Ving Rhames: Big Heart, Big Talent

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

12 May 2006 03:21 AM

Irving Rhames was born in New York City on May 12, 1959. He grew up in Harlem, New York, and was a very good student. This fact gained him entry into the New York High School of Performing Arts where the acting bug bit him and wouldn't let go. He also studied at Juilliard and, after graduation, he went on to perform in Shakespeare in the Park productions. He appeared in front of the camera for the first time in the 1984 television movie "Go Tell it on The Mountain." That same year he made his Broadway debut in the play, "The Winter Boys". He also worked in soap operas, getting his big break in 1994 with the film, "Pulp Fiction," in which he portrayed a merciless drug dealer. In 1996 Brian De Palma cast him opposite Tom Cruise in "Mission Impossible."

In 1993, while filming "The Saint Of Fort Washington", Ving was introduced to a homeless man who turned out to be his older, long lost brother, Junior. He immediately gave him food and shelter and moved him into his own apartment. Rhames is known for his benevolent attitude towards other people and his strong spiritual beliefs. He has been married twice and has three children by his current wife, Deborah Reed. His children have unusual names; the son, Freedom, one daughter, Tiffany, and another Reignbeau.

In 1997 he played the lead role in an HBO production of "Don King: Only In America." His riveting performance earned him a Golden Globe Award for "Best Actor in a Mini Series." In an unbelievable display of unselfishness and compassion, he handed over his award to fellow nominee, Jack Lemmon, because he felt Lemmon was a more deserving winner. From 1999 to 2004, he appeared in four films, contributing a fine performance to each of them. These included: "Bringing Out The Dead", "Mission Impossible II", "Lilo and Stitch" and "Dawn of The Dead."

Ving Rhames is a fine actor. May he make many more films.

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Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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