Harry Lennix is an accomplished film, television, and stage actor who was born and raised in Chicago, IL’s South Shore neighborhood. Growing up, Harry, the youngest of four children, was active in his local Catholic Church as an altar boy and seminarian. Harry exhibited natural acting ability at a young age, and soon gained a reputation as a gifted artist. Now hooked on performing, Harry turned his sights to acting as a career.
Harry received a scholarship to Northwestern University where he studied communications and literature. While attending Northwestern, Harry was a student leader and performed in several university-sponsored and local plays, receiving increasing amounts of praise for his developing talent.
Post-university, Harry continued to hone his craft while working as an English and Music teacher in Chicago public schools. Harry scored his first film role in The Package in 1989 and his second film with the perennial favorite, The Five Heartbeats, in 1991. With this momentum, Harry moved to Los Angeles, where he has enjoyed a distinguished career as a working actor on the big and small screens as well as on stage.
Harry J. Lennix
Harry currently plays Harold Cooper in the NBC hit, “The Blacklist.” He is universally regarded as one of the hardest working and most talented men in Hollywood. At 6’4”, he is known for his commanding stature, baritone voice, diligent work ethic, and multiple talents.
His prolific film career includes the recent Man of Steel and the highly anticipated Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice. He has also had leading roles in Ray, The Matrix: Reloaded, The Matrix: Revolutions, Barbershop 2, Love and Basketball, The Human Stain, and State of Play. His television career includes principal roles in the Golden Globe® nominated ABC television show Commander in Chief, the FOX hit series 24, ER, and Diagnosis Murder and the FOX series Dollhouse.
In addition to his distinguished film and television career, Harry has also starred in, or directed, staged productions across the country. In fact, in 2001, he was part of the first American company to be invited to the Royal Shakespeare Company in the production of Cymbeline. Harry made his Broadway debut in 2007 as the lead character in August Wilson’s final play, Radio Golf, which was nominated for a Tony Award®.
In addition to his distinguished film and television career, Harry has also starred in, or directed, staged productions across the country. In fact, in 2001, he was part of the first American company to be invited to the Royal Shakespeare Company in the production of Cymbeline. Harry made his Broadway debut in 2007 as the lead character in August Wilson’s final play, Radio Golf, which was nominated for a Tony Award®.
Harry remains active in the Los Angeles and Chicago communities, participating in various programs and events. Harry holds board or advisory positions with the following entities: The Goodman Theater Company, Northwestern University, Congo Square Theater, The Robey Theater Company, and The Northlight Theater.
He has recently turned his attention to directing and producing, with three movies in production or post: Mr. Sophistication, H4, and Revival.
