African-American Actors Who Are Trained In Shakespeare

For generations, African-American actors have excelled in performing Shakespeare thanks to strong training in both academics and theater. Many famous actors started their careers by studying classic Shakespearean plays at top schools. They bring a special understanding and cultural viewpoint to these roles, while also challenging traditional norms in the entertainment world. Here’s a look at some talented male actors who have devoted considerable time and effort to learning and performing Shakespeare’s work.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington first became passionate about classic plays while attending Fordham University in the late 1970s. A turning point in his early career was playing Othello in a college production. After graduating, he honed his acting skills at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Throughout his career, he’s often returned to Shakespeare, performing in plays like ‘Richard III’ and ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth.’

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones rose to prominence as a highly respected Shakespearean actor, beginning with his training at the University of Michigan. He spent years performing with the New York Shakespeare Festival, becoming well-known for his powerful, resonant voice. His performances as King Lear and Othello are now considered iconic in American theater, and he was widely praised for the dignified presence he brought to his roles.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher, a Juilliard School graduate, was a well-known actor in New York theater. He became famous for his skillful delivery of Shakespearean language, particularly in plays like ‘Henry V’ and ‘As You Like It’. He approached every role with great focus and accuracy, showing his deep commitment to classic theater. Braugher often said that this early training was key to his success in more modern roles as well.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown received his Master of Fine Arts degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He built his acting skills through stage work, including a production of ‘Macbeth’ at the Public Theater, with a focus on technique and classic plays. Even as he’s become known for his television roles, he’s remained committed to his background in theater.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali studied acting at New York University, earning a graduate degree. Early in his career, he gained experience performing in stage productions of plays like ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’ His training gave him a strong ability to understand and portray complicated characters, and this foundation in classic theater helped him succeed when he moved into film.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance trained at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, focusing on classic acting techniques. He first gained recognition performing Shakespeare and other dramatic works on Broadway and in regional theaters. His skill with poetic language and traditional scripts helped him create compelling and layered performances. He continues to be a highly regarded actor in theater and across the entertainment world.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright’s acting journey began with studies at Amherst College and a short time at New York University. He quickly became involved with the New York Shakespeare Festival, where he showcased his versatility in roles like those in ‘King Lear’ and ‘Julius Caesar’. His training gave him the ability to portray characters with both intelligence and genuine emotion. Throughout his career, Wright has drawn on his stage experience to enhance his performances in film.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II received training at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, known for its emphasis on classic plays. While there, he acted in many productions that honed his skills with traditional theatrical language. This rigorous preparation proved invaluable as he took on challenging roles in Hollywood, and he still uses the techniques he learned while studying classic playwrights like Shakespeare in his work today.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry, a Yale School of Drama graduate, is very familiar with Shakespeare’s plays. During his time at Yale, he acted in many productions that focused on strong vocal delivery and physical performance. This training gave him a solid understanding of classic plays, and he often credits it with helping him become a flexible and skilled actor.

Winston Duke

As a film buff, I’ve always been impressed by Winston Duke’s performances, and learning about his background really sheds light on why. He honed his craft with an MFA from Yale School of Drama, working with some incredibly gifted actors. He spent a lot of time on stage, diving into Shakespeare and other classics, which clearly gave him a strong foundation. Honestly, his presence and that classical training just naturally lend themselves to playing powerful, complex characters. You can really see how his theater background informs everything he does, even in big blockbuster franchises – he brings a depth that sets him apart.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins is a talented actor who honed his skills at the prestigious Juilliard School. He made a name for himself early on with roles in classical theater, including Tybalt in a Broadway production of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’ His training at Juilliard focused on deeply understanding scripts and developing physical control. Now, he’s found success in film and television, continuing to bring the same dedication and quality to his work.

Keith David

Keith David is a Juilliard School graduate with a successful and diverse career in both theater and film. He’s performed in many Shakespeare plays, including a memorable role in ‘Coriolanus.’ His classical training gave him the unique voice and commanding stage presence he’s known for. David continues to work on theatrical projects that highlight the lasting power of classic stories.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson began his career with studies at Morehouse College and experience with the Negro Ensemble Company. He honed his acting skills performing in productions like ‘Mother Courage and Her Children’ with the New York Shakespeare Festival. He credits this early theatrical training with giving him the ability to tackle a wide range of roles and sustain a long and successful career.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne started acting professionally when he was young, but he also became deeply involved in studying classic plays. He’s well-known for his powerful performance in the movie ‘Othello’ and has acted in many stage productions. His strong grasp of Shakespeare’s work has allowed him to brilliantly perform some of the most challenging roles ever written. Fishburne continues to champion theater both through his acting and by speaking out in support of the art form.

Morgan Freeman

Before becoming a famous movie star, Morgan Freeman honed his skills on stage for years. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, he was involved in numerous productions with the New York Shakespeare Festival. He received excellent reviews and an award for his role in ‘Coriolanus’ at the Public Theater. Freeman believes his time in the theater, and the discipline it taught him, is the reason he appears so calm and commanding on screen.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito’s passion for acting began in his youth with a strong foundation in theater. He appeared in classic plays like ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ while living in New York. This early training taught him to carefully craft his characters and performances, and he continues to be a well-regarded actor who appreciates the influence of classic literature.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie studied drama at the prestigious Juilliard School, where he was part of Group 30. While there and immediately after graduating, he performed in many classic plays. His training emphasized combining physical movement with vocal delivery, especially in traditional theatrical productions. He’s continued to use these skills throughout his successful career as a film actor, known for his energetic and captivating performances.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman received his education at Howard University and also spent a summer studying drama at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England. This experience let him concentrate on the plays of William Shakespeare, which deeply influenced his work as an actor and writer. Throughout his career, Boseman was known for the elegance and poise he brought to all of his characters.

Harry Lennix

Harry Lennix is a skilled actor with formal training, and he’s well-known for performing Shakespeare’s plays. He often works with Shakespearean theater groups around the country. His role in the movie ‘Titus’ demonstrated his talent for portraying the intense and challenging subjects found in classic tragedies. He also helped start a theater company focused on making these classic works accessible to more people.

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks is a talented and well-educated actor who also taught theater at Rutgers University. He’s famous for his strong performances as Othello on stage, and his deep understanding of classic literature has influenced his work in both theater and television throughout his career. He’s spent many years studying and teaching the works of Shakespeare.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Ruben Santiago-Hudson is a dedicated actor and director with strong roots in American theater. He’s performed in many New York Shakespeare Festival productions and won a Tony Award for his work on stage. His training has made him particularly skilled at performing challenging lines and poetry. He remains an important figure in both classic and modern theater.

Joe Morton

Joe Morton started his acting career with a foundation in stage and classical performance, building on his studies at Hofstra University. Throughout his career, he’s performed in many Shakespeare plays. This training gave him a wide range of skills that have benefitted him in both theater and film. He’s known for bringing depth and emotion to all of his roles.

Clarke Peters

Clarke Peters is an American actor who built a significant part of his career performing in London’s renowned theaters. He’s worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and other leading classical theater companies, and his training in British theatrical traditions gives him a special understanding of Shakespeare’s plays. Peters continues to be a flexible actor, comfortable performing both classic and contemporary roles.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg E. Cathey trained at the Yale School of Drama and was a regular on the New York stage. He performed in several plays for the Public Theater, including productions of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Hamlet’. Known for his rich voice and strong acting background, Cathey consistently impressed audiences in his stage roles. He was beloved for the thoughtful and heartfelt performances he delivered.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume was a talented actor with a long and successful career, particularly in classic musical theater and dramatic plays. He was known for powerful performances, including the lead in ‘Coriolanus’ and a production of ‘Othello’. His strong vocal training and physical skills allowed him to tackle very challenging roles. Guillaume was a pioneer who opened doors for other actors of color in the classical performing arts.

Paul Winfield

Paul Winfield was a talented and respected actor who studied at the University of Portland and Stanford University. He began his career performing Shakespeare, including a role in ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor,’ and was known for his skillful handling of Shakespeare’s challenging language. He remained a significant presence in American theater throughout his life and is fondly remembered for his exceptional abilities.

Roscoe Lee Browne

Roscoe Lee Browne was a brilliant and thoughtful performer with a great love for classic books and poetry. He often performed with the New York Shakespeare Festival, working alongside director Joseph Papp, and his refined speaking style and command of language were ideal for Shakespeare’s plays. He also generously shared his expertise, guiding and inspiring many aspiring actors interested in classical performance.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama, with a strong emphasis on classic dramatic literature. His studies included in-depth work on Shakespeare and honing his performance skills. He often says his time at Yale taught him the dedication and concentration he now uses in his film work. Majors is consistently praised for the powerful and nuanced emotions he brings to his roles.

William Jackson Harper

William Jackson Harper is an actor with a long history in New York theater. He’s performed in classic plays like ‘Romeo and Juliet’ at the Public Theater, and his training helps him deliver traditional lines in a way that feels natural and authentic. While he’s found success on television, he continues to prioritize performing on stage.

Ving Rhames

Ving Rhames studied drama at the renowned Juilliard School in the early 1980s. His training there focused heavily on the works of Shakespeare, and he gained experience performing in plays before becoming a successful film actor. Rhames continues to draw on the techniques he learned at Juilliard to bring nuance and weight to his roles.

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce is a trained actor who studied at the prestigious Juilliard School and has consistently worked in American theater. He’s known for performing Shakespeare and recently received praise for his role in ‘Death of a Salesman.’ His classical training has given him a refined and impactful acting style. Pierce is a strong supporter of the arts and continues to act in both classic and contemporary plays.

Jesse L. Martin

Jesse L. Martin received training at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, with a focus on musical theater. Early in his career, he performed in classic plays, including those by Shakespeare, and his skills in both acting and singing helped him master the complex rhythms of Shakespeare’s language. Martin has successfully worked in television while continuing to perform on stage.

Michael Beach

Michael Beach trained extensively in acting at the prestigious Juilliard School. He honed his skills performing in classic plays while living in New York City before relocating to Los Angeles. His training emphasized both technical skill and believable emotional performances, and he’s since built a successful career in film and television while still valuing his background in classical theater.

Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle studied at both the Juilliard School and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. While in school, he received rigorous training in classic plays, particularly those by Shakespeare. This theatrical background provided a solid base for his career as an actor and director. La Salle is known for his dedication and concentration on every job he takes on.

John David Washington

John David Washington transitioned from a career in professional sports to become a notable actor. He’s recently appeared in ‘The Piano Lesson’ and has been honing his skills with classical training. His work in ‘Macbeth’ demonstrated his ability to perform Shakespeare’s complex language. Washington consistently chooses roles that challenge him and allow him to utilize his classical training.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a highly skilled performer who honed his craft at Carnegie Mellon University. He’s built a career on the stage, including experience with Shakespeare, which gave him a solid vocal technique and a strong grasp of storytelling. Porter has become well-known for his successful work in both Broadway and television.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. received his training at Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. He’s known for his stage work, which combines traditional acting techniques with a contemporary style. His education focused on creating powerful stories and connecting with audiences on an emotional level. Through theater and film, Odom has become a well-known performer.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a talented actor and playwright with a long history of stage work. He’s performed in many classic plays and is celebrated for his ability to portray a wide variety of characters. His theater background has given him a distinctive and captivating style when bringing characters to life. He consistently earns praise for his performances in all kinds of projects, both old and new.

Michael Potts

Michael Potts trained at the Yale School of Drama and has a long history performing in New York theater. He’s appeared in Shakespeare classics like ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Richard III’, and his performances show a strong foundation in traditional acting techniques. Fellow actors admire his commitment to his work and his skill with poetic language.

Earle Hyman

Earle Hyman was a renowned actor, most recognized for his work on television, but he built a huge career on the stage. A devoted fan of Shakespeare throughout his life, he performed the role of Othello hundreds of times. He also enjoyed a celebrated career performing classical plays in Norway, and continued to perform Shakespeare until his death, marking a long and successful life in the theater.

Moses Gunn

Moses Gunn was one of the original members of the Negro Ensemble Company and a celebrated actor known for his classical roles. He received excellent reviews for playing Othello and performed in many Shakespeare plays. Combining his training with his innate talent, Gunn became a leading Black actor of his time. He’s remembered for the strength and grace he brought to the stage during an important period for American theater.

Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto was a talented and adaptable actor who honed his skills at the Actors Studio in New York City. He started his career with impressive stage performances, notably playing Othello, and quickly gained recognition for his work. His strong foundation in classical theater gave him a powerful and memorable presence on both film and television. Throughout his long and successful career, Kotto remained dedicated to and enthusiastic about the theater.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was a highly trained actor, graduating from the Yale School of Drama with a strong background in classic theater, including performing Shakespeare. This education gave him the discipline and vocal skills he needed to play powerful characters on popular TV dramas. He was known and respected for bringing intelligence and a captivating intensity to every role.

Grantham Coleman

Grantham Coleman is a Juilliard graduate who is rapidly gaining recognition as a classical theater actor. He’s performed in notable productions of plays like ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and ‘Hamlet’. His training emphasized combining physical expression with the delivery of classic lines, and he’s widely considered a rising star among actors of his generation.

Brandon J. Dirden

Brandon J. Dirden is a celebrated stage actor known for his work in Shakespearean plays. He’s performed with the Shakespeare Theatre Company and other top theater groups nationwide. His strong background in classic texts allows him to portray traditional characters with a fresh, modern approach. Dirden remains an important figure in American theater today.

John Douglas Thompson

John Douglas Thompson is celebrated as one of the best Shakespearean actors performing today. He’s won many awards for his powerful performances as famous characters like Othello and Richard III. Known for his commitment to classic plays and rigorous training, Thompson is highly respected in the theater world. He continues to be a leading performer and inspires the next generation of classical actors.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. is a seasoned actor with a long history performing with the New York Shakespeare Festival. He honed his skills through numerous classic theater productions, which laid the groundwork for his future achievements. His theatrical background gives him a special ability to portray complicated characters. While he’s become famous for his television work, Whitlock still feels a strong connection to the stage.

Seth Gilliam

Seth Gilliam is an alumnus of SUNY Purchase with a strong background in theater. He’s acted in many Shakespeare plays, including a memorable performance of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ at the Public Theater. His acting training combined traditional methods with a natural, believable style. Gilliam has skillfully managed a career in mainstream television while continuing to perform on stage.

Ato Blankson-Wood

Ato Blankson-Wood is a rapidly rising star in theater, having earned his MFA from the Yale School of Drama. He’s received praise for his performances in classic plays like ‘Hamlet’ and ‘As You Like It,’ bringing a strong understanding of the text and its meaning to his roles. He’s known for delivering performances with both emotional power and clear, expressive vocals.

Teagle F. Bougere

Teagle F. Bougere is a skilled actor with classical training, and he’s performed in many productions with the New York Shakespeare Festival. He’s appeared in plays like ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Coriolanus’ at the Delacorte Theater. His theater experience has helped him build a long and successful career. Bougere is still passionate about performing and appreciates the lasting power of the stories he tells.

Please share your favorite performances from these classically trained actors in the comments.

2026-02-13 08:20