While his name might not be one that fans are immediately familiar with, Vondie Curtis-Hall is one of those actors who people will immediately recognize from his large and impressive body of work. Chances are that many have taken note of him in a number of different projects over the years.
After having his first on-screen role in the 1980s, Curtis-Hall has been a regular fixture of movies and television ever since, from Coming To America to ER. Though he is rarely seen in lead roles, he always brings a strong presence and delivers standout performances. Looking at his most popular roles gives an idea of just how remarkable of a career he has had, so far.
Coming To America (1988) - 7.1
Curtis-Hall's first movie role was a small part but in a movie that ended up being a classic. Coming to America stars Eddie Murphy as Akeem, an African prince who travels to New York in order to find a woman to become his new queen. Curtis-Hall plays a basketball vendor who recognizes Akeem when he is trying to be incognito.
The movie was an ideal showcase for Murphy's incredible talents at the time. He is funny and charming in the lead role but he then gets to go wild playing a variety of colorful characters in supporting roles as well. It's no surprise this became an iconic comedic performance.
Die Hard 2 (1990) - 7.1
Following the massive success of Die Hard, it was only a matter of time before John McClane once again found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. In Die Hard 2, McClane is at an airport on Christmas Eve when a group of terrorists take over the runway and threaten to crash planes if their demands are not met.
Curtis-Hall plays one of the terrorists who is actually the first to tangle with McClane. While many fans of the first movie felt that the sequel didn't match it or even rank as the best of the sequels, it is fun to see McClane back in action in a solid follow-up.
For The People (2018 - 2019) - 7.3
The most recent series on which Curtis-Hall regularly appeared was the short-lived but well-received For the People. The legal drama followed new lawyers on both sides of the court who navigated the high-profile cases and the complex world of their professional. Curtis-Hall played the respected Judge Nicholas Byrne.
The series only lasted two seasons but managed to deliver some intense and entertaining episodes that captivated fans of the genre. It is also notable for giving Regé-Jean Page a starring role just before his breakout in Bridgerton.
Talk To Me (2007) - 7.3
Curtis-Hall was part of the impressive cast of this underrated period drama. Talk to Me tells the true story of Ralph "Petey" Green, an ex-co who became one of Washington D.C's most popular and influential radio personalities in the 1960s.
Curtis-Hall joined the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor and Taraji P. Henson in this energetic and captivating story. Cheadle really shines in the lead role as this man who isn't afraid to say anything and helps to become the voice of the people in troubled times.
Eve's Bayou (1997) - 7.3
Fans might not realize that Curtis-Hall is one-half of a Hollywood power couple, as his wife, Kasi Lemmons, is an accomplished filmmaker. He even joined the cast of her most acclaimed movie, Eve's Bayou.
The movie is set in Louisiana in the 1960s and stars a young Jurnee Smollett as Eve, a young girl whose father (Samuel L. Jackson) is a respected doctor in their community. But after witnessing something shocking, young Eve must decide whether to keep the secret or risk the damage it could cause.
Passion Fish (1992) – 7.4
The Oscar-nominated Passion Fish might not be a well-known movie today, but it was met with considerable acclaim when it was first released. It follows a former soap opera actor who is paralyzed and feels angry at the world following a car accident. While she is initially combative with the new nurse hired to help her, the two women end up developing an unexpected friendship.
Curtis-Hall joins the talented cast as a local cowboy who tries to woo the nurse. The movie was praised for its sharply comedic script, the heartwarming bond between the main characters, and stellar performances.
Mystery Train (1989) - 7.6
Curtis-Hall has made a successful career offering excellent supporting work in ensemble movies and this is certainly true of his role in Mystery Train. The movie, from acclaimed indie filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, tells three separate stories centered around a hotel in Memphis and the spirit of Elvis Presley.
The strange and darkly comedic movie might be a bit out there for audiences who are not familiar with Jarmusch's other work. However, those who enjoy his particular style and sense of humor will likely get a big kick out of Mystery Train.
Falling Down (1993) - 7.6
Falling Down is a somewhat hidden gem of the 1990s worth seeking out. Michael Douglas stars as a seeimingly ordinary man, at first, who abandons his car in the middle of rush hour traffic one day and sets out on a violently unhinged crusade against modern society. Curtis-Hall plays another frustrated man Douglas meets along the way protesting outside of a bank.
The movie is a dark story with a strange comedic twist that works surprisingly well. It also helps that Michael Douglas delivers an electrifying performance that feels like something completely new for him.
ER (1994 - 2009) - 7.7
After appearing in one episode as a different character, Curtis-Hall returned to the hit medical drama ER in its eighth season as a recurring character. He played Roger McGrath, the husband of Peter Benton's former girlfriend, Carla Reese. Following Carla's death, Roger fights Peter for custody of Carla's son.
After 15 seasons and more than a decade since it's been off the air, it can be easy to forget how ground-breaking ER was as a television show. It threw audiences into the chaos of an emergency room and was carried by an amazing cast, many of whom went on to successful careers elsewhere.
Daredevil (2015 - 2018) - 8.6
The first of Netflix's Marvel shows, Daredevil introduced the dark and violent take these shows would have on the superhero genre. Charlie Cox stepped into the role of Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who masqueraded as a powerful vigilante at night.
Though he didn't wear a costume, Curtis-Hall got to play one of the series' true heroes as Ben Urich, a dedicated journalist who seeks to expose crime and corruption in his city. The show was a massive hit with fans who more than appreciated the gritty approach that differed itself from the MCU movies.