X
Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
Blair Underwood Biography
Birth Name:Blair Erwin Underwood
Birth Place:Tacoma, Washington, United States
Profession Actor, Producer, Director
Fast Facts
- The Los Angeles Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association awarded him with Humanitarian Award in 1993 for his support of their organization, and in 1989, he helped found Artists for a New South Africa, which supports democracy and equality
- Attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in Pittsburgh, Pa․, then moved to New York City to try his luck at an acting career
- Confident and eloquent off screen and often on, he has played a wide variety of roles from an accused rapist to an attorney
- Has been described as the Sidney Poitier of the small screen
- After discovering on a genealogy show that his great-great grandfather was shot after proclaiming that he was the second coming of Jesus, he directed, produced and starred in a short film about a modern-day African American Jesus who is committed
- Took a trip to Cameroon with his father to meet a 10th cousin revealed by a DNA test
Awards
- 1991Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
- 1992Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Mini-Series or Television Movie: winner
- 1995Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: winner
- 1997Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
- 1997Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Television Movie or Mini-Series: nominated
- 1999Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Television Movie or Mini-Series: winner
- 2001Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: winner
- 2001Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: winner
- 2004Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2004Vision Award-Best Performance - Comedy: nominated
- 2005Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2008Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Supporting Actor: nominated
- 2008Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2008Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2009Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
- 2009Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2009Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2009Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
- 2010Gold Derby TV Award-Drama Supporting Actor of the Decade: nominated
- 2011Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
- 2014Critics' Choice TV Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries: nominated
- 2015Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie or Mini-Series: winner
- 2015Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: winner
- 2017Emmy-Oustanding Children's or Family Viewing Series: winner
- 2017Daytime Emmy-Outstanding Children's or Family Viewing Series: winner
- 2020Black Reel-Outstanding Actor, TV Movie/Limited Series: winner
- 2020Black Reel-Outstanding Guest Actor, Comedy Series: nominated
- 2020Critics' Choice Documentary Award-Best Narration: nominated
- 2020Image Award-Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy or Drama Series: nominated
- 2021Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special: winner
- 2025CinEuphoria-Best Ensemble - International Competition: nominated