Morris Chestnut
Morris Lamont Chestnut (born January 1, 1969) is an American actor recognized for his breakthrough performance as the aspiring college football player Ricky Baker in the 1991 coming-of-age crime drama Boyz n the Hood.[1] Born in Cerritos, California, to Shirley Wynn and Morris Chestnut Sr., he initially studied finance and drama at California State University before committing to acting after observing a friend's stage performance.[2] Chestnut's early career included a lead role as civil rights figure Ernest Green in the 1993 Disney Channel biographical film The Ernest Green Story, highlighting his ability to portray characters requiring resilience and historical depth.[3] Chestnut achieved sustained television success portraying the skilled but abrasive surgeon Dr. Peter Benton on the long-running medical series ER from 1994 to 2002, a role that showcased his range in intense dramatic scenarios.[4] He reprised the groom-to-be Lance Sullivan in the romantic comedy The Best Man (1999) and its sequels, including The Best Man Holiday (2013) and The Best Man: The Final Chapters (2022 miniseries), contributing to ensemble casts that emphasized interpersonal dynamics among friends.[5] Additional notable film appearances include supporting parts in action and comedy features such as G.I. Jane (1997), Like Mike (2002), and Think Like a Man (2012), alongside leading roles in independent dramas like The Perfect Holiday (2007).[6] His contributions to entertainment have earned nominations for NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture in 2000 and Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie in 2014, reflecting peer recognition for performances blending charisma and emotional authenticity.[2] In 2022, Chestnut received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, acknowledging his enduring impact across three decades in film and television.[7] Beyond acting, he has ventured into production and maintains an interest in poker, though his primary legacy remains rooted in versatile portrayals of determined, multifaceted Black male characters in mainstream media.[8]Early life
Family background and childhood
Morris Chestnut was born Morris Lamont Chestnut Jr. on January 1, 1969, in Cerritos, California.[9][1] His parents were Morris Lamont Chestnut Sr., who worked as a medical salesman, and Shirley Wynn Chestnut, a teacher.[10][9] The family resided in Cerritos, a suburban city in Los Angeles County known for its middle-class demographics during that era.[1] Chestnut grew up in a stable household, with his parents providing a supportive environment amid the working-class ethos of his father's sales profession and his mother's educational role.[11] As a child, he aspired to become an NFL running back, reflecting interests in athletics that contrasted with his later pivot to acting.[12] The family occasionally traveled, including visits to relatives in rural Oklahoma, which exposed him to extended kin networks outside urban California.[13] He attended Richard Gahr High School in Cerritos, graduating in 1986, where early exposure to performing arts began shaping his career trajectory beyond sports.[11]Education and initial aspirations
Chestnut graduated from Richard Gahr High School in Cerritos, California, in 1986.[14] He subsequently enrolled at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he pursued studies in finance alongside drama.[15][16] Prior to discovering acting in his second year at CSUN, Chestnut's initial aspirations centered on athletics; he sought a sports scholarship but did not receive one, prompting a shift in focus.[17] During this period, he worked as a bank teller, aligning with his finance coursework and reflecting a practical career path in banking had acting not emerged as an interest.[18][19] This dual academic track provided a fallback option, as Chestnut later noted he would have completed his finance degree and entered the banking sector absent his breakthrough in performing arts.[19]Film career
Debut and breakthrough roles
Chestnut's acting career began with a guest appearance as Jadon in the episode "A Family Affair" of the horror anthology series Freddy's Nightmares: A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Series during its second season, which aired on October 29, 1989.[20] Prior to this, he had worked as a bank teller while pursuing acting opportunities after graduating from Ceritos High School.[2] His debut in feature film came in 1991 with the role of Ricky Baker in John Singleton's crime drama Boyz n the Hood, released on July 12 of that year.[6] In the film, Chestnut portrayed a talented high school running back from South Central Los Angeles, focused on securing a college football scholarship to escape his environment, whose life is tragically cut short by gang violence.[3] This performance marked his breakthrough, earning immediate recognition for its authenticity and emotional depth, as the film highlighted the challenges faced by young Black men in urban America and grossed over $56 million domestically on a $6.5 million budget.[6][21] Following Boyz n the Hood, Chestnut transitioned to supporting roles that built on his emerging profile, including appearances in television films and the short-lived NBC sitcom Out All Night (1992–1993), where he played a series regular alongside Patti LaBelle.[6] He secured a lead role as Ernest Green, one of the Little Rock Nine who integrated Central High School in 1957, in the Disney Channel TV movie The Ernest Green Story (1993), demonstrating his range in historical dramas centered on civil rights struggles.[3] These early projects established Chestnut as a versatile actor capable of handling both dramatic intensity and lighter ensemble dynamics, paving the way for larger film opportunities.Major films and commercial performance
Chestnut's breakthrough role came in Boyz n the Hood (1991), where he portrayed Ricky Baker; the film grossed $56,190,094 domestically, marking a significant commercial success for director John Singleton's debut feature. His performance as the aspiring college football player contributed to the film's resonance with urban audiences, helping it earn over $56 million worldwide against a modest production budget.[22] In The Best Man (1999), Chestnut led as Lance Sullivan, a professional football player navigating personal betrayals; produced on a $9 million budget, it earned $34,102,780 domestically and opened at #1 with $9,031,660 in its first weekend, demonstrating strong appeal in the romantic comedy genre targeted at African-American viewers.) The 2013 sequel, The Best Man Holiday, reunited the cast with Chestnut reprising Lance; budgeted at $17 million, it grossed $70,525,195 domestically, opening to $30,107,555 and outperforming the original by more than double, buoyed by holiday timing and fan loyalty.[23] Chestnut featured in the ensemble cast of Think Like a Man (2012), playing James alongside Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson; the adaptation of Steve Harvey's book topped the box office in its opening weekend with $33,636,303 and ultimately grossed $91,547,205 domestically, capitalizing on crossover appeal and strong word-of-mouth.[24] Similarly, in the thriller The Perfect Guy (2015), he portrayed the antagonist Carter, driving the film's narrative; made for $12 million, it opened at #1 with $25,888,154 and totaled $57,027,435 domestically, proving profitable despite mixed critical response due to effective marketing toward female and urban demographics.[25] Supporting roles in wider-release films further highlighted Chestnut's box office draw. In Identity Thief (2013), he appeared alongside Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy, contributing to a domestic haul of $134,506,920 on a $35 million budget.[26] Overall, Chestnut's acting credits have amassed nearly $999 million in domestic box office earnings across 30+ theatrical releases, with leading roles generating $186 million domestically, often excelling in genres like ensemble comedies and targeted thrillers where his presence correlates with robust opening weekends.[22]| Film | Role | Release Year | Domestic Gross | Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyz n the Hood | Ricky Baker (Lead) | 1991 | $56,190,094 | Not specified | Breakthrough hit; significant cultural impact. |
| The Best Man | Lance Sullivan (Lead) | 1999 | $34,102,780 | $9,000,000 | #1 opening; profitable rom-com.) |
| Think Like a Man | James (Supporting Ensemble) | 2012 | $91,547,205 | $37,500,000 | #1 opener; strong ensemble draw.[24] |
| The Best Man Holiday | Lance Sullivan (Lead) | 2013 | $70,525,195 | $17,000,000 | Sequel success; holiday boost.[23] |
| The Perfect Guy | Carter (Lead) | 2015 | $57,027,435 | $12,000,000 | #1 debut; thriller profitability.[25] |
Critical reception of key roles
Chestnut's breakthrough performance as Ricky Baker, the aspiring football player whose life is tragically cut short, in John Singleton's Boyz n the Hood (1991) contributed to the film's widespread critical acclaim for its realistic depiction of South Central Los Angeles life. Roger Ebert awarded the movie four out of four stars, highlighting its "maturity and emotional depth" without resorting to exploitative tropes, a praise that encompassed the ensemble including Chestnut's earnest portrayal of youthful ambition amid systemic pressures.[27] The film earned a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 71 critic reviews, with consensus affirming its authentic storytelling and strong performances from debuting actors like Chestnut.[28] In The Best Man (1999), Chestnut portrayed Lance Sullivan, a professional athlete grappling with infidelity and redemption, earning specific commendation for embodying the role's internal conflicts. James Berardinelli of ReelViews noted Chestnut's "obvious screen presence" alongside "some acting ability," crediting him with effectively conveying Lance's contradictory charm and flaws in the ensemble romantic comedy.[29] The film's blend of humor and drama resonated commercially, though critics like those aggregated on Rotten Tomatoes (68% approval from 22 reviews) viewed Chestnut's work as solid within a formulaic but engaging narrative focused on male friendships. Chestnut's turn as Keith Fenton in Think Like a Man (2012), adapted from Steve Harvey's book, drew mixed responses amid the film's emphasis on ensemble dynamics over individual depth. Some reviewers praised his suave, authoritative presence as a high-achieving executive navigating relationship advice, fitting the rom-com's lighthearted tone, while others critiqued the overall script's predictability, limiting standout opportunities for performers like Chestnut.[30] The movie achieved 54% on Rotten Tomatoes from 91 reviews, with audience scores higher at 78%, reflecting commercial appeal but uneven critical regard for its character-driven elements.[31] Later action-oriented roles, such as in Ladder 49 (2004), elicited praise for Chestnut's reliable support as a firefighter colleague, bolstering the film's emotional core without overshadowing leads, per aggregated sentiments in rankings of his filmography.[32] However, by the mid-2010s, critics increasingly noted typecasting concerns in thrillers like The Perfect Guy (2015) and When the Bough Breaks (2016), where Chestnut's charismatic leads were seen as formulaic, prioritizing physical appeal over nuanced range in direct-to-market suspense fare.[33] These perceptions align with broader industry observations of his shift toward commercially viable but critically middling projects post-Best Man franchise.Television career
Early television appearances
Chestnut's television debut occurred in 1990 with a guest role as Jason Woodman in the episode "A Family Affair" (season 2, episode 19) of the horror anthology series Freddy's Nightmares: A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Series. This appearance marked his first professional acting credit on screen, predating his film breakthrough in Boyz n the Hood (1991).[4] In 1992, Chestnut secured his first recurring television role as Jeff Carswell in the NBC sitcom Out All Night, which aired from September 19, 1992, to July 9, 1993, for one season of 19 episodes.[34] In the series, created by Winifred Hervey, he portrayed a young man and roommate living with nightclub owner Chelsea Paige (Patti LaBelle) and working alongside characters played by Vivica A. Fox and Duane Martin; the show focused on urban life and relationships but struggled with ratings and was canceled after its initial run.[35] That same year, he appeared in the NBC television movie In the Line of Duty: Street War, playing Prince Franklin, a gang member involved in a plot about police efforts to curb street violence in Brooklyn.[36] Chestnut starred in the lead role of Ernest Green in the Disney Channel original movie The Ernest Green Story, which premiered on January 17, 1993.[37] The biographical drama depicted Green's experiences as one of the Little Rock Nine, the first African American students to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957 amid racial tensions; the film earned a Peabody Award for its portrayal of civil rights history.[38] These early television credits, spanning guest spots, a short-lived series, and lead roles in TV films, established Chestnut's versatility in both fictional and historical narratives during the early 1990s.[6]Lead roles and series longevity
Chestnut portrayed Ryan Nichols, a key figure in the human resistance against alien Visitors, in the ABC science fiction series V, which premiered on November 3, 2009. As one of the ensemble leads, his character was a Visitor infiltrator posing as human, adding layers of deception to the narrative. The series, a reimagining of the 1983 miniseries, ran for two seasons totaling 22 episodes before cancellation on May 13, 2011, primarily due to declining viewership and failure to sustain initial buzz.[39][40] In 2015, Chestnut took the titular lead role of Dr. Beaumont "Beau" Rosewood Jr., a forensic pathologist with a private practice aiding Miami police investigations, in Fox's procedural drama Rosewood. The series debuted on September 23, 2015, blending mystery with personal drama, and Chestnut also served as an executive producer. It aired for two seasons, producing 22 episodes, but was canceled in May 2016 after averaging 4.4 million viewers per episode, insufficient against network competition.[3][41] Chestnut starred as Dr. Amariah "Amari" Rhodes, a surgeon entangled in family secrets and corporate intrigue, in the 2021 Fox drama Our Kind of People, adapted from a novel exploring Black upper-class society. Premiering on September 27, 2021, the series featured him in a prominent role alongside executive production duties, but it lasted only one season of 12 episodes, ending in December 2021 amid low ratings and network shifts away from soaps.[4][42] More recently, Chestnut leads as Dr. John Watson, a geneticist heading a clinic for rare disorders in CBS's Watson, a modern Sherlock Holmes spin-off emphasizing medical mysteries over detection. The series launched on January 26, 2025, with Chestnut drawing on his prior "bad doctor" archetypes for a redemptive arc; as of October 2025, it remains active, though its long-term viability depends on audience retention amid a crowded procedural landscape. Across these lead outings, Chestnut's series have typically achieved brevity—averaging under three seasons—attributable to factors like inconsistent ratings and genre saturation, yet underscoring his versatility in securing starring vehicles.[43][44]Recent series and transitions
Chestnut joined the cast of the legal thriller Reasonable Doubt as a series regular for its second season, which premiered on June 4, 2024.[45] In the series, he portrayed a character amid the show's exploration of high-stakes criminal cases, contributing to its renewal for a third season announced on November 13, 2024.[45] For the third season, set to air in 2025, Chestnut transitioned to a recurring role.[45] In January 2024, CBS ordered Watson straight to series for its 2024-2025 broadcast season, with Chestnut starring as the titular Dr. John Watson, a former surgeon turned medical detective.[46] The drama, inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, depicts Watson leading a holistic clinic while solving enigmatic medical cases using deductive methods.[47] This role positions Chestnut as the lead in a network procedural, echoing his prior medical series like Rosewood (2015–2016) and The Resident (2018–2023), both of which featured him in authoritative physician characters.[46] These engagements reflect Chestnut's ongoing pivot toward lead and recurring roles in serialized television following the end of The Resident in May 2023, emphasizing genres blending medicine, investigation, and drama on both streaming platforms and traditional broadcast networks.[48] His selection for Watson underscores a return to CBS, where he previously guest-starred, highlighting sustained demand for his portrayal of competent, principled professionals in ensemble-driven narratives.[48]Other professional pursuits
Business ventures and entrepreneurship
In addition to his acting career, Chestnut established MC8 Entertainment, a production banner through which he develops and produces projects across film and television.[5] The company has been involved in initiatives such as the 2023 docuseries on restoring Tulsa's Greenwood district following the 1921 race massacre, produced in partnership with Greenwood Creative Studios.[49] Chestnut co-founded Ethical Inc. in 2022 with fitness expert Obi Obadike, focusing on science-based nutraceuticals and supplements marketed via an e-commerce platform emphasizing ethical sourcing and community health.[50][51] The venture aims to provide safe, transparent products amid concerns over unregulated supplements in the industry. In 2024, Chestnut partnered with actors Taye Diggs, Malcolm D. Lee, and Harold Perrineau to launch Sable, a premium bourbon brand drawing inspiration from their collaboration on The Best Man franchise.[52][53] The product emphasizes craftsmanship and cultural ties, positioning itself in the growing luxury spirits market.Published works and writing
Morris Chestnut co-authored the fitness and nutrition guide The Cut: Lose Up to 10 Pounds in 10 Days and Sculpt Your Best Body with certified personal trainer Obi Obadike.[54] Published on April 18, 2017, by Grand Central Life & Style, the book outlines a 12-week regimen designed to facilitate rapid initial weight loss of up to 10 pounds in the first 10 days, followed by sustained fat reduction totaling up to 40 pounds, supported by evidence-based nutritional principles and Obadike's exercise protocols.[54] It incorporates Chestnut's personal dietary and workout routines, alongside testimonials from individuals who achieved similar transformations.[54] Chestnut's involvement was motivated by his own physical preparation for the television series Rosewood (2015–2016), during which he shed 33 pounds—from 220 to 187 pounds—over 12 weeks under Obadike's guidance after gaining weight from prior roles.[55] [54] The program emphasizes high-protein, low-carb meal plans, intermittent fasting elements, and targeted strength training to promote lean muscle development and metabolic efficiency, drawing on Chestnut's firsthand experience to provide practical, replicable strategies for readers seeking comparable results.[54] No additional books or standalone writings by Chestnut have been published, with his contributions limited to this collaborative health-focused work amid his primary career in acting.Theatrical and miscellaneous performances
Chestnut entered stage acting with his debut in the 2007 production Love in the Nick of Tyme, written and directed by David E. Talbert, where he portrayed the philandering jazz musician Marcelles Wynters opposite Terry Dexter as salon owner Tyme Prentice.[56] [57] The play, which highlighted themes of romance and betrayal in a salon setting, toured nationally and was later released as a video in 2009, marking Chestnut's initial foray into live theater after establishing his career in film and television.[58] [59] In 2011, Chestnut starred as Paul, a plumber entangled in a web of marital infidelity, in Talbert's touring stage play What My Husband Doesn't Know.[60] [61] Co-starring Michelle Williams as the protagonist Myra, Clifton Davis, Ann Nesby, and Brian White, the production examined lust and temptation, performing in venues such as Chicago's Regal Theater in April, New York's Beacon Theatre, and St. Louis's Fox Theatre.[62] [63] [64] Beyond theater, Chestnut has performed in miscellaneous capacities, including television commercials for national campaigns, with appearances tracked in over 8,000 airings in recent periods.[65] He has also contributed a single credited voice role, though details remain limited in public records.[66]Personal life
Marriage and family dynamics
Morris Chestnut married Pamela Byse in 1995, and the couple has sustained their union for over three decades amid the high divorce rates common in the entertainment industry.[67] Chestnut has credited the longevity of their marriage to mutual respect, shared interests, and effective communication, stating, "We have a great deal of respect for each other, and we’ve continued to maintain the amount of respect" and "We don’t really say anything, when we argue, that we can’t take back."[68] He has emphasized growing together rather than apart, with his wife viewing him as the household leader and referring to him as her "best friend."[68] The Chestnuts have two children: son Grant, who graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2019 with a degree in strategic communications and marketing, and currently works as an account executive at NuVeT Labs, deliberately avoiding the entertainment field; and daughter Paige, born on November 26, 1998, who has pursued modeling, signing with Wunder Management and participating in New York Fashion Week in 2020.[69] Chestnut has described himself as the family's disciplinarian, promoting independence in his children, in contrast to Byse's more protective "helicopter" parenting style, with much of their discussions centering on child-rearing differences.[69][68] Chestnut has highlighted his commitment to fidelity, noting in interviews that he has "never been interested in anyone else" during nearly 30 years of marriage and attributing this to contentment with his partner rather than external temptations.[70] He prioritizes presence as a father, motivated by his own father's absence in childhood, which has shaped his hands-on approach to family life despite a demanding acting career.[69] The family maintains a relatively private profile, with Chestnut occasionally sharing insights into their dynamics during public appearances, underscoring stability and mutual support as core elements.[69][68]Religious faith and public values
Morris Chestnut was raised in a Baptist church and identifies as Christian, maintaining a strong personal faith despite not attending services weekly. He has described his beliefs as centered on a higher power and the notion that one's conduct in life influences the afterlife, stating, "I’ve always had a belief that there’s a higher power and the way I live my life is going to affect me in the afterlife as well."[71] Chestnut publicly affirms his faith through social media, posting messages such as "Faith can move mountains, don't let the doubt create them" in January 2021 and Easter reflections in 2022 wishing peace through faith with the hashtag #HeIsRisen.[72][73] In 2021, Chestnut launched the Jesus & Big Joe Podcast, a platform that reflects his interest in exploring faith-related topics alongside personal discussions.[74] His expressions of faith intersect with public advocacy for traditional family structures, as evidenced by his longstanding marriage to Pam Byse since August 8, 1995, which reached 30 years in 2025. Chestnut attributes marital longevity to loyalty, mutual respect, and prioritizing personal growth within the relationship, emphasizing in interviews that commitment requires deliberate effort rather than inevitability.[75][76] Chestnut promotes values of authenticity and intergenerational transmission of principles like appreciation and fidelity, posting in July 2023 about the importance of instilling such traits in the next generation to foster resilience and gratitude.[77] He has shared that faith guides his approach to life's challenges, advising others to "feed your faith, not your fears" during uncertain times like the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.[78] These stances align with a conservative emphasis on personal accountability and relational stability, without overt political endorsements in available statements.Philanthropy and community involvement
Chestnut has participated in philanthropic activities emphasizing education, health, and community development for underserved populations.[79] On December 14, 2024, he delivered the keynote address at the 18th Annual Christmas Breakfast and Community Service Awards of The Blue Heart Foundation, which provides educational resources—including tuition, books, and laptops—to African American male youth to mitigate college attrition rates.[80][81] During the February 2025 NAACP Image Awards ceremony, Chestnut urged audience donations for Altadena wildfire victims, facilitating aid for temporary housing, legal expenses, and administrative costs through an on-screen QR code.[82] In April 2016, at a celebrity-supported charity dinner benefiting the International Hollywood Association of Dreamers and Leaders (IHADLA), he auctioned a private luncheon with himself, generating $5,000 in proceeds.[83]Public perception and legacy
Achievements and industry impact
Morris Chestnut received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 23, 2022, recognizing his contributions to motion pictures.[7] His acting career, spanning over three decades, includes breakthrough performance as Ricky Baker in Boyz n the Hood (1991), which established him as a prominent figure in depictions of urban youth experiences.[19] Chestnut has earned multiple NAACP Image Award nominations, including wins for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Nurse Jackie (2014) and Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special (2023).[84][85] He received a 2025 nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Reasonable Doubt.[85] As a producer, Chestnut has credits on projects like Spell (2020), Greenwood Avenue (2022), and the series Watson (2024–present), expanding his influence beyond acting into content creation.[3] These efforts contribute to his role in fostering opportunities for diverse storytelling in film and television.[86] His versatility across genres—from romantic comedies like The Best Man franchise to medical dramas such as Rosewood (2015–2016)—demonstrates sustained relevance and adaptability in an industry favoring typecasting.[87] Chestnut advocates for mentorship, crediting guidance from figures like John Singleton while emphasizing its necessity for emerging talent in Hollywood's competitive landscape.[19] This focus on professional development underscores his broader impact, promoting pathways for underrepresented actors through example and direct involvement, amid discussions on colorism and representation.[88] His enduring career highlights resilience against industry fluctuations, with commentary on potential policy changes like film tariffs to bolster domestic production and job creation.Criticisms, challenges, and controversies
In 2016, Morris Chestnut faced public allegations from a 27-year-old man named Dante Lamont Chestnut, who claimed the actor was his biological father and had been absent from his life, labeling him a "deadbeat dad."[89] Chestnut responded during an interview on The Breakfast Club radio show, stating that a paternity test conducted years earlier had confirmed he was not the biological father, though he had initially supported the child before the results were known.[90] The accuser's mother reportedly acknowledged since the child was age 3 that Chestnut was not the father, and Chestnut expressed no resentment toward the young man for the claims, attributing them to the family dynamics that followed the test.[91] In December 2023, Chestnut was sued for breach of contract by Martin Automotive Group, Inc., in Los Angeles County Superior Court (case number 23PSCV03884), stemming from disputes over his prior ownership of two Hyundai car dealerships.[92] The plaintiffs sought $60,861.64 in damages, alleging Chestnut failed to fulfill contractual obligations related to the business operations.[92] As of December 9, 2024, the court granted the plaintiffs' motions for discovery, requiring Chestnut to provide verified responses, indicating the case remained active without resolution.[93] Chestnut has occasionally addressed broader professional challenges, such as online racist trolling and the demands of sustaining a Hollywood career over three decades, but these have not escalated into formal controversies.[43] He has maintained a relatively low-profile personal life, with no substantiated reports of infidelity or other personal scandals, consistent with his public statements affirming fidelity in his marriage.[94]Awards and nominations
Chestnut has received two NAACP Image Awards and several nominations from the organization, reflecting recognition for his television performances. He earned a win in 2014 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Nurse Jackie.[84] In 2023, he won Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special for The Best Man: The Final Chapters.[85][5] Other NAACP Image Award nominations include Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in 2016 for Rosewood.[84] In 2025, he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Reasonable Doubt.[85] Earlier, in 2000, he received a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, associated with his work in The Best Man.[2]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture | The Best Man | Nominated[2] |
| 2014 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Nurse Jackie | Won[84] |
| 2014 | Hollywood Award | Best Actor | The Best Man Holiday | Nominated[85] |
| 2016 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series | Rosewood | Nominated[84] |
| 2023 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special | The Best Man: The Final Chapters | Won[85] |
| 2025 | NAACP Image Award | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | Reasonable Doubt | Nominated[85] |