3 Brilliant Portrayals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Webmaster

  • 3 Brilliant Portrayals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

    In honor of Martin Luther King Day, we’d like to highlight three brilliant, recent portrayals of this iconic Civil Rights leader

    (By Carmichael Phillips)


    Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) continues to inspire us all with his lifelong fight for racial equality, social justice and world peace. His inspiring speeches and determination to bring change through non-violent means, has left an indelible mark on the world.

    In honor of Martin Luther King Day, we’d like to highlight three brilliant, recent portrayals of this iconic Civil Rights leader.

    #1: David Oyelowo in Selma

    In 2014, Selma was released, starring actors David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejojo and Tim Roth. The film centered around Martin Luther King, played by Oyelowo, and his efforts to nudge President Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson) to pass legislation that ensures the voting rights of African Americans.

    In the film, King travels to Selma, Alabama to fight for voting rights, culminating in a planned march from Selma to Montgomery. The march, however, is disrupted as activists attempt to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The marchers are met by state troopers who attack them with tear gas, clubs and other weapons.

    The march to Montgomery was stopped, but media coverage of the event spread across the nation and around the world. President Johnson ultimately speaks to a Joint Session of Congress to ask elected officials to pass a bill guaranteeing voting access to all Americans.

    #2: Nelsan Ellis in The Butler

    The Butler (2013) was an historical film, inspired by a Washington Post article entitled “A Butler Well-Served by This Election”. The film, which stars Forrest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo and John Cusack, was loosely based on the life of Eugene Allen (portrayed as “Cecil Gaines” in the film), a butler who worked in the White House for decades and served many presidents in his 34-year tenure.

    In the film, Cecil Gaines’ son, Louis, is inspired to join the Black Panthers following the assassination of Martin Luther King. His decision would bring about a clash with his father who kicked him out of the house.

    Nelsan Ellis, the actor who portrayed King, passed away on July 8, 2017 due to complications from alcohol withdrawal syndrome. He was 39.

    # 3: Anthony Mackie in All the Way

    In HBO’s television film, All the Way (2016), Anthony Mackie plays Martin Luther King, as Vice President Lyndon Johnson (Bryan Cranston), ascends to the presidency, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

    In the film, King, as he did in real life, puts pressure on Johnson to pass the Civil Rights Act in the strongest possible way, as Johnson navigates opposition from several groups, including from Southern Democrats.

    The bill ultimately passed in 1964 after overcoming a filibuster.

    The film won critical acclaim and was nominated for 8 Primetime Emmys.


    You Might Also Like:
    5 Actor-Turned-Politicians


     

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • QUESTION: Is 21 Too Late to Start Acting?

    QUESTION: Is 21 Too Late to Start Acting? (By AM Staff) (Photo: Edmond Dantes | Pexels) QUESTION: Is 21 Too Late to Start Acting? ANSWER: It’s never too late to start acting. There…

    The First Rule for Acting

    The First Rule for Acting What is the most important thing in acting? (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Towfiqu Barbhuiya | Pexels) What’s the first rule for acting? Don’t think about it. Just answer!…

    QUESTION: Should I Film My Self-Tape Vertically or Horizontally?

    QUESTION: Should I Film My Self-Tape Vertically or Horizontally? (By AM Staff) (Photo: George Milton | Pexels) QUESTION: Should I film my self-tape vertically or horizontally? ANSWER: Always shoot your self-tape horizontally. Always,…

    10 Phenomenal Actors Who Died in 2022

    10 Phenomenal Actors Who Died in 2022 (By AM Staff) The year 2022 flew by so fast! We hardly had a chance to enjoy it. We also hardly had time to celebrate the…

    Save $500 in 30 days!

    Save $500 in 30 days! Use this money challenge to save more money fast (By Jessica Baker) (Photo: Maitree Rimthong | Pexels) How much money is in your bank account right now? $400?…

  • Ad

  • What Questions Should You Ask an Agent?

    What Questions Should You Ask an Agent? 10 questions to prepare before an agent meeting (By AM Staff) (Photo: Shvets Production | Pexels) QUESTION: I am going to an agent meeting. They are…

    Important Rules to Follow During an Audition

    Important Rules to Follow During an Audition What makes an audition successful? (By AM Staff) (Photo: Teja J | Pexels) 1. First, be happy that you got the audition. Whether you land the…

    QUESTION: | Is It Hard to Get a Talent Agent?

    QUESTION: Is It Hard to Get a Talent Agent? (By AM Staff) (Photo: Yan Krukau | Pexels) QUESTION: Is It Hard to Get a Talent Agent? ANSWER: Signing with a quality, reputable agent…

  • Ad

  • QUESTION: | How do I know if a talent manager is legit?

    QUESTION: How do I know if a talent manager is legit? (By AM Staff) (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels) QUESTION: How do I know if a talent manager or talent agent is legit?…

    Giant Red Flag: Talent Agent Scams

    Giant Red Flag: Talent Agent Scams How to know if a talent agent or manager is legit (By AM Staff) (Photo: Nataliya Vaitkevich | Pexels) Talent agents are great…until they’re not! There are…

    What Aspiring Actors Need to Know

    What Aspiring Actors Need to Know First, stop saying that you’re “aspiring” (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Jeffrey Reed | Pexels) QUESTION: What do aspiring actors need to know? ANSWER: *find a mentor *take…

    1001 Reasons Why Acting is So Damn Depressing | Part 2: Your Family

    1001 Reasons Why Acting is So Damn Depressing Part 2: Your Family (By AM Staff) (Photo: Engin Akyurt | Pexels) Your family can’t understand why you want to be an actor. You will…

    1001 Reasons Why Acting is So Damn Depressing! | Part 1: Auditions

    1001 Reasons Why Acting is So Damn Depressing! Part 1: Auditions (By AM Staff) (Photo: Gerd Altmann | Pexels) There’s 100 people competing in this job interview known as an audition. 100 FRIGGIN’ PEOPLE!…

  • Ad

  • Never, Never, Never Do This!

    Never, Never, Never Do This! 5 Things Actors Should Never Do (By Jim Webb) (Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels) This is a debatable topic. But from my perspective, there are 5 things every…

    QUESTION: Is It Okay to Turn Down an Audition or Acting Job?

    Question: Is It Okay to Turn Down an Audition or Acting Job? (By Staff) (Photo: Picas Joe | Pexels) ANSWER: Yes! But communicate your reluctance with your reps and others who need to…

    QUESTION: Are auditions free? How much do auditions cost? 

    QUESTION: Are auditions free? How much do auditions cost?  (By Staff) (Photo: Karolina Grabowska | Pexels) ANSWER: If someone charges you for the privilege to audition, it’s most likely a scam. Auditions are…

  • Ad

  • Why Do Actors Say “Break a Leg”? 

    Why Do Actors Say “Break a Leg”? This expression is normally said right before a performance (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Victoria Akvarel | Pexels) If you’re new to acting, do be alarmed if…

    Should You Wear White in a Self-Tape Audition? 

    Should You Wear White in a Self-Tape Audition? (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Cottonbro | Pexels) Don’t wear bright white, as your primary color, for your self-tape audition unless you must. Wear it when…

    What are the Requirements to Become an Actor? 

    What are the Requirements to Become an Actor? 5 skills you absolutely need to have… (By Tonya Tannenbaum) (Photo: Ron Lach | Pexels) Did you drop out of grade school? Never finished college?…

    When Should I Give Up on Acting?

    When Should I Give Up on Acting? Four signs that will let you know it’s time to quit (By Javier Guerra) (Photo: Mike Greer | Pexels) Be a patient actor. Be a determined…

    Does Height Matter for Acting? 

    Does Height Matter for Acting? How tall do you have to be to be an actor? (By Jim Webb) Question: “I’m short. Will my height mean that I cannot get work as an…

  • Ad