Spent a year teaching history at a Harlem high school before becoming an actor
Made his feature-film debut in Martin Scorcese's 1980 Raging Bull; worked with the director again six years later in the The Color of Money
First worked on Broadway as an understudy in 1984's Death of a Salesman starring Dustin Hoffman
Won a Theatre World Award for Best Debut Performance and an Obie Award for the play Danny in the Deep Blue Sea in 1984
Has appeared in numerous films by director Spike Lee (beginning with 1989's Do the Right Thing) and writer-directors Joel and Ethan Coen (beginning with 1990's Miller's Crossing)
Awards
2017Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie:nominated
2004Bodil Awards-Best Actor in a Leading Role:nominated
2002Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries:nominated
1998Independent Spirit Awards-Best Male Lead:nominated
1995Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:nominated
1994Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated
1994Independent Spirit Awards-Best First Feature:nominated