Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Courtney B. Vance

How Courtney B. Vance built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Courtney B. Vance is a celebrated American actor renowned for his work across stage, film, and television. His career began on stage, leading to a successful transition to screen. Vance's talent has been recognized with prestigious awards, including a Tony Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He has also garnered nominations for a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, highlighting his versatile performances and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1983: Role in First Affair

In 1983, Courtney B. Vance had a small role in the CBS television film "First Affair", an early credit in his career.

1985: Broadway Debut in Fences

In 1985, Courtney B. Vance made his Broadway debut in the original production of August Wilson's "Fences", earning his first Tony Award nomination.

1987: Broadway Role and Film Debut

In 1987, Courtney B. Vance continued his role in "Fences" on Broadway and made his film debut in the American war film "Hamburger Hill".

1987: Role in Hamburger Hill

In 1987, Courtney B. Vance had a role in the film "Hamburger Hill", marking an early film appearance in his career.

1988: Awards for Performance in Fences

In 1988, Courtney B. Vance won a Clarence Derwent Award and the Theatre World Award for his performance in "Fences" on Broadway.

1989: Role in Thirtysomething

In 1989, Courtney B. Vance had a small role in the ABC drama "Thirtysomething", adding to his early television work.

1990: Acting in Six Degrees of Separation

In 1990, Courtney B. Vance acted in John Guare's "Six Degrees of Separation", adding to his growing theatre credits.

1990: Acting in The Hunt for Red October

In 1990, Courtney B. Vance continued acting in feature films, including "The Hunt for Red October".

1990: Role in Law & Order and My Children! My Africa!

In 1990, Courtney B. Vance had a small role in "Law & Order" and played Thami Mbikwarna in "My Children! My Africa!" at the New York Theatre Workshop.

1991: Return to Broadway in Six Degrees of Separation

In 1991, Courtney B. Vance returned to Broadway playing Paul in John Guare's "Six Degrees of Separation", earning a Tony Award nomination.

1993: Acting in The Adventures of Huck Finn

In 1993, Courtney B. Vance continued acting in feature films, including "The Adventures of Huck Finn".

1995: Role in The Tuskegee Airmen

In 1995, Courtney B. Vance appeared in the film "The Tuskegee Airmen", continuing his work in film.

1995: Roles in Panther, The Last Supper, Dangerous Minds, and The Tuskegee Airmen

In 1995, Courtney B. Vance played Bobby Seale in "Panther" and appeared in "The Last Supper", "Dangerous Minds", and "The Tuskegee Airmen".

1996: Role in The Preacher's Wife

In 1996, Courtney B. Vance appeared in the film "The Preacher's Wife", adding to his diverse filmography.

1997: Role in 12 Angry Men

In 1997, Courtney B. Vance starred in William Friedkin's "12 Angry Men", playing the Foreman.

1998: Role in Blind Faith and Independent Spirit Award Nomination

In 1998, Courtney B. Vance acted in the Showtime television film "Blind Faith" and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance.

1999: Role in Cookie's Fortune

In 1999, Courtney B. Vance acted in "Cookie's Fortune" directed by Robert Altman and also starred in and co-produced "Love and Action in Chicago".

2000: Role in Space Cowboys

In 2000, Courtney B. Vance acted in "Space Cowboys" directed by Clint Eastwood.

2001: Starring in Law & Order: Criminal Intent

From 2001, Courtney B. Vance starred in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" as A.D.A. Ron Carver and was nominated for the NAACP Image Award.

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2001: Law & Order: Criminal Intent Role Begins

In 2001, Courtney B. Vance began portraying Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver in the NBC series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent".

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2006: End of Role in Law & Order: Criminal Intent

Courtney B. Vance's role as A.D.A. Ron Carver in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" ended in 2006.

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2006: End of Law & Order: Criminal Intent Role

In 2006, Courtney B. Vance concluded his role as Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver in the NBC series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent".

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December 2, 2008: Casting in FlashForward Pilot

On December 2, 2008, it was reported that Courtney B. Vance was cast as the Los Angeles bureau chief of the FBI in the ABC pilot "FlashForward".

2009: Guest Starring in ER

In 2009, Courtney B. Vance guest-starred in the final season of "ER" alongside his wife, Angela Bassett.

2010: Role in The Closer

From 2010, Courtney B. Vance appeared as Chief Tommy Delk on the TNT series, "The Closer".

2011: Role in The Closer and Revenge

In 2011, Courtney B. Vance continued his role in "The Closer" and played Attorney Benjamin Brooks on "Revenge".

2011: Starring in Final Destination 5

In 2011, Courtney B. Vance starred in the American horror film "Final Destination 5" and was tapped for the lead in "The Divide".

2013: Broadway Role in Lucky Guy and Tony Award

In 2013, Courtney B. Vance returned to Broadway in "Lucky Guy", winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play.

2013: Tony Award for Lucky Guy

In 2013, Courtney B. Vance won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role in Nora Ephron's "Lucky Guy".

2015: Role in Terminator Genisys

In 2015, Courtney B. Vance portrayed Miles Dyson in "Terminator Genisys".

February 2, 2016: Premiere of American Crime Story

On February 2, 2016, FX's "American Crime Story", in which Courtney B. Vance played Johnnie Cochran, premiered, receiving critical acclaim.

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2016: Emmy Win for The People v. O. J. Simpson

In 2016, Courtney B. Vance won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in the FX limited series "The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story".

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2017: Role in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

In 2017, Courtney B. Vance played Sir Lord Keenan Kester Cofield in "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks", an HBO television film.

2018: Role in Isle of Dogs

In 2018, Courtney B. Vance had a role in the film "Isle of Dogs", adding to his diverse acting portfolio.

2018: Narration of Isle of Dogs and Role in Ben Is Back

In 2018, Courtney B. Vance narrated Wes Anderson's "Isle of Dogs" and appeared in "Ben Is Back" as Neil Beeby.

2019: President of SAG-AFTRA Foundation

In 2019, Courtney B. Vance was appointed President of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

2019: Appointed President of Screen Actors Guild Foundation

In 2019, Courtney B. Vance was appointed president of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, indicating his leadership within the acting community.

2020: Emmy Win for Lovecraft Country

In 2020, Courtney B. Vance won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for playing George Freeman in the HBO series "Lovecraft Country".

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