Blair Underwood
Biography
Blair Underwood, born on August 25, 1964, is a prominent American actor renowned for his compelling performances in television and film. He gained significant recognition for his portrayal of the determined attorney Jonathan Rollins on the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, a role he held from 1987 to 1994. Throughout his career, Underwood has earned critical acclaim, garnering several Golden Globe nominations, three NAACP Image Awards, and a Grammy Award.
Underwood made his feature film debut in the 1985 musical drama Krush Groove. His notable role on The Cosby Show that same year led to an appearance in the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, paving the way for his breakthrough in L.A. Law. He transitioned into film with significant roles in Just Cause (1995), Set It Off (1996), and Deep Impact (1998), as well as a supporting character in Gattaca.
In 2000, he starred in the short-lived series City of Angels and made guest appearances on acclaimed shows like Sex and the City in 2003. He showcased his charm in CBS's The New Adventures of Old Christine alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus. His versatility is evident in recurring roles on series such as Dirty Sexy Money, Ironside, and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In 2007, he co-authored the novel Casanegra: A Tennyson Hardwick Novel, demonstrating his creative talents beyond acting. Notably, he has also received accolades for his performances in Rules of Engagement and Mama Flora's Family, affirming his status in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
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Youngblood
2026 • Blane Youngblood
Weather Girl
2009 • Fitz
Guardians of the Galapagos
2025 • Self - Narrator (voice)
Mistrial
1996 • Lieutenant C. Hodges
Madea's Family Reunion
2006 • Carlos
Origin
2023
Something New (2006)
2006 • Mark Harper
Full Frontal
2002 • Calvin / Nicholas
Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers
2022 • Narrator (voice)
Malibu's Most Wanted
2003 • Tom Gibbsons
Bear Witness
2022 • Narrator (voice)
Tigers on the Rise
2024 • Narrator (voice)
The After Party
2018 • Sgt. Martin Ellison
Olympic Pride, American Prejudice
2016 • Narrator (voice)
The Art of Getting By
2011 • Principal
Longlegs
2024 • Agent Carter
Bad Hair (2021)
2021 • Amos Bludso
Father & Son: Dangerous Relations
1993 • Jared Williams
Penguins: Life on the Edge
2020 • Narrator (voice)
Mr. SOUL!
2018 • Ellis Haizlip (voice)
Rules of Engagement
2000 • Capt. Lee
Really Love
2020 • Jerome Richmond