Highest rated as cast or director
Biography
Glynn Russell Turman, born on January 31, 1947, in New York City, is a revered American stage, television, and film actor as well as a writer, whose career spans decades. He gained early recognition for his role as Leroy "Preach" Jackson in the 1975 film "Cooley High." Turman's talent shone on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for "The Great White Hope." He's renowned for TV work in "The Wire," math professor and retired Army colonel Bradford Taylor on the NBC sitcom "A Different World," fictional Baltimore mayor Clarence Royce on the HBO drama series "The Wire" and "House of Lies." His filmography includes impactful roles in "Gremlins" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom." With a captivating presence, Turman continues to enthrall audiences, showcasing remarkable versatility and depth in his performances.
Acted in 117
2020s
- 2026
- 2025
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2020
2010s
- 2019
Justine
Papa Don
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
The Obama Effect
Slim Sugar
- 2011
- 2010
2000s
- 2009
Preaching To The Pastor
Bishop Hightower
- 2008
Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery
Sheriff Bob Monroe
Kings of the Evening
Clarence Brown
- 2007
Uncle P
Dr. Niles
- 2005
- 2004
- 2002
- 2001
Air Rage
Ted Bigelow
Big Apple
Ted Olsen · 8 episodes
Fire & Ice
Robert Aimes Sr.
- 2000
Freedom Song
T-Bone Lanier
1990s
- 1999
- 1998
- 1997
Buffalo Soldiers
Sgt. Joshua 'Joyu' Judges Ruth
- 1996
Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault
Coach Powell
- 1994
The Inkwell
Spencer Phillips
- 1992
1980s
- 1988
- 1987
- 1986
Ask Max
Lloyd Lyman
- 1985
Hail to the Chief
Secretary of State LaRue Hawkins · 7 episodes
- 1984
Hot Pursuit
Mitch Simpson · 1 episode
- 1982
- 1981
Thornwell
James Thornwell
- 1980
Attica
Raymond Franklin
1970s
- 1978
Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold
Preston de Cordiva
- 1977
The Richard Pryor Special?
Booster Johnson
Minstrel Man
Harry Brown Jr.
- 1976
The Tapestry
Movie
The River Niger
Jeff Williams
- 1975
Carter's Army
Pvt. George Brightman
The Blue Knight
Edwin Beall
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men
Theo
- 1974
Together Brothers
Dr. Johnson
Thomasine & Bushrod
Jomo J. Anderson
- 1973
Five on the Black Hand Side
Gideon
- 1972
AWOL
Mohammed G.
- 1971
Honky
Sailor at Bus Station
In Search of America
Bodhi
Directed 7
2010s
- 2012
House of Lies: Fridays at Galweather
Director
1990s
- 1996
Homeboys in Outer Space
Director
- 1995
- 1992
1980s
- 1987
- 1981
Produced 3
2020s
- 2022
Women of Theatre, New York
Executive Producer
2010s
- 2019
Justine
Executive Producer
No release date
You Look Familiar: Vernée Watson
Executive Producer
Wrote 1
2020s
- 2022
Appearances8
2020s
- 2025
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Official Podcast
Self · 1 episode
- 2024
- 2022
- 2021
Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist
Self
- 2020
2010s
- 2017
The Killing Floor
Self
Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart
Self
- 2014
