Don Cheadle is a renowned American actor, director, and producer, best known for his performances in films such as Devil in a Blue Dress, Hotel Rwanda, and within the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the role of James Rhodes in The Avengers series.
Donald Frank Cheadle Jr. was born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the middle child of Bettye Cheadle, a teacher, and Donald Frank Cheadle Sr., a clinical psychologist. He has two siblings: Cindy and Colin Cheadle. Due to his family's frequent relocations, Don spent his early years living in several cities across the United States.
Cheadle attended Hartley Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska, from 1970 to 1974, and later graduated from East High School in Denver, Colorado, in 1982. During high school, he was deeply engaged in both the music and theater departments. A talented alto saxophonist and singer, he participated in musical ensembles and drama productions. He strengthened his acting skills under the mentorship of drama teacher Catherine Davis.
Don Cheadle began his professional acting career with a role in the 1985 comedy Moving Violations. He continued to gain roles throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, gradually earning recognition for his impressive range and presence on screen. His breakout performances came in films such as Hamburger Hill, Devil in a Blue Dress, and later, Boogie Nights and Traffic.
Cheadle garnered major acclaim for portraying Rwandan hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina in the 2004 historical drama Hotel Rwanda, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He further expanded his popularity with global audiences by playing Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes in Marvel’s Iron Man series and subsequent Avengers films.
His success has been recognized with numerous nominations and awards, including nominations for both Oscar and Emmy Awards. In 2019, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Showtime’s Black Monday.
Beyond his film work, Don Cheadle has established himself as a dedicated humanitarian and environmental activist. Partnering with the United Nations, he has been vocal about environmental issues, particularly climate change. He co-produced and appeared in the acclaimed documentary series Years of Living Dangerously, which highlights the human impact of global environmental changes and explores potential solutions.
In 2010, Cheadle was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, advocating for international initiatives to combat climate change. Cheadle has consistently used his influence and resources to support causes that align with social justice, environmental responsibility, and human rights.
Don Cheadle has been in a long-term relationship with actress and interior designer Bridgid Coulter since the early 1990s. The two met while filming the 1997 drama Rosewood. Coulter is known for roles in television series such as Family Matters and Westworld. The couple has two daughters and have maintained a private yet supportive family life.
| Birth Date: | 29 Nov, 1964 |
| Age: | 55 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Kansas City |
| Education: | East High School California Institute of the Arts |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Actor, film producer, philanthropist, and author |
| Net Worth 2021: | 40 million |
