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Glynn Turman (born January 31, 1947)[1] is an American actor. First coming to attention as a child actor in the original 1959 Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, Turman is known for his roles as Lew Miles on the prime-time soap opera Peyton Place (1968–1969), high school student Leroy "Preach" Jackson in the 1975 coming-of-age film Cooley High, math professor and retired Army colonel Bradford Taylor on the NBC sitcom A Different World (1988–1993), and Baltimore mayor Clarence Royce on the HBO drama series The Wire. He received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role on the HBO drama series In Treatment.

Key Information

Turman also portrayed Jeremiah Kaan on the Showtime series House of Lies, Doctor Senator in the fourth season of the FX black comedy crime drama series Fargo, and starred in the 2020 Netflix film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Early life

[edit]

Turman was born in New York City. According to a DNA analysis, Turman shares maternal ancestry with the Edo people of Nigeria.[2] Turman studied at High School of Performing Arts located in the Manhattan borough of New York City, graduating in 1965.[3]

Career

[edit]

Turman had his first prominent acting role at the age of 12 as Travis Younger in the original Broadway production of Lorraine Hansberry's classic play, A Raisin in the Sun, opposite Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Ivan Dixon, Louis Gossett Jr., Lonne Elder III, John Fiedler and Diana Sands. After graduating high school, he apprenticed in regional and repertory companies throughout the US, including Tyrone Guthrie's Repertory Theatre, in which he performed in late 1960s productions of Good Boys, Harper's Ferry, The Visit, and The House of Atreus. He made his Los Angeles stage debut in William Hanley’s Slow Dance on the Killing Ground. A 1974 performance in The Wine Sellers earned him a Los Angeles Critics Award nomination and a Dramalogue Award. The play was also produced on Broadway as What The Wine Sellers Buy.[citation needed]

Turman won his first NAACP Image Award for his work in the play Eyes of the American. He received his second NAACP Image award for directing Deadwood Dick at the Inner City Cultural Center in Los Angeles.[citation needed]

On television, he has directed episodes of The Parent 'Hood, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, A Different World, and The Wayans Bros.

Turman on Broadway in A Raisin in the Sun. L-R: Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Glynn Turman, Sidney Poitier, and John Fiedler.

Turman began his film career in the 1970s with blaxploitation flicks including Five on the Black Hand Side (1973), Thomasine & Bushrod (1974) and Together Brothers (1974), then progressed to roles in Cooley High (1975), plus The River Niger (1976), J. D.'s Revenge (1976) and A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich (1978). TV movies included Carter's Army, the prestigious Centennial, Attica, and Minstrel Man, for which he won his third NAACP Image Award.

Turman appeared in TV movies Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad in 1994, Buffalo Soldiers, and Freedom Song. More notable films include Penitentiary II (1982), Gremlins (1984), Deep Cover (1992), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Men of Honor (2000), Sahara (2005), Kings of the Evening (2007), Burlesque (2010) and Super 8 (2011). In 2004, he joined the HBO series The Wire portraying the recurring role of Mayor Clarence Royce, becoming a full-time regular in 2006. His portrayal of Mayor Royce earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2007.[4]

Since The Wire, Turman guest-starred as a patient in the Scrubs episode "My Last Words". Turman's other television appearances include Hawaii Five-O (as Harley Dartson, 1973, "Tricks Are Not Treats"), the Twilight Zone segment "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (co-starring Danny Kaye with a script by Harlan Ellison), Matlock, Millennium, and the sitcom All of Us. In 2008, he won a Primetime Emmy award for his guest appearance on the HBO series In Treatment. He appeared in the ABC series Detroit 1-8-7. He has performed and produced a one-man show, Movin' Man, about his life.

Turman auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars. In a 2007 interview, Turman recalled: "That was in George Lucas' book. Apparently George Lucas had me in mind for the role, and then thought that there might be too much controversy between a white Princess Leia and a black Han Solo – because those were the times – and he didn't want to get into that. At the time, I had no idea. I just went to the audition, did it and got out of there."[5] In 2012, he began appearing in House of Lies on Showtime as the father of the characters played by Don Cheadle and Larenz Tate. In 2016, he appeared in the Oprah Winfrey Network TV show Queen Sugar in which he played the father, Ernest Bordelon.

In 2017, Turman was cast as Nate Lahey Sr. in 10 episodes in seasons 4 and 5 of the ABC drama How to Get Away With Murder. His character is the imprisoned father of Nate Lahey (Billy Brown), a former police officer, detective and lover to series star Annalise Keating (Viola Davis). In 2018, Turman appeared on the legal drama Suits as Vic.

Turman recently appeared in the ABC limited series Women of the Movement in 2021, playing Mose Wright, Emmett Till's great-uncle.[6] Turman also makes a cameo appearance as Mickey in 80 for Brady opposite Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Sally Field.

Turman founded Camp Gid D Up to teach horse skills and values to urban youth in southern California and has been co-grand marshal for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, celebrating black cowboys, for nearly 40 years. [7]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1971 Honky Sailor
1972 A.W.O.L. Mohammed G.
1973 Five on the Black Hand Side Gideon Brooks
1974 Thomasine & Bushrod Jomo J. Anderson
The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat (voice)
Together Brothers Dr. Johnson
1975 Cooley High Leroy "Preach" Jackson
1976 The River Niger Jeff Williams
J. D.'s Revenge Isaac "Ike" Hendrix
1977 The Serpent's Egg Monroe
1978 A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich Nigeria
1982 Penitentiary II Charles Johnson
1984 Gremlins Roy Hanson
1986 Out of Bounds Lieutenant Delgado
1992 Deep Cover Russell Stevens Sr.
1994 The Inkwell Spencer Phillips
1996 Subterfuge Stallworth Hubbs
Psalms from the Underground - Short
1998 How Stella Got Her Groove Back Dr. Shakespeare
1999 Light It Up Principal Allan Armstrong
2000 The Visit Parole Board Member Reingold
Men of Honor Chief Floyd
2001 Air Rage Ted Bigelow Video
2004 The Seat Filler Derrick's Dad
2005 Sahara Dr. Frank Hopper
2007 City Teacher Kevin Sawyer
Kings of the Evening Clarence Brown
2009 Preaching to the Pastor Bishop Hightower
2010 Takers Chief Detective Duncan
Burlesque Harold Saint
2011 Bright Beamon Short
Supremacy Frank Walker
Super 8 Dr. Woodward
Forcin' the Blues - Short
2012 John Dies at the End Detective Appleton
Who Killed Soul Glow? -
The Obama Effect Slim Sugar
The Pastor's Secrets -
2013 Act Like You Love Me David
2014 Dakota's Summer Isaac Benson
2015 Last Chance Judge Kramer Short
2016 Juney Smith's Black American Film Collection City Teacher 1 Video
Race Harry Davis
2018 Solace Clay
Bumblebee General Whalen
2019 Windows on the World Lou
Justine Papa Don
Sextuplets Leland
2020 The Way Back Doc
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Toledo
2022 The Devil You Know Lloyd Cowans
2023 80 for Brady Mickey
Rustin A. Philip Randolph
Outlaw Johnny Black Bullseye Black [8]
2024 Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2
2025 Straw Richard
TBA Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3 Filming

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1961 The Play of the Week - Episode: "Black Monday"
1968 Daktari Usumbu Episode: "Once Upon a Fang"
1968–69 Peyton Place Lew Miles Main cast (season 5)
1969 Julia Jimmy James Episode: "The Undergraduate" & "For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls"
CBS Playhouse Jackson Episode: "Sadbird"
1970–71 Room 222 Vic Episode: "Dreams of Glory" & "Opportunity Room"
1970 Carter's Army Pvt. George Brightman TV movie
1971 In Search of America Bodhi
Storefront Lawyers - Episode: "Marathon"
Insight Sam Episode: "Bird on the Mast"
1972 The Mod Squad Lonnie Episode: "Kill Gently, Sweet Jessie"
The Doris Day Show Chris Davis Episode: "The Great Talent Raid"
1973 Cannon Jamal Episode: "Deadly Heritage"
Hawaii Five-O Harley Dartson Episode: "Tricks Are Not Treats"
The Rookies Jimmy Webster Episode: "Blood Brother"
1975 Ceremonies in Dark Old Men Theo TV movie
The Blue Knight Edwin Beall Episode: "Pilot"
1976–78 Visions Axis Episode: "The Tapestry/Circles" & "Charlie Smith and the Fritter Tree"
1977 Minstrel Man Harry Brown, Jr. TV movie
The Tony Randall Show William Episode: "New Found Franklin"
1978 ABC Afterschool Special Lenny Johnson Episode: "The Rag Tag Champs"
Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold Preston de Cordiva TV movie
The Paper Chase Raymond Livingston Episode: "Moot Court" [9]
1978–79 Centennial Nate Person Miniseries
1980 Attica Raymond Franklin TV movie
The White Shadow Ron Taylor Episode: "A Few Good Men"
Palmerstown, U.S.A. C.J. Freeman Episode: "The Old Sister"
1981 Thornwell James Thornwell TV movie
1982 The Greatest American Hero Captain Le Clerc Episode: "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"
Cass Malloy Officer Woodrow Freeman Pilot for She's the Sheriff
Fame Ben Pettit Episode: "Class Act"
1983 Manimal Ty Earl Episode: "Manimal"
Lottery! - Episode: "Detroit: The Price of Freedom"
1984 The Love Boat Tyrone Episode: "Ace's Valet/Mother Comes First/Hit or Miss America"
Fantasy Island Joe Wilson Episode: "Bojangles and the Dancer/Deuces Are Wild"
Secrets of a Married Man Jesse TV movie
T. J. Hooker Norman Powell Episode: "Anatomy of a Killing"
Hot Pursuit Mitch Simpson Episode: "Goodbye... I Love You"
This Is the Life - Episode: "Reprise for the Lord"
1985 Riptide Tyrone Diamond Episode: "Prisoner of War"
American Playhouse Joshua Episode: "Charlotte Forten's Mission: Experiment in Freedom"
Detective in the House - Episode: "Whatever Happened To...?"
Hail to the Chief LaRue Hawkes Episode: "Pilot"
The Twilight Zone Billy Kinetta Episode: "Teacher's Aide/Paladin of the Lost Hour"
The Grand Baby - TV movie
Murder, She Wrote Ben Coleman Episode: "Murder to a Jazz Beat"
1986 The Redd Foxx Show Rod Tyler Episode: "High School Blues"
The Magical World of Disney Lloyd Lyman Episode: "Ask Max"
Murder, She Wrote Stan Lassiter Episode: "Deadline for Murder"
1987 Matlock Maj. Dennis Orlando Episode: "The Court-Martial: Part 1 & 2"
CBS Summer Playhouse Roger Donnely Episode: "Doctors Wilde"
J.J. Starbuck Lt. Caspersons Episode: "Pilot"
1989 Murder, She Wrote Earl Browder Episode: "Jack and Bill"
1988–93 A Different World Colonel Bradford Taylor Main cast (season 2-6)
1990 Freddy's Nightmares Dr. Redman Episode: "Life Sentence"
1994 Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad Solomon TV movie
Someone Else's Child Judge Roullard
1996 The Lazarus Man - Episode: "Panorama"
Rebound: The Legend of Earl "The Goat" Manigault Coach Powell TV movie
Circle of Pain -
1997 Millennium James Glen Episode: "Wide Open"
Buffalo Soldiers Sgt. Joshua 'Joyu' Judges Ruth TV movie
1999 The Magnificent Seven Achilles Thompson Episode: "Achilles"
2000 Freedom Song T-Bone Lanier TV movie
Strange World Wade Beecher Episode: "Skin"
Touched by an Angel Sheriff Ernie Guthrie Episode: "Finger of God"
2000–02 Resurrection Blvd. Bobby Davis Recurring cast
2001 Fire & Ice Robert Aimes Sr. TV movie
Big Apple Ted Olsen Main cast
JAG Sub Captain Episode: "Mixed Messages"
2003 The Lyon's Den Phil Cherot Episode: "Duty to Save"
Law & Order: Criminal Intent Roy Hines Episode: "Pravda"
2004–05 The Bernie Mac Show Carl McCullough Episode: "Family Reunion" & "Who Gives This Bride"
2004–08 The Wire Mayor Clarence V. Royce Recurring cast (season 3), main cast (season 4), guest (season 5)
2006 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Dr. Young Episode: "Infected"
All of Us Earl James Recurring cast (season 4)
2008 Murder 101 Sheriff Bob Monroe Episode: "New Age"
Players at the Poker Palace Black Bart Episode: "The Shoot Out"
Night Life - TV movie
Cold Case Al Towert Episode: "Glory Days"
ER Mr. Holmes Episode: "Parental Guidance"
2008–09 In Treatment Alex Prince, Sr. Supporting cast: season 1-2
2009 Scrubs George Valentine Episode: "My Last Words"
Southland Captain Episode: "Two Gangs"
FlashForward Senator Noland Episode: "Gimme Some Truth"
2010 Detroit 1-8-7 Reverend Clinton P. Huey Episode: "Shelter"
2010–11 The Defenders Judge Bob Owens Recurring cast
2011 Funny or Die Presents Chief Huckey Episode #2.10
2012 Alcatraz Emmitt Little Episode: "Clarence Montgomery"
NCIS: Los Angeles James Pierce Episode: "Out of the Past"
Revolution Major David Kipling Episode: "Nobody's Fault But Mine"
2012–16 House of Lies Jeremiah Kaan Main cast
2013 Criminal Minds Charles Johnson Episode: "Strange Fruit"
2015 Proof Colonel James Tyler Episode: "St. Luke's"
2016–22 Queen Sugar Ernest Bordelon 3 episodes
2017 Graves Lenny Episode: "Not All Who Wander Are Lost" & "Spark Meet Gasoline"
Brothered Up Frank Williams TV movie
2018 Suits Vic Episode: "Bad Man"
2018–19 How to Get Away with Murder Nate Lahey Sr. Recurring cast (season 4-5)
2019 Better Things Rocket Episode: "Nesting"
Documentary Now! Julius Baxter Episode: "Long Gone"
American Gods Reverend Hutchins Episode: "The Ways of the Dead"
The Red Line Nathan Gordon Recurring cast
Claws Calvin Sims Recurring cast (season 3)
Mr. Mercedes Judge Bernard Raines Recurring cast (season 3)
Power Gabriel Episode: "No One Can Stop Me"
2020 Black-ish Billy Blade Episode: "Earl, Interrupted"
Close Enough (voice) Episode: "Prank War/Cool Moms"
Power Book II: Ghost Gabriel Episode: "Exceeding Expectations"
Fargo Doctor Senator[10] Recurring cast (season 4)
2021–23 Stillwater Mr. Morgan (voice) 2 episodes
2022–23 The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Pa (voice)
2022 Women of the Movement Mose Wright Main role
FBI: Most Wanted Terry Daniels Episode: "Greatest Hits"
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities Sheriff Nate Craven Episode: "The Autopsy"
2023 Black Cake Charles Mitch Recurring role
2023–24 Percy Jackson and the Olympians Chiron Recurring role
2024 The Big Cigar Walter Newton Upcoming miniseries
The Neighborhood Otis (Tina's Father) Episode: "Welcome To Daddy Issues" & "Welcome To The Wicked Stepmother"
2025 Paradise Xavier's Father Episode: "The Architect of Social Well-Being"

Podcasts

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2020 Day by Day Rex (voice) Episode: "Two Turtles"

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Title Result Ref.
2007 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series The Wire Nominated [11]
2008 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series In Treatment Won [12]
San Diego Black Film Festival Best Supporting Actor Kings of the Evening Won [13]
2015 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series House of Lies Nominated [14]
2019 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series How to Get Away with Murder Nominated [12]
2020 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actor Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Won [15]
National Society of Film Critics Best Supporting Actor Runner-up [16]
2021 Critics' Choice Television Awards Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries Fargo Nominated [17]
Critics' Choice Movie Awards Best Acting Ensemble Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Nominated [18]
Independent Spirit Awards Best Supporting Male Nominated [19]
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Nominated [20]
[21]
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture Won
Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Nominated [22]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Glynn Turman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Glynn Russell Turman (born January 31, 1947) is an American actor, director, producer, and writer whose career in theater, television, and film has extended over six decades. Turman debuted professionally at age 12 in the original 1959 Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, portraying Travis Younger opposite Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Claudia McNeil, marking an early breakthrough in his stage work. He gained further prominence in the late 1960s as Lew Miles on the soap opera Peyton Place and in the 1975 coming-of-age film Cooley High as Leroy "Preach" Jackson, a role that established him as a versatile character actor adept at portraying urban youth and authority figures. Turman's television career includes recurring roles such as Colonel Bradford on A Different World (1988–1993), Mayor Clarence Royce on The Wire (2004–2006), and Nate Lahey Sr. on How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2019), for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2017. In addition to acting, he has directed episodes of series like The Wayans Bros. and The Parent 'Hood, and received NAACP Image Awards for stage performances, including Eyes of the American. Turman earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025, recognizing his enduring contributions to entertainment.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Glynn Russell Turman was born on January 31, 1947, in to Wyman Turman and Lena Turman. His parents divorced early in his life, after which he resided primarily with his mother and maternal relatives, including two aunts and a brother-in-law, in a apartment in at the corner of 147th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. This setting immersed him in the dense urban environment of mid-20th-century , characterized by close-knit family support amid economic constraints typical of such housing. Turman's early years involved time spent not only in but also in public housing projects with his aunts, exposing him to varied neighborhood dynamics and the challenges of inner-city life in New York. Around age 8 or 9, in the mid-1950s, he and his mother relocated to , shifting to a more bohemian, artistically vibrant community where his mother's social circle included prominent figures like writers and . As a latchkey in this independent household, Turman developed self-reliance, with his mother actively guiding his activities to mitigate risks of , such as through enrollment in youth camps. A DNA analysis later revealed Turman's maternal ancestry traces to the of , providing insight into his family's ethnic roots. These foundational experiences in New York's evolving neighborhoods and familial structure cultivated a resilience shaped by modest means, relative mobility, and exposure to cultural influencers within his immediate environment.

Entry into Acting and Early Activism

Glynn Turman entered the acting world at the age of 12, securing his first prominent role as Travis Younger in the original Broadway production of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, which premiered on March 11, 1959, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. This debut opposite Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee provided Turman with an early taste of professional theater success in New York City, where he was raised. Following this breakthrough, Turman honed his skills at the in , graduating in 1965 after studying amid a competitive environment that emphasized artistic disciplines like , , and . His mother played a key role in encouraging his pursuit of theater from a young age. As a teenager and young man during the civil rights era, Turman participated in marches and protests, reflecting an early commitment to causes alongside his artistic development. This intersected with his connections to figures like , linking personal direct action to broader movement networks. By the mid-, these experiences paralleled his shift toward sustained professional opportunities in stage and television.

Professional Career

Stage and Theater Beginnings

Glynn Turman initiated his professional acting career on Broadway at age 12, originating the role of Travis Younger in the 1959 premiere of Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, alongside Sidney Poitier as Walter Lee Younger and Ruby Dee as Ruth Younger. The production, which ran for 489 performances, provided Turman with his initial exposure to ensemble dynamics in a landmark play addressing African American family struggles amid racial tensions. Turman continued building his stage presence through subsequent Broadway appearances, including the role of Steve Carlton in Ron Milner's What the Wine-Sellers Buy, which opened on February 14, 1974, at the and addressed urban youth temptations in a ghetto setting. This engagement, running until March 17, 1974, honed his skills in portraying conflicted young characters within moral dilemmas, contributing to his versatility in live performance. Further solidifying his theater credentials, Turman earned his first Image Award for his performance in Eyes of the American, a 1985 production where he starred as a cabdriver aspiring to political power, demonstrating his command of dramatic intensity and character depth through sustained stage work. These early roles emphasized Turman's foundational training in improvisation, timing, and audience interaction, distinct from later screen adaptations.

Breakthrough in Film and Television (1960s-1980s)

Turman transitioned to television with a recurring role as Lew Miles, a troubled involved in a community tragedy, on the ABC soap opera Peyton Place from 1968 to 1969, appearing in 37 episodes and gaining widespread national visibility as one of the few prominent Black leads on prime-time network TV at the time. His entry into film came amid the era, with supporting parts in titles like Five on the Black Hand Side (1973) and (1974), but (1975) marked his starring breakthrough as Leroy "Preach" Jackson, a poetry-loving high school senior navigating friendship, romance, and petty crime in 1960s Chicago's Cabrini-Green projects. Directed by , the film drew acclaim for its realistic portrayal of Black urban adolescent life, earning an 83% critics' score on and cult status for blending humor, soundtrack, and social observation without heavy didacticism. This role solidified Turman's reputation for authentic, layered depictions of young Black masculinity, influencing his casting in subsequent character-driven projects. Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Turman sustained momentum via television films, including Minstrel Man (1977), for which he received an Image Award for portraying a performer rising in , and Centennial (1978 miniseries) as Nate Person, a homesteader. These earned praise for historical depth amid his personal marriage to (1978–1984), though career continuity persisted through genre films like (1976) and (1984). By the late 1980s, he joined (1987–1993) as Colonel Bradford Taylor, a stern ROTC instructor and mentor figure, starting as a recurring guest in season 2 before becoming a series regular for five seasons on the , contributing to its evolution into a top-rated show addressing HBCU life and social issues.

Sustained Roles and Versatility (1990s-2010s)

During the , Turman maintained a steady presence in film, showcasing his range beyond earlier dramatic leads by taking on supporting roles in varied genres. In How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), he played Dr. Shakespeare, the supportive husband to the protagonist's friend, contributing to the film's exploration of midlife romance and personal reinvention amid a cast including and . He followed with the role of Principal Allan Armstrong in the urban thriller Light It Up (1999), directed by Craig Bolotin, where his character navigated a hostage , highlighting Turman's ability to portray authoritative figures under pressure. These performances underscored his adaptability to ensemble-driven narratives, avoiding after decades in lead parts. Transitioning into television in the , Turman delivered a standout portrayal of Mayor Clarence V. Royce in HBO's , debuting as a recurring guest in season three (2004) before joining the main cast through its 2008 conclusion, with appearances in 22 episodes total. As the ambitious, ethically flexible politician entangled in the series' depiction of institutional and street-level drug trade, Royce's arc—from incumbent mayor challenging reformist to a disgraced figure—allowed Turman to embody nuanced power dynamics, earning praise for adding gravitas to the ensemble. This role exemplified his sustained engagement with prestige cable drama, blending political intrigue with . Turman's versatility peaked in 2008 with his guest performance as Alex Sr. in HBO's , portraying a grieving father confronting loss and family tensions across multiple sessions with therapist , played by . The role's emotional depth, drawn from real-time therapy simulations, led to his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Series, awarded on September 21, 2008, validating his command of introspective, dialogue-heavy material after earlier action-oriented work. Extending into the 2010s, Turman continued cross-medium output with recurring turns like Jeremiah Kaan in Showtime's House of Lies (2012–2016), a satirical consultant in a firm of management strategists, where he infused the role with wry authority amid corporate machinations starring Don Cheadle. Films such as Men of Honor (2000), where he supported Cuba Gooding Jr.'s portrayal of diver Carl Brashear, further demonstrated his reliability in inspirational biopics, contributing to a career marked by over a dozen projects per decade without diminishing returns in quality or visibility. This period affirmed Turman's mid-career resilience, pivoting seamlessly between serialized TV depth and feature-film breadth.

Recent Work and Milestones (2020s)

In 2022, Turman portrayed Mose Wright, the great-uncle and guardian of , in the ABC limited series , a dramatization of Mamie Till-Mobley's efforts for justice following her son's 1955 in . The role highlighted Wright's courageous courtroom testimony identifying Till's killers, contributing to the series' focus on civil rights catalysts. Turman took on the part of A. Philip Randolph, the labor and civil rights leader who mentored Bayard Rustin, in the 2023 Netflix film Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe and centered on the 1963 March on Washington. His performance depicted Randolph's strategic influence amid internal movement tensions, underscoring Turman's affinity for historical figures driving social change. The 2023 documentary The Legend of Glynn Turman, directed by Juney Smith, featured the actor reflecting on his evolution from a 12-year-old Broadway debut in A Raisin in the Sun to spanning over six decades in film, television, and theater. Released on June 20, 2023, the film emphasized his origins, breakthrough roles, and sustained versatility without signaling any career slowdown. Turman maintained an active schedule into 2025, with credits including the role of Richard in the upcoming film and appearances in anthology series like Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities (2022). His enduring horsemanship, a personal passion dating back decades, continued to manifest in public engagements, reflecting physical vitality at age 78 that aligns with his refusal to retire. As of October 2025, no announcements indicated plans to step away from , affirming his ongoing in an industry spanning generations.

Personal Life

Marriages and Relationships

Glynn Turman married Ula M. Walker in 1965, and the union ended in divorce in July 1971. Turman wed singer on April 11, 1978, at her father's church in ; the couple separated in 1982 amid challenges from maintaining a due to their respective careers on opposite coasts, and they finalized their divorce in 1984. Turman has been married to Jo-An Allen since February 14, 1992, marking a partnership exceeding three decades as of 2025.

Family and Children

Turman has four children. His first marriage produced three: sons Glynn Turman Jr. and Darryl Turman, and daughter Stephanie Turman. Glynn Jr. was fatally stabbed at age 21 in a altercation outside a Santa Monica restaurant on November 23, , and pronounced dead at a local . During his marriage to from 1978 to 1984, Turman served as stepfather to her four sons—Clarence, Edward (Teddy), and Kecalf—providing parental guidance amid the blended family structure, though the union ended in without joint offspring. Turman's to Jo-An Allen since 1992 has yielded one , Delena Joy Turman (also known as Dee), born prior to their wedding after a decade together; the family maintains a close-knit dynamic centered on intentional . The children from his earlier unions have pursued independent lives, with limited public details on their careers.

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Turman co-founded Camp Gid D Up, a nonprofit western-style , with his wife Jo-An in 1992 following the Los Angeles riots, aiming to provide inner-city and at-risk youth with horsemanship training, camping skills, and exposure to rural values. The program, hosted annually at their IX Winds Ranch in County, accommodates up to 100 participants per session free of charge, emphasizing practical equestrian activities to foster discipline and among urban children. By 2021, the camp had operated for nearly 30 years, continuing as a hands-on initiative rather than a high-profile endeavor. A lifelong enthusiast of and cowboy culture, Turman developed his interest in horsemanship during boyhood, dreaming of ranch ownership despite disliking formal schooling and excelling instead in . He has competed as a team roper on the Black circuit for nearly four decades, including participation in the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, where he served as co-grand marshal. This passion manifests in grounded pursuits, such as maintaining his and avoiding the excesses of celebrity life in favor of ranch-based activities and youth mentorship through equine programs.

Awards and Honors

Primetime Emmy and Major Acting Awards

Glynn Turman received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2008 for his portrayal of Alex Prince Sr. in the HBO series , recognizing his nuanced depiction of a grieving father confronting across multiple episodes. This win highlighted Turman's ability to deliver emotionally layered performances in limited , marking his sole Primetime Emmy victory amid a of acclaimed guest roles. In film, Turman earned the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2020 for his role as the steadfast pianist Toledo in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, a performance praised for its understated wisdom and historical authenticity in capturing early 20th-century Black musical dynamics. This accolade from the LAFCA, a prestigious body of film reviewers, underscored Turman's versatility in ensemble-driven dramas, distinguishing it from broader industry honors.

NAACP Image Awards and Other Recognitions

Glynn Turman has earned several over his career, highlighting his sustained impact in theatre and television performances appreciated within Black cultural contexts. His first win recognized his stage work in the play Eyes of the American, an early acknowledgment of his theatrical prowess. He received a second for directing Deadwood Dick at the Cultural Center in , underscoring his behind-the-scenes contributions to culturally resonant productions. In 2023, Turman won for Outstanding Guest/Actor in a Series for his recurring role in , exemplifying peer recognition for nuanced supporting turns across decades. Nominations further reflect his versatility, including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for portraying Mayor Clarence Royce in The Wire (2007 ceremony) and for Mose Wright in the limited series Women of the Movement (2023). These accolades, spanning from stage origins to contemporary guest appearances, demonstrate consistent esteem from NAACP voters for roles embodying depth and authenticity without reliance on lead billing. Beyond NAACP honors, Turman garnered the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor for Down in the Valley (2005), affirming critical appreciation for his dramatic range in independent cinema. He also received a nomination for the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male in Down in the Valley, signaling industry validation outside mainstream broadcast metrics. In 2010, the Pan-African Film Festival presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring body of work in fostering diverse narratives.

Recent Honors Including Hollywood Walk of Fame

In July 2025, Glynn Turman was awarded the 2,816th star on the , dedicated in the Motion Pictures category at 7065 . The ceremony acknowledged his more than six decades of contributions to film, television, and stage, marking a capstone to a career defined by longevity and versatility rather than early accolades. Turman arrived on horseback for the event, symbolizing his roots in Western portrayals, and emphasized in reflections that he has no intention of retiring, viewing the honor as motivation to continue working. Speakers including director and actor praised Turman's portrayals of civil rights figures and mentors, underscoring his influence on representations of Black American experiences across eras. The event drew family, colleagues like Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and , and fans, reinforcing Turman's status as a bridge between classic and contemporary Hollywood. Earlier in the decade, Turman received the Legacy Award at the 2024 African American Film Critics Association TV Honors, recognizing his pivotal television roles that spanned genres and generations. This tribute highlighted his Emmy-winning work and consistent output into his late 70s, affirming his role in advancing authentic narratives without reliance on typecasting.

Filmography

Selected Film Roles

Turman's breakthrough film role came in (1975), where he played Leroy "Preach" Jackson, a street-smart high student aspiring to escape poverty through writing in this influential coming-of-age dramedy set in . In (1976), he portrayed Isaac "Ike" Hendrix, a mild-mannered possessed by a vengeful spirit in this , highlighting his ability to handle supernatural thriller elements. Turman demonstrated comedic timing and vulnerability as Roy Hanson, a high school science teacher victimized by mischievous creatures, in the horror-comedy (1984), a commercial hit that expanded his genre range beyond dramatic roles. In the biographical drama (2000), he appeared as Chief Floyd, a supportive naval mentoring the in this account of the first African American master diver , underscoring Turman's affinity for historical military-themed narratives. His role as Detective Lawrence in the cult sci-fi horror (2012) involved investigating bizarre interdimensional events, exemplifying his continued work in quirky, effects-driven films later in his career. Turman played General Frank Whalen, a high-ranking military official dealing with alien threats, in the action-packed Transformers spin-off (2018), a role that showcased his authoritative presence in blockbuster franchises.

Selected Television Roles

Turman began his television career with a recurring role as Lew Miles in the ABC prime-time Peyton Place, appearing in 37 episodes from 1968 to 1969. He portrayed the character amid the series' exploration of small-town scandals and racial tensions. In the sitcom , Turman played Colonel Bradford Taylor, a strict ROTC instructor and mathematics professor at , from season 2 through season 6 (1988–1993), appearing in over 100 episodes as a mentor figure to students. The role highlighted his ability to blend authority with warmth in a spin-off of .
  • The Wire (HBO, 2004–2006): Turman depicted Mayor Clarence V. Royce, initially as a recurring navigating Baltimore's and , evolving into a starring role in seasons 3 and 4 as an ambitious incumbent facing reform pressures.
  • In Treatment (HBO, 2008): As Alex Sr., a grieving father in sessions, Turman delivered a guest arc across multiple episodes, earning the 2008 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Series for his portrayal of paternal conflict and vulnerability.
  • House of Lies (Showtime, 2012–2016): He recurred as Jeremiah Kaan, the disapproving, principled father of lead consultant Marty Kaan (), appearing in key episodes that contrasted family ethics with corporate deceit.
  • Fargo (FX, season 4, 2020): Turman portrayed Doctor Senator, a shrewd advisor in the 1950s Kansas City crime syndicate storyline, contributing to the anthology's examination of interracial power dynamics and moral ambiguity.

Stage and Other Media Appearances


Glynn Turman initiated his professional acting career on Broadway, originating the role of Travis Younger in Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun at age 12; the production opened on March 11, 1959, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and transferred to the Belasco Theatre. The play ran for 489 performances, marking a landmark debut for the young actor alongside Sidney Poitier and Claudia McNeil. Turman returned to Broadway in 1974, playing Steve Carlton in What the Wine-Sellers Buy by Ronald Ribman, which premiered on February 14 at the Ambassador Theatre and closed after seven performances. His regional theater work included a debut in Vinnette Carroll's Slow Dance on the Killing Ground and performances in productions such as Do Lord Remember Me, Good Boys, Harper's Ferry, The Visit, and The House of Atreus. Later credits encompass at the Center Theatre Group's and at the . As a director, Turman helmed Deadwood Dick at the Inner City Cultural Center, receiving his second NAACP Image Award for the effort. His stage involvement extended to ensemble and revival works, though he primarily transitioned to screen roles post-1970s. Other media appearances include guest spots on podcasts such as Questlove Supreme in November 2024, discussing his career spanning over 160 projects, and NPR's Bullseye with in January 2022. No major radio dramas or documentary narrations are prominently documented beyond these.

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