Blair Underwood is well-known for his work in theater, television, and film. He is also a director and producer. Broadway to Netflix—Underwood’s resume reads like a who’s who of critically acclaimed, award-winning actors and actresses. He has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world as a multi-hyphenate who captivates viewers onstage and contributes significantly off screen. Let’s explore more about his career achievements and his personal life.
Blair Underwood Profile Summary
| Aspect | Summary |
| Full Name | Blair Underwood |
| Date of Birth | August 25, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Tacoma, Washington, USA |
| Age (as of 2024) | 59 |
| Father | Frank E. Underwood, Sr. |
| Mother | Marilyn Ann Scales Underwood |
| Siblings | Marlo Underwood Collins, Frank Underwood, Jr., Mellisa Underwood |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer |
| movies and tv shows | “L.A. Law” (1987-1994) “City of Angels” (2000-2001) “In Treatment” (2008-2010) “Quantico” (2016-2018) |
| Awards | Golden Globe Award nomineeEmmy Award nominee NAACP Image Award winner |
| Other Ventures | Author, Humanitarian work |
| Wife | Josie Hart |
| Children | Three children- Brielle Underwood,Blake Underwood,Paris Underwood |
Blair Underwood Early Life
Underwood was born on August 25, 1964, in Tacoma, Washington to parents Marilyn Ann Scales besides Frank Eugene, Sr. His mother worked as an interior designer although his father was a colonel in the United States Army. Because of his father’s job, Underwood lived on various Army bases throughout his childhood, together in the United States and abroad. He go to Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Virginia. He then expired on to appear the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Blair Underwood Education
Blair attended Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Virginia. After high school, he went on to attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he studied acting. Underwood later transferred to and graduated from the drama program at the famed Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City.
Blair Underwood Career
Blair Underwood’s breakthrough came through his role in the television series L.A. Law, where he played advocate Jonathan Rollins. His portrayal earned him Golden Globe nominations and set the tone for a career that would often see him in parts that project intelligence, dignity, and complexity. Following this, Underwood took on various characters across genres. These also encompassed his powerful performance in Deep Impact and a critically commended role in Just Cause with Sean Connery.
In addition to his screenwork, Underwood has also made important contributions to the theater. His portrayal of Stanley in the Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire brought a fresh standpoint to the role and was celebrated for its depth and intensity. This theatrical work foils his on-screen endeavours, showcasing his acting versatility. Beyond acting, Underwood has co-authored several books, growing his creative expression into writing besides further engaging with his audience through different media.
Underwood is involved in several charitable organizations. In 1993, he won the Humanitarian Award for his work through the Los Angeles chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He also has served by way of a spokesperson for YouthAIDS and is involved with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Clinic in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he serves as a Trustee for the Robey Theatre Company in Los Angeles, a non-profit theatre cluster founded by Danny Glover that focuses on plays about the Black experience.
Blair underwood movies and TV shows
| Type | Title | Year | Role | Notes |
| Theatre | A Soldier’s Play | Broadway | – | Starring opposite David Alan Grier, directed by Kenny Leon |
| Film | Bad Hair | 2020 | – | Co-starring in Justin Simien’s film, premiered at Sundance |
| TV | Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam CJ Walker | 2020 | – | Co-starring with Octavia Spencer & Tiffany Haddish on Netflix |
| TV | When They See Us | – | – | Appeared in Netflix’s Emmy-Award winning limited series |
| TV | Dear White People | – | Recurring role | Netflix comedy series |
| Film | Juanita | – | – | Co-starring with Alfre Woodard, directed by Clark Johnson, for Netflix |
| TV | Quantico | – | Series regular | ABC drama series |
| TV | MARVEL AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. | – | Recurring role | ABC drama series |
| Film | The After Party | 2018 | Co-starring role | Netflix release |
| TV | Dirty Sexy Money | – | Series regular | – |
| TV | The New Adventures of Old Christine | – | Series regular | – |
| TV | In Treatment | – | Series regular | – |
| TV | The Event | – | Series regular | – |
| TV | L.A. Law | – | Series regular | – |
| Film | Deep Impact | – | – | – |
| Film | Set It Off | – | – | – |
| Film | Rules of Engagement | – | – | – |
| Film | Just Cause | – | – | – |
| Film | Madea’s Family Reunion | – | – | – |
| Film | Full Frontal | – | – | Directed by Steven Soderbergh |
| TV/Film | A Trip to Bountiful | – | Co-starred with Cicely Tyson | Lifetime telefilm & theatre production based on Tony Award-winning play |
| Theatre | A Streetcar Named Desire | 2012 | Stanley | Acclaimed Broadway debut |
| Theatre | Paradise Blue | – | – | Williamstown Theatre Festival |
| Theatre | Othello | – | – | Old Globe Theatre |
| Film | The Bridge to Nowhere | 2010 | Director | Feature film directing debut |
Blair Underwood’s Awards & Recognitions: Reason for his popularity
- Emmy Award-winner for producing NBC’s “Give”
- Two-time Golden Globe Award nominee
- 17 NAACP Image Award nominations (seven wins)
- Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word (co-narrator of Al Gore’s audiobook, “An Inconvenient Truth”)
- Associated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ membership
Blair Underwood Wife
Underwood married his first spouse, Desiree DaCosta, in 1994. The couple parted in 2021 but had three children together during their relationship. Yeah, you got it right Blair Underwood’s current wife is Josie Hart.
Josie Hart, an ex-costar of Sex and the City, and the actor tied the knot on June 24, 2023. Their friendship goes back decades, but their romance is relatively new, having begun only a few years ago. November 2022 was the month that Underwood and Hart’s engagement was announced.
Blair Underwood kids
Blair Underwood was previously wed to Desiree DeCosta, who was the mother of his three children. 1997-born son Paris Underwood and Blake Underwood is a 2001-born child. He also has a daughter named Brielle Underwood.
Underwood Net Worth
Blair Underwood is an American thespian who has a net worth of $8 million. Blair is maybe best known for playing the headstrong attorney Jonathan Rollins on the NBC legal drama “L.A. Law.” He made his picture debut at age 21 in “Krush Groove” (1985). In 2008 he showcased in the HBO series “In Treatment.”
Conclusion
Blair Underwood is a celebrated actor whose widespread career spans over thirty years. His performances in film, television, and theatre have saved him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, Underwood’s roles have often broken barriers besides challenging stereotypes, making him a significant figure in portraying diverse characters on the American screen.
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