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Malcolm Goodwin
Malcolm Goodwin
from Wikipedia

Malcolm Goodwin (born November 28, 1982) is an American actor, known for his role as Clive Babineaux in The CW supernatural comedy-drama series iZombie (2015–2019).[1]

Key Information

In 2022, Goodwin portrayed Oscar Finlay in the Amazon Prime Video series Reacher.

Life and career

[edit]

His love for acting began during his time with the Julia Richman Talent Unlimited Program in New York City. He later trained at SUNY Purchase College Acting Conservatory, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts and Film.[2]

Goodwin has directed and produced independent commercials, sketches, short films, music videos and public service announcements. In 2011 he appeared in the music video for the song "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO.[3] He has been featured in articles for Interview, L.A. Confidential, King, Vibe, and Venice. Goodwin also had minor roles in various films and TV shows, such as American Gangster, Detroit 1-8-7, Leatherheads, The Longshots, Crazy on the Outside.[4]

In 2015, Goodwin was cast in the lead male role of Det. Clive Babineaux on The CW television series iZombie.[5]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1997 Color of Justice Shawn TV movie
2005 Wake of the Fallen Sun Jacob Short
Backseat Ricky
Get Rich or Die Tryin' Shaarocks
2006 The Architect Big Tim
2007 Got Next Drew Short
Anamorph Museum Guard
American Gangster Jimmy Zee
2008 Leatherheads Bakes
Deception Cabbie
The Longshots Roy
Miracle at St. Anna Higgins
The Lazarus Project Robbie
2009 Mississippi Damned Sammy Stone
Brief Interviews with Hideous Men Father of Subject #42
Black Gloves James Short
2010 Crazy on the Outside Rick
2011 Make a Movie Like Spike Ronald
The Tommy O Show Starring America Mac Man TV movie
2012 Rhino Hank
Freelancers A.D.
2013 A True Story Jason
Thank You Card Jamaal Short
2014 Hot Fail Matt Short
2015 Run All Night Officer Colston
Lucky Number Garrett 'G' Brown
2017 The Bigfoot Project Junior
2019 Skater David Byrd Short
Ring Ring Will
2020 Be the Light Marvin
The Bellmen Jeff Bridges
2021 Not Quite College Taxi Tommy

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Law & Order Lamont Tyler Episode: "Patient Zero"
Hack - Episode: "Out of the Ashes"
2004 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Elvin Fergin Episode: "Mad Hops"
2007 K-Ville Troy Boulet Episode: "Critical Mass"
2009 Raising the Bar Wesley Wedderburn Episode: "Is There a Doctor in the House?"
2010 Detroit 1-8-7 KJ Episode: "Nobody's Home/Unknown Soldier"
2011–12 Breakout Kings Shea Daniels Main cast
2012 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Aaron Voss Episode: "Fallen Angels"
2013 Elementary Andre Bell Episode: "Details"
Blue Bloods Angelo Reid Episode: "Unwritten Rules"
Bones CC Creach Episode: "The Dude in the Dam"
2014 House of Cards Darnell Hayes Episode: "Chapter 22"
True Blood Joe Thornton Episode: "Almost Home"
2015 Wayward Pines Dr. Bauer Episode: "Where Paradise Is Home"
2015–19 iZombie Clive Babineaux Main cast
2019 Bull Eddie Mitchell Episode: "Rectify"
FBI Agent Collins Episode: "Codename: Ferdinand"
2020 The Fugitive Kevin Lawson Recurring cast
2022–23 Reacher Oscar Finlay Main cast (season 1); guest (season 2)
2023 The Fall of the House of Usher Young C. Auguste Dupin Recurring cast
2024–25 Law & Order: Organized Crime Moses Warren Guest (seasons 4–5)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Malcolm Goodwin is an American actor best known for his portrayal of detective Clive Babineaux in the supernatural series iZombie (2015–2019) and FBI agent Oscar Finlay in the action series Reacher (2022). Born on November 28, 1982, in , New York, Goodwin trained as a classically trained performer at the Julia Richman Talent Unlimited Program in before earning a degree in theatre arts and film from the at Purchase. Goodwin began his acting career in the mid-2000s with guest appearances on television shows such as Law & Order and roles in films including American Gangster (2007), where he played a minor character in Ridley Scott's crime drama. His breakthrough came with the recurring role of Seamus "Shea" Daniels in the A&E series Breakout Kings (2011–2012), a procedural drama about fugitive recovery agents. Following that, he appeared in supporting parts in movies like Leatherheads (2008), a period sports comedy directed by George Clooney, and The Gambler (2014), alongside Mark Wahlberg. In addition to iZombie, where Goodwin's character served as the grounded human counterpart to the zombie protagonist, he has taken on law enforcement roles in several crime procedurals, including Detective Joe Hall in the Tubi horror thriller television movie Alone in the Dark (2022) and Detective Moses Warren in Law & Order: Organized Crime (2024–present). His performance as the skeptical detective Finlay in Reacher, based on Lee Child's novels, earned praise for adding depth to the ensemble alongside Alan Ritchson. Goodwin has also expanded into producing and directing, notably with the independent film Pass the Light (2015), which he helmed. As of 2025, Goodwin continues to build his filmography with recent and upcoming projects, including the thriller Resurrection Road (2025), where he stars as , and the psychological horror , featuring a cast that includes former player and cult filmmaker . Other 2024 releases feature him in They Whisper as Joseph, Half Lives as Vincent, and the holiday film A Christmas in New Hope as Nick, showcasing his versatility across genres from horror to romance.

Early life and education

Early life

Malcolm Goodwin was born on November 28, 1982, in , . He was raised in alongside three sisters and a brother, in a family disrupted by his parents' traumatic breakup during his childhood. Following the divorce, Goodwin and his siblings moved with their mother to a new, economically challenged neighborhood described as a " area," where financial hardships prompted him to take on early responsibilities, including his first job bagging groceries at a at age 11 to help support the household. As a child, Goodwin struggled with a severe speech impediment, stuttering and stammering to the point where he could not pronounce his own name until age five, which profoundly shaped his early experiences and self-expression. He discovered a path to overcoming this challenge through acting; in elementary school, reciting memorized lines as Dr. Charles Drew brought him unexpected clarity and confidence in his voice. Goodwin's passion for acting deepened during his high school years at the Julia Richman Talent Unlimited Program, a specialized initiative within Julia Richman High School in . There, at age 13, he immersed himself in theater, starring in productions like Mule Bone, which allowed him to find his artistic voice under the of drama teachers Mr. Ishan Abdul Rahiim and Mr. Karl Friedman. In his senior year, inspired by the program's emphasis on creative development, he took initiative by converting a into a makeshift theater and writing, producing, and performing in his own original play, solidifying his commitment to the craft. This formative environment in the program's intimate, supportive setting ignited his lifelong dedication to acting. These early experiences paved the way for his transition to formal acting education at SUNY Purchase.

Education

Goodwin attended the Julia Richman Talent Unlimited Program, a theater-focused high school initiative in , where he first developed his passion for . The program provided a nurturing environment that helped him overcome a childhood speech impediment through , , and performance exercises, such as portraying historical figures like Dr. Charles Drew. Under the guidance of drama teachers Mr. Ishan Abdul Rahiim and Mr. Karl Friedman, he honed skills in mimicking mannerisms and crafting an onstage persona, laying the groundwork for his classical training in . He later pursued higher education at the at Purchase (SUNY Purchase) Conservatory of Theatre Arts & , earning a (BFA) in Theatre Arts and in 2003.

Career

Early career (1997–2009)

Goodwin began his professional acting career shortly after graduating from the SUNY Purchase Acting Conservatory, making his on-screen debut in the 1997 Showtime TV movie Color of Justice, where he portrayed Shawn, a in a drama exploring racial tensions in the criminal justice system. In the early 2000s, while based in New York, Goodwin built his resume through guest appearances on procedural dramas, including a guest appearance in the 2003 episode "Out of the Ashes" of Hack and as Lamont Tyler in the 2003 episode "Patient Zero" of . He continued with another guest spot as Elvin Fergin in the 2004 episode "Mad Hops," marking his growing presence in the city's competitive TV scene. These early television roles provided essential experience amid the challenges of breaking into the industry from a New York base, where opportunities often required persistent auditions and networking in theater and independent circles. By the mid-2000s, Goodwin expanded into feature films, starting with supporting parts in independent and mainstream projects. He appeared as Ricky in the 2005 crime drama Get Rich or Die Tryin', directed by Jim Sheridan, and as Jacob in the short film Wake of the Fallen Sun. His profile rose with higher-visibility roles, including Jimmy Zee in Ridley Scott's American Gangster (2007), Troy Boulet in the K-Ville episode "Critical Mass" (2007), Bakes in George Clooney's Leatherheads (2008), Roy in The Longshots (2008), and Higgins in Spike Lee's Miracle at St. Anna (2008). These credits reflected his transition toward Hollywood, where he balanced minor film parts with recurring television work, such as a guest role as Wesley Wedderburn in the 2009 episode "Is There a Doctor in the House?" of the TNT legal drama Raising the Bar. During this period, Goodwin also contributed to independent shorts and sketches, honing his skills behind the camera as an emerging producer and director to supplement his acting pursuits.

Breakthrough and iZombie era (2010–2019)

Goodwin's breakthrough in television came with a as KJ in the ABC in 2010, where he portrayed a young in the "Nobody's Home/Unknown Soldier," providing an early showcase for his dramatic range in ensemble crime stories. This role marked his transition from film supporting parts to network TV, building momentum toward more substantial opportunities in the genre. He followed this with a starring role as Shea Daniels in the A&E series Breakout Kings (2011–2012), playing a street-smart former convict recruited to a U.S. Marshals task force hunting escaped prisoners, which highlighted his ability to blend action, humor, and vulnerability in a high-stakes ensemble. The series, a spin-off concept from Prison Break producers, ran for two seasons and 23 episodes, allowing Goodwin to demonstrate versatility in action-drama as the team's reluctant profiler and strategist. During this period, Goodwin expanded into film with supporting roles that complemented his TV work, including a brief appearance as the Sick Neighbor in Antoine Fuqua's action thriller (2014), where he contributed to the street-level tension alongside . He also played Officer Colston in Jaume Collet-Serra's Run All Night (2015), a Liam Neeson-led crime drama, portraying a determined NYPD officer amid a night of mob violence and family betrayal. These parts underscored his knack for authentic, grounded authority figures in fast-paced narratives. Goodwin's career reached a pinnacle with his lead role as Clive Babineaux in The CW's procedural iZombie (2015–2019), where he portrayed Liv Moore's no-nonsense homicide partner at the PD, serving as the show's anchor of normalcy amid lore and quirky visions. Clive's arc evolved from a skeptical, ambitious vice cop haunted by a past undercover case involving child —revealed in season 2—to a fully accepting ally who grapples with the while pursuing personal stability, including romantic entanglements and family aspirations in later seasons. Critics praised Goodwin's performance for its emotional depth and comedic timing, with outlets noting how Clive's grounded perspective and evolving trust in Liv humanized the series' fantastical elements, making him a fan-favorite for providing "heart and humor" in an otherwise eccentric ensemble. The show's five-season run, blending procedural cases with character-driven arcs, significantly elevated Goodwin's visibility, establishing him as a reliable lead in genre television. Parallel to his acting, Goodwin ventured into producing and directing independent projects, helming the short film Construction (2017) as writer, director, editor, and producer, a gritty drama exploring urban struggles that premiered at film festivals. He also served as executive producer on the action-comedy Killing Diaz (2018), further showcasing his multifaceted involvement in low-budget features. A notable pop culture moment came in 2011 when Goodwin appeared uncredited as Louis in LMFAO's for "," the infectious electro-house hit that topped charts worldwide and popularized shuffling dance trends, adding a lighthearted, viral footnote to his rising profile.

Recent projects (2020–present)

In the , Malcolm Goodwin has transitioned toward prominent roles in high-profile streaming series, leveraging his established reputation as a figure to explore action, horror, and ensemble genres on platforms like and . This shift reflects a broader move from network television to serialized streaming content, where he has balanced lead and supporting parts across diverse narratives. Goodwin gained significant visibility as Chief Detective Oscar Finlay in the adaptation of Lee Child's novels, starring in the first season (2022) as the analytical detective partnering with Alan Ritchson's titular wanderer to uncover corruption in a small Georgia town, based on the novel Killing Floor. He reprised the role with a pivotal in season 2 (2023), aiding the investigation into a vigilante conspiracy drawn from , highlighting Finlay's evolution from skeptic to ally amid intense action sequences. The series' success, with season 1 drawing over 1.8 billion minutes viewed in its debut week, underscored Goodwin's contribution to its grounded, book-faithful tone. Expanding into horror, Goodwin portrayed the younger in Mike Flanagan's limited series The Fall of the House of Usher (2023), a recurring role as the determined probing the Usher family's pharmaceutical empire and its ties to Allan Poe-inspired tragedies. His performance captured Dupin's intellectual pursuit of justice against Roderick Usher (Bruce ), blending psychological tension with supernatural elements in Flanagan's signature atmospheric style. The eight-episode anthology earned a 91% approval rating on for its inventive Poe adaptations. Goodwin has also taken on guest and recurring television roles, including Det. Moses Warren in five episodes of Law & Order: Organized Crime (2024), where he assisted in missing persons cases amid the unit's fight against organized syndicates. This appearance reinforced his affinity for while diversifying his streaming footprint on platforms. Complementing his television work, Goodwin has appeared in several independent films emphasizing genre variety. In the thriller Alone in the Dark (2022), he played Joe Hall, investigating a stalker's on a woman under , contributing to the film's taut suspense. He starred as Nick in the holiday drama A Christmas in New Hope (2024), portraying a supportive neighbor in a story of family resilience and home renovation, and also served as a on the project. In the post-apocalyptic Half Lives (2024), Goodwin depicted Vincent, a survivor navigating isolation and moral dilemmas in a radiation-ravaged world. He further delved into supernatural horror as Joseph in They Whisper (2024), confronting malevolent entities haunting a family after a child's near-fatal accident. Looking ahead, Goodwin leads the Civil War-era action-thriller Resurrection Road (2025), as , an ex-slave commanding a on a perilous mission to breach a Confederate fort. These projects illustrate Goodwin's growing emphasis on streaming-driven action and horror, alongside heartfelt holiday tales and indie productions. Upcoming projects include the Lake Vernon (2025), co-starring and , and the horror-comedy Dead Dawn (2025), alongside .

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleDirector
1997Color of Justice (TV movie)Shawn
2005Get Rich or Die Tryin'Shaarocks (uncredited)
2005BackseatRickyBruce Van Dusen
2006The ArchitectBig TimMatt Tauber
2007American GangsterJimmy Zee
2008LeatherheadsBakes
2008CabbieMarcel Langenegger
2008Roy
2008The Lazarus ProjectRobbie
2009Subject #40
2009Mississippi DamnedDonnie
2010Rick
2011The American DreamRonaldDavid Bohorquez
2012RhinoHankPatrick Rea
2013A True StoryJason
2014Hot FailMattLyman Creason
2015Run All NightOfficer Colston
2015Lucky NumberGarrett 'G' BrownBrendan Gabriel Murphy
2017JuniorRicardo Herrera
2019Ring RingWillAdam Marino
2020Be the LightMarvinMalcolm Goodwin
2020The BellmenJeff
2022 (TV movie)Detective Joe Hall
2024A in New HopeNickJulia Barnett
2024Half LivesVincentDavid Bush
2024They WhisperJoseph
2025Resurrection RoadAshley Cahill
2026Lake VernonTBAAaron Jay Rome
Note: Roles and directors are included where documented. Some entries lack specific role names if not explicitly listed in sources. All credits are verified through reputable film databases.

Television

Malcolm Goodwin's television career spans guest appearances, recurring roles, and series regulars across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms. His credits include procedural dramas, series, and thrillers, often portraying officers or complex supporting characters.
Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodesNetwork/Platform
1997Color of Justice (TV movie)ShawnTV movieShowtime
2003Law & OrderLamont Tyler1NBC
2003HackToby1CBS
2004Law & Order: Criminal IntentElvin Fergin1NBC
2006American GangsterJimmy Zee1BET
2007K-VilleTroy Boulet1Fox
2009Raising the BarWesley Wedderburn1TNT
2010–2011Detroit 1-8-7KJ18ABC
2011–2012Breakout KingsShea Daniels23A&E
2013ElementaryAndre Bell1CBS
2013Blue BloodsAngelo Reid1CBS
2013BonesCC Creach1Fox
2014True BloodJoe Thornton1HBO
2014House of CardsDarnell Hayes4Netflix
2015Wayward PinesDr. Bauer1Fox
2015–2019iZombieClive Babineaux71The CW
2019BullEddie Mitchell1CBS
2019FBICIA Agent Collins1CBS
2020The Fugitive (miniseries)Kevin Lawson1Quibi
2022ReacherOscar Finlay8Prime Video
2023ReacherOscar Finlay8Prime Video
2023The Fall of the House of Usher (miniseries)Young C. Auguste DupinRecurring (3)Netflix
2024Law & Order: Organized CrimeDetective Moses Warren5NBC
2024Alone in the Dark (TV movie)Detective Joe HallTV movieTubi

Awards and nominations

Wins

Malcolm Goodwin has accumulated approximately 25 awards over his career, with the majority recognizing his directorial and producing efforts in independent films at various festivals. These accolades underscore his transition from acting to multifaceted filmmaking, particularly in and inspirational genres. One of his earliest notable wins came in 2013 for , his directorial debut exploring themes of personal redemption and community. The project received the Audience Award for Best at the Kansas International Film Festival, shared with producers Victor Hawks and Angie Canuel. Three years later, Construction earned the Award of Excellence in the category at the Global Film Competition, affirming its technical and artistic merit. Goodwin's 2015 directorial effort Pass the Light, a centered on faith and political ambition, garnered multiple honors. In 2017, it won Best Director (Feature) at the Greater Lansing Christian . The film also secured Best Director and Best Feature Film awards at the Christian Film Festival in 2016, highlighting Goodwin's skill in blending inspirational narratives with accessible storytelling. In the 2020s, Goodwin continued his festival success with Be the Light, a family-oriented drama he directed and produced. The film won the Grand Jury Prize for Best and the Best of the Fest for Most Inspirational Movie at the Waco Family & International in 2020, shared with writer Victor Hawks and producer Vanessa Goodwin. In 2021, Pass the Light won the Grand Jury Prize for Best at the Waco Family & International , shared with Victor Hawks, Angie Canuel, and Vanessa Goodwin. In 2023, Goodwin shared the Grand Jury Prize for Best for The Painting at an international . These recent victories reflect his ongoing impact in independent cinema, including potential recognitions tied to acting roles in projects like Reacher, though specific festival wins for those remain limited to ensemble or production credits.
YearAwardCategoryProjectFestival/Organization
2013Audience AwardBest NarrativeConstructionKansas International Film Festival
2016Award of ExcellenceFeature FilmConstructionAccolade Global Film Competition
2016Best Feature FilmFeature FilmPass the LightChristian Film Festival
2016Best DirectorDirectorPass the LightChristian Film Festival
2017Best Director (Feature)DirectorPass the LightGreater Lansing Christian Film Festival
2020Grand Jury PrizeBest Feature FilmBe the LightWaco Family & Faith International Film Festival
2020Best of the FestMost Inspirational MovieBe the LightWaco Family & Faith International Film Festival
2021Grand Jury PrizeBest Feature FilmPass the LightWaco Family & Faith International Film Festival
2023Grand Jury PrizeBest Short FilmThe PaintingInternational film festival

Nominations

Malcolm Goodwin has received 19 award nominations across his career, predominantly for his contributions as a and director on independent screened at various . These recognitions highlight his early work in and later directorial efforts in feature-length projects, often shared with collaborators such as Victor Cruz, Lyndon McCray, and family members including Vanessa Goodwin. Notable nominations include being nominated for the 2004 Jury Award at the Hollywood Black Film Festival for the Get Home Safe, where Goodwin served as alongside director Lyndon McCray. In 2005, he was nominated for the Festival Prize in the Best Narrative category at the Urbanworld Film Festival for Flaw and Order, co-produced with Victor Cruz. This project also earned a Best nomination at the 2006 New York Latino Film Festival, again shared with Cruz. Goodwin's transition to feature directing brought further festival nods, such as being nominated for the 2012 Festival Award for Best Feature for at Vegas Cine Fest, shared with Cameron Fife. The film received an additional Audience Award nomination for Best Narrative in 2013 at another festival, shared with Tyler McGee and Fife. More recent recognitions encompass a 2019 Jury Prize nomination for Best Redemptive Feature for Be the Light.
YearAward/FestivalCategoryProjectRole/Notes
2004Jury AwardGet Home Safe (Short)Producer (shared with Lyndon McCray)
2005Festival Prize - Best Narrative Flaw and Order (Short) (shared with Victor Cruz)
2006Best Flaw and Order (Short) (shared with Victor Cruz)
2012Vegas Cine FestFestival Award - Best FeatureDirector/ (shared with Cameron Fife)
2013Audience AwardBest NarrativeDirector/ (shared with Tyler McGee, Cameron Fife)
2019Jury PrizeBest Redemptive FeatureBe the LightDirector/ (shared collaborators)
These examples represent Goodwin's impact in independent cinema, with nominations spanning short-form and feature projects from urban and Latino-focused festivals to broader international circuits.

References

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