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.

Black Men/Silver Screen | The Angry Black Man

Samuel L. Jackson

Nobody in Hollywood can go from zero to sixty on the anger meter like Samuel L. Jackson. The native of the Nation’s Capitol has made his name, and built his career, with a string of high intensity, loud and sometime profane, yet effective performances. Jackson’s first big break came as a dancing, strung out crack addict in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever. Several years later, his scripture-quoting, gun-toting hitman, Jules, brought Jackson A-List status and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Subsequently, in over 100 films, Jackson has played an array of both good and bad characters, plus has had his persona spoofed by Dave Chapelle. But one thing has remained constant; he still mad as hell and he definitely will let you know he won’t take it anymore

Up Next: Jackson plays a homeless who was a former boxing legend in Resurrecting the Champ and a knowledgeable hotel manager in the thriller, 1408.

Cinematic Forefather
Jim Brown

During the heights of the civil rights movements, Hollywood was struggling with Black actors’ transitions into unfamiliar roles. Much like the philosophies of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X differed; Jim Brown style was seen as the antithesis of Sidney Poitier. Where Poitier was poised and smooth, Brown’s performances hit audiences with the power of the fist of fury. In The Dirty Dozen, Brown held it down among a cast of some of the biggest actors of his time. He made cinematic history in 1969’s 100 Rifles, when he became the first actor of color to have a love scene with a woman outside of his race (Raquel Welch) on-screen. Known primarily for his starring roles in 1970’s Black action films and numerous TV guest appearances, Brown’s legacy as arguably the greatest running back in football history and the first Black action star is secure.

Next Generation
Tyrese Gibson

After an inauspicious start featuring small guest spots on TV sitcoms and a short career as MTV VJ, Tyrese Gibson’s big break came in the John Singleton film, Baby Boy. Gibson portrayed a young man struggling with his immaturity and irresponsibility, while living at home. In subsequent films, Gibson has honed this quality of a slightly flawed man who when provoked quickly reaches his boiling point. Gibson starred in a string of films where adversaries that got on his bad side were quick to feel his cinematic wrath. While his experience is limited, it will be interesting to watch how Gibson’s career continues to evolve.

Up Next: Gibson stars in the CGI summer blockbuster, Transformers and will star in superhero film, Luke Cage.

Black Men/Silver Screen | The Class Clown

Eddie Murphy

For over 25 years, Eddie Murphy has consistently made people laugh at his collection of various characters. From his legendary run on Saturday Night Live to becoming the largest box-office star of his generation, Murphy was, is and continues to be a comic trailblazer. His films have grossed over $3 billion and earlier this year, he received his first Oscar nomination for his incredible dramatic work in Dreamgirls. Murphy has reinvented himself into a family friendly movie star with his hilarious portrayal of Donkey in the Shrek trilogy. Although, Murphy’s films don’t always hit their mark, one thing is for certain that he has and will continue to inspire all subsequent comics.

Up Next: Axel Foley returns to familiar ground in the fourth installment of Beverly Hills Cop, due in 2008.

Cinematic Forefather
Richard Pryor

If Murphy is his generation’s biggest comic star, then here’s the man that he needs to pay homage to for the rest of his days, none other than the King, Richard Pryor. Beginning with a sensational dramatic performance in the Oscar-nominated film, Lady Sings the Blues, Pryor appeared in a succession of memorable films during the 1970s which included, The Mack, Uptown Saturday Night, Car Wash, Silver Streak, Greased Lightning, Which Way Is Up, Blue Collar and The Wiz. In 1980, Pryor starred in Stir Crazy, the first film directed by a Black director, Sidney Poitier, to gross over $100 million. Due to illness, Pryor appeared sporadically in films, but his large comic legend continues to live on.

Next Generation
Dave Chappelle

Although he does not currently boast the body of work of either Murphy or Pryor, Dave Chappelle is the heir to their cinematic comedy throne. Born with a comic’s fearlessness, Chappelle has created a series of memorable characters in his sketch comedy and on the big screen. He first gained notoriety as a foul-mouth comedian who mercilessly heckles Sherman Klump in The Nutty Professor. Chappelle also starred overly suspicious Conspiracy Brother in the spy comedy spoof, Undercover Brother. Along with his writing partner, Neal Brennan, he created the hilarious weed classic, Half Baked. Chappelle took a break from the big-screen to create “The Dave Chappelle Show,” which ran for two short seasons.

Up Next: Currently, Chappelle has no projects in development

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.

Black Men/Silver Screen | The Emasculated Man

Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Since winning a Best Supporting Actor for Jerry Maguire, Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s career has been stalled in neutral. After giving solid performances in early films, Boyz ‘N the Hood and A Few Good Men, Gooding’s performance as football player Rod Tidwell won him the industry’s highest honor. What happened next to “Mr. Show Me the Money” was one bad decision followed after another. Aside from Men of Honor and Radio, Gooding appeared in a succession of two title bombs including, Chill Factor, Rat Race, Snow Dogs and Boat Trip. With an opportunity to play meatier roles in independent films, Dirty and Shadowboxer, Gooding seeks to reclaim his long-lost acting respect. The jury is still out after a throwaway performance in Norbit.

Up Next: Gooding takes over for Eddie Murphy in the comedy, Daddy Day Camp and plays drug lord Nicky Barnes in the November release, American Gangster.

Cinematic Forefather
Howard Rollins, Jr.

As Sidney Poitier was entering into the twilight of his fabulous career and before Denzel Washington’s rise to prominence, Howard Rollins developed quite a reputation as the “next” Black leading man. This Baltimore, Maryland native’s big break came when he was cast as Coalhouse Walker in the 1981 film, Ragtime. Rollins was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar and Golden Globe for his performance. His final important big screen performance was role in A Soldier’s Story. Playing a Black Army Captain investigating a murder mystery, Rollins’ understated passionate performance would be his career apex. Ironically, Rollins was cast as Detective Virgil Tibbs in the TV show, In the Heat of the Night, a role that Poitier had originated twenty years earlier. Rollins died prematurely from complications from lymphoma in 1996.

Next Generation
Nick Cannon

In the past seven years, Nick Cannon has emerged from under the proverbial radar to become one of the industry rising stars. Cannon shot to stardom initially as a writer for Kenan & Kel, but soon had his own show. The success of The Nick Cannon Show had Hollywood seeking out his talent. He starred in several moderately successful films, including Drumline, Love Don’t Cost A Thing, Roll Bounce and Underclassman. In addition to performing and producing music, this 26-year old multi-faceted entertainer, has explored sketch comedy producing the MTV show, "Wild ‘N Out" and "Short Circuitz."

Up Next: Cannon appears in the horror sequel, Day of the Dead.

Black Men/Silver Screen | The Entertainer

Jamie Foxx

It may have taken him a minute to get started, but once Jamie Foxx figured it out he quickly established himself as one of the industry’s most effective multi-talented performers. From 1992 to 1998, Foxx starred in one forgettable movie after another. His big break came in 1999’s Any Given Sunday. Playing “Steamin” Willie Beamon, Foxx showed a glimpse that with the right material he would be a star. He got that chance playing Drew “Bundini” Brown in the Oscar-nominated film, Ali. Foxx displayed his skill for mimicry, which he would later display to award-winning effect. He received critical acclaim for three films in 2004, “Redemption: The Stan “Tookie” Williams Story,” Collateral and Ray. Foxx won an Oscar and an Emmy for his work that year, cementing himself as one of Hollywood’s hottest actors. Last winter, Foxx was part of an A-List ensemble in the musical, Dreamgirls. In addition to his film work, Foxx continues his stand-up comedy touring and recently won a Grammy award for his top-selling debut, R&B album. As his career continues to ascend, his choices prove that he is indeed clever like a Foxx.

Up Next: Foxx headlines a team of U.S. government agents is sent to investigate the bombing of an American facility in the Middle East in the thriller, The Kingdom.

Cinematic Forefather
Sammy Davis, Jr.

From his appearance in the short film, Rufus Jones for President, in 1933 up until his death in 1990, Sammy Davis, Jr. was an industry giant. We commonly hear the phrase, “he can do it all;” for Davis it was true. He was an accomplished singer, actor, dancer, stand-up comedian, plays instruments and was a founding member of the ultra-cool sixties group, The Rat Pack. Often billed as “the greatest living entertainer in the world,” you would be hard-pressed to find someone to disagree with his audacious claim. His films included Porgy and Bess (1959, with Sidney Poitier and Dorothy Dandridge), Salt and Pepper (1968, with Peter Lawford) and Tap (1989). Davis lost his left eye in a 1954 car crash while driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles... Over the course of 57 years, Davis inspired a several generations of performers including Michael Jackson, Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.

Next Generation
Ludacris

It is not the size of dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. The mantra has served rapper/actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges well throughout his career. He made his film debut in the 2001 comedy, The Wash. Although he had roles in other small films, Ludacris hit the jackpot in 2005 when he co-starred in both Hustle and Flow and Crash. Ludacris received a SAG Award for Best Cast in Motion Picture. Both films were nominated for Oscars and he was established as “one to watch.” He also received critical acclaim for his work on TV’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In addition to his burgeoning film career, Ludacris is a Grammy Award winning rap artist who has released five CDs in the past seven years. This double threat will continue to record and tour as well as act on the big and small screen.

Up Next: Ludacris will play the “angry elf” in the holiday comedy, Fred Claus.

Black Man/Silver Screen | The Lover

Taye Diggs

He helped Stella get her groove back, bonded with Syd over hip-hop and had the skills to keep the Rent paid. Taye Diggs was introduced to audiences as the young lover of Angela Bassett in the romantic comedy, How Stella Got Her Groove Back. The following year, Diggs starred in two films with Sanaa Lathan, The Wood and The Best Man. The two would re-team in 2003 for an ode to hip-hop in Brown Sugar. After a couple of action films, Diggs returned to his roots in the theatre starring in the Oscar nominated film, Chicago and Rent. After a short lived TV show, “Kevin Hill,” Diggs returned with a new show, “Daybreak.” In addition, he has a recurring role on the popular medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Up Next: No big screen projects are on Diggs horizon as he continues to concentrate on television work.

Cinematic Forefather
Billy Dee Williams

In a history of sexy leading men, no actor has remained in the public consciousness as long as Billy Dee Williams. Although he has portrayed a variety of different characters in his forty-plus year career, for the ladies it always came down to his smooth, suave mannerisms. Williams had appeared in several films but when he portrayed Louis McKay in 1972’s Lady Sings the Blues opposite Diana Ross, a star truly was born. He and Ross recaptured the magic again in Mahogany. Williams’ appealed to a new audience when he was cast as the roguish Lando Calrissian, in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Williams played with his image in a popular set of ads for Colt 45 with the catch phrase, “don’t let the cool taste fool you.” After several forgettable films, Williams was cast as Mayor Harvey Dent in Batman. Since then, Williams has taken small roles in notable films such as The Visit, Undercover Brother, Constellation and a spoof of his sexy image in The Ladies Man.

Up Next: Williams will star in a “Star Wars” type film, Fanboys.

Next Generation
Michael Ealy

Known for his charming looks and deep personality, Michael Ealy has made quite an impression in a short amount of time. The Silver Spring, Maryland native first was noticed in the ensemble comedy, Barbershop, playing reformed thug Ricky Nash. He also starred in the sequel, Barbershop 2: Back in Business in 2004. Ealy piercing stare was also featured in Never Die Alone. He and Oscar winner Halle Berry heated up the small screen in the film, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” which led to a short off-screen relationship between the two. Ealy has continued to work on television starring in the Showtime series, “Sleeper Cell.” He received a nomination for his work on the series.