses for his films. In addition to his continuing influence in front of the camera, Smith has begun to exert his influence as a producer, relying on good judgment and an eye for picking scripts that accentuate his strengths and talents.

Up next: Last man on earth and vampire fighter in I Am Legend.