King-ish: 10 Laurence Fishburne Roles That Showcased His Versatility [Photos]
Written by
Trent Clark
Published on
September 25, 2014
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To state the obviousness, Laurence Fishburne is a Black man. But he’s actually playing one on TV courtesy of role on ABC’s new comedy, Black-ish. The 53-year-old veteran thespian plays “Pops,” the patriarch of very privileged African-American clan. And audiences have taken a liking to his performance already, has help score the No. 2 spot for Wednesday ratings behind network leader Modern Family.
Despite the subdued character, Fishburne has showed incredible range over the years and we present 10 Laurence Fishburne roles that prove just that.
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Photos: Brian To/WENN.com, Columbia Pictures
Photo: Warner Bros.
Man Of Steel (2013)
The Boss
Did you know Superman answered to a Black man? Well, now you do.
Photo: Touchstone Pictures
What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)
The Wife Beater
With all due respect to Tina Turner’s trauma and triumph, Fishburne made Ike Turner look like the baddest, lowdown mofo to ever psyche his woman out. The Academy missed a nod here.
Photo: New Line Cinema
King Of New York (1990)
The Gangsta
No mob boss is complete (or successful) without a competent capo and Jimmy’s bullets were always where they needed to be. In the opposition’s dome.
Photo: NBC
Hannibal (2013)
The Tainted Cop
Attempting to catch a first-class serial killer may sometimes require methods scrupulous to traditional law enforcement procedures. Meet Fishburne’s Jack Crawford.
Photo: WENN
Pee-Wee’s Playhouse (1986)
The Children’s Cowboy
Every actor gets their start somewhere and Cowboy Curtis provided “Larry” a boot in the door while subliminally teaching kids how to properly swirl.
Photo: Columbia Pictures
Higher Learning (1995)
The Teacher
Some things just can’t be taught in a classroom. Professor Phipps kept the life lessons flowing at a university riddled with racial tension.
School Daze (1988)
The Rebel
Kids just want to fit in. For better or worse, Dap just wanted to stand out.
Photo: Columbia Pictures
Othello (1995)
The Tragic Hero
Every actor worth their mettle has to have Shakespeare in their repertoire. Fishburne manned the lead role of the popular tale in 1995.
Photo: Warner Bros.
The Matrix Trilogy (2003)
The Sage
Morpheus was not only humble enough to concede to being #2, he never stop believing like Journey, either.
Photo: Columbia Pictures
Boyz N The Hood (1991)
The Black Man’s Black Man
It took an incredible amount of strength to raise a kid in the 90s South Central, and about double the patience. Furious Styles was just that.
