Blair Underwood

Early Life and Education

He was born to Marilyn Ann Scales, an interior decorator, and Frank Eugene Underwood, a United States Army colonel. Due to his father's military career, Underwood moved frequently during his childhood. He attended Petersburg High School in Petersburg, Virginia, and later enrolled at the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received formal acting training.

Acting Career and Breakthrough with L.A. Law

Blair Underwood began his professional acting career with his film debut in Krush Groove (1985). He gained significant recognition for his role as attorney Jonathan Rollins in the NBC series L.A. Law, a part he played from 1987 to 1994. The role brought him critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination, establishing him as one of the most influential television actors of the 1990s.

He also had roles in the ABC soap opera One Life to Live, portraying Bobby Blue, and appeared in the short-lived medical drama City of Angels in a leading role. In 2003, Underwood had a recurring guest role in four episodes of HBO’s popular series Sex and the City. The following year, he played Roger De Souza in NBC’s drama series LAX. He also guest-starred in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Film Roles and Supporting Performances

Underwood’s film work includes performances in Just Cause (1995), Set It Off (1996), and Deep Impact (1998). His versatility is further demonstrated through a supporting role as a geneticist in the film Gattaca (1997). Throughout his career, he has successfully balanced major television roles with feature film performances.