Courtney Vance Biography

From studying history at Harvard to making history in Hollywood, Courtney B. Vance has carefully cultivated an exceptional career that showcases his passion, talent, and intellect. His penchant for successfully finding the dignity and honor in each character he explores has made this award-winning actor a powerful presence from the theatrical boards to the silver screen.

This season, Courtney will portray Johnnie Cochran in FX’s new series, "American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson." Last season he performed to great acclaim in the pivotal episode titled “The Lawn Chair” on ABC’s "Scandal;" appeared as Miles Dyson in the blockbuster summer film "Terminator Genisys;" and as First Gentleman Marshall Payton in NBC’s series, "State Of Affairs."

Courtney’s talents have frequently extended to notable TV series and movies. He is especially known for his performances as A.D.A. Ron Carver in NBC's long-running hit series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." After his film debut as Spc. Abraham ‘Doc’ Johnson in "Hamburger Hill," he appeared in several noteworthy films such as "The Hunt for Red October," "The Preacher’s Wife," "Space Cowboys," "The Adventures of Huck Finn," "The Last Supper," "Hurricane Season," Pastor Dale in "Joyful Noise," and Jacob in "Let It Shine."

After graduating from the Yale School of Drama, Courtney quickly established himself on Broadway by being honored with a Tony Award nomination, the Theater World Award and the Clarence Derwent Award for his debut performance in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Fences." He received his second Tony Award nomination starring in John Guare’s "Six Degrees of Separation" with Stockard Channing, and an Obie Award for his inspired work in South African playwright Athol Fugard’s "My Children! My Africa!." He was the 2013 winner of the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play in Nora Ephron’s "Lucky Guy," and also received a Drama League Distinguished Performance Award nomination for this stellar performance.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Courtney is a proud Ambassador for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He and his wife Angela Bassett are the proud parents of twins, Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah.

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