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Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman

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.

Known for

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STRAW
2025 • Richard
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2
2024
A Hero's Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
A Hero's Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians
2024 • Self - Chiron
Rustin
Rustin
2023 • A. Philip Randolph
Outlaw Johnny Black
Outlaw Johnny Black
2023 • Bullseye Black
80 for Brady
80 for Brady
2023 • Mickey
Is That Black Enough for You?!?
Is That Black Enough for You?!?
2022 • Self
The Legend of Glynn Turman
The Legend of Glynn Turman
2022 • G.T.

Full filmography

STRAW
STRAW
2025 • Richard
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Rustin
Rustin
2023 • A. Philip Randolph
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Outlaw Johnny Black
Outlaw Johnny Black
2023 • Bullseye Black
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80 for Brady
80 for Brady
2023 • Mickey
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The Devil You Know
The Devil You Know
2022 • Lloyd Cowans
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Sextuplets
Sextuplets
2019 • Leland
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Justine
Justine
2019 • Papa Don
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Bumblebee
Bumblebee
2018 • General Whalen
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Solace
Solace
2018 • Clay (Pastor Davis)
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Race
Race
2016 • Harry E. Davis
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Dakota's Summer
Dakota's Summer
2014 • Isaac Benson
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Act Like You Love Me
Act Like You Love Me
2013 • David Lofton
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John Dies at the End
John Dies at the End
2013 • Detective Lawrence 'Morgan Freeman' Appleton
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The Obama Effect
The Obama Effect
2012 • Slim Sugar
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City Teacher
City Teacher
2012 • Kevin Sawyer
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Super 8
Super 8
2011 • Dr. Woodward
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Burlesque
Burlesque
2010 • Harold Saint
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Takers
Takers
2010 • Chief Detective Duncan
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Preaching To The Pastor
Preaching To The Pastor
2009 • Bishop Hightower
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Kings of the Evening
Kings of the Evening
2008 • Clarence Brown
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Uncle P
Uncle P
2007 • Dr. Niles
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Sahara
Sahara
2005 • Dr. Frank Hopper
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The Seat Filler
The Seat Filler
2004 • Derrick's Dad
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Air Rage
Air Rage
2001 • Ted Bigelow
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The Visit
The Visit
2001 • Parole Board Member Reingold
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Fire & Ice
Fire & Ice
2001 • Robert Aimes Sr.
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Men of Honor
Men of Honor
2000 • Chief Floyd
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Freedom Song
Freedom Song
2000 • T-Bone Lanier
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Light It Up
Light It Up
1999 • Principal Allan Armstrong
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Buffalo Soldiers
Buffalo Soldiers
1997 • Sgt. Joshua 'Joyu' Judges Ruth
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Subterfuge
Subterfuge
1996 • Stallworth Hubbs
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Someone Else's Child
1994 • Judge Roullard
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The Inkwell
The Inkwell
1994 • Spencer Phillips
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Deep Cover
Deep Cover
1992 • Russell Stevens Sr.
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Ask Max
Ask Max
1986 • Lloyd Lyman
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Out of Bounds
Out of Bounds
1986 • Lieutenant Delgado
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Gremlins
Gremlins
1984 • Roy Hanson
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Penitentiary II
Penitentiary II
1982 • Charles Johnson
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Thornwell
Thornwell
1981 • James Thornwell
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Attica
Attica
1980 • Raymond Franklin
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The Richard Pryor Special?
The Richard Pryor Special?
1977 • Booster Johnson
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Minstrel Man
Minstrel Man
1977 • Harry Brown Jr.
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J.D.'s Revenge
J.D.'s Revenge
1976 • Isaac / 'Ike'
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The River Niger
The River Niger
1976 • Jeff Williams
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Cooley High
Cooley High
1975 • Leroy "Preach" Jackson
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Carter's Army
Carter's Army
1975 • Pvt. George Brightman
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The Blue Knight
The Blue Knight
1975 • Edwin Beall
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Together Brothers
Together Brothers
1974 • Dr. Johnson
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Thomasine & Bushrod
Thomasine & Bushrod
1974 • Jomo J. Anderson
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AWOL
AWOL
1972 • Mohammed G.
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Honky
Honky
1971 • Sailor at Bus Station
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Glynn Turman – Biography, Known For & Filmography