Leon

Actor, Producer, Soundtrack

Birthdate: March 8

Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA

In 2024, Leon can be seen in the Paramount+ Showtime series The CHI Season 6 and the Amazon Studios Emmy nominated series "Swarm," the NAACP nominated movie "First Lady Of BMF," as well as the Showtime drama "City On A Hill." Leon stars in the recently completed British comedy "Jingle Hellz" and "The Rhythm and the Blues" the true life story of the blues musician Eddie Taylor making it's Film festival premieres in Los Angeles and New York's Lincoln Center.

In 2022, Leon starred in the action drama "A Day to Die" opposite actors Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo, which was released worldwide with premieres in New York, Los Angeles, Dubai and Egypt. In 2021, Leon starred in Hallmark's #No. 1 movie of the year, "Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas," which received rave reviews! In 2019. Leon starred in the movie "Her Only Choice,", an International Press Academy nominee for Best Movie Made for TV, currently streaming on Netflix. Leon also co-starred and executive produced the award-winning, international TV series "40 & Single.". Leon is one of the stars of the provocative series "A Luv Tale" which premiered in 2021. He also has as re-occurring role on CBS' "Blue Bloods." Leon has played a wide variety of memorable roles, from his debut in Madonna's most famous video "Like a Prayer," to the lead role of Disney's blockbuster hit "Cool Runnings.". He was the hero in New Line's urban sports drama "Above the Rim," appeared in Tri-Star's action hit "Cliffhanger," and the most love-hate role of Russell in the 20th Century Fox hit "Waiting to Exhale," . He starred in the NAACP Best Picture Award-winning "Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored," and HBO's first original series "Oz.". He continued to shine in musical roles such as Robert Townsend's "The Five Heartbeats" (voted the #No. 1 African American film by AOL), the Emmy winning mini-series "The Temptations," as lead singer, David Ruffin and the NBC authorized biography of "Little Richard," both earning him NAACP Best Actor nominations. AOL named Leon as one of the sexiest black actors of all times. Other credits include BAFTA winner Leila Djansi's films, "And Then There Was You,", "Where Children Play," and "Cover" directed by Bill Duke.

Leon's band, "Leon & The Peoples," released the band's second album, "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" on the Spectra Music label with two top 20 Billboard singles and rave reviews. The group's music can be heard on all music streaming platforms and upcoming tour dates in NYC, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Chicago and more.

Leon works behind the scenes as well, directing and producing music videos as well as films with his New York York-based production company Motion Mob Films.

Known For

Cool Runnings
Cool Runnings

(1993)

Little Richard
Little Richard

(2000)

The Temptations
The Temptations

(1998)

Above the Rim
Above the Rim

(1994)

Leon Movies

actor

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Previous (30)

  • 2023 |
    First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Storyas Emerson
  • 2022 |

    A Day to Die

    asTyrone Pettis
  • 2020 |
    The Sin Choiceas Doug Stephens
  • 2018 |
    Before You Say I Do Live!as Edward
  • 2018 |

    Making the Five Heartbeats

    asSelf
  • 2017 |
    Bustedas James
  • 2016 |
    Love Had Everything to Do with It
  • 2015 |
    Against the Jabas DJ Mike
  • 2015 |
    I Really Hate My Exas Sean
  • 2015 |
    Where Children Playas David Mccain
  • 2014 |
    37: A Final Promiseas Dr. Koehm
  • 2013 |
    30 Years Behind the Mic: Maurice the VOICE Watts
  • 2013 |
    And Then There Was Youas Joshua Gilbert
  • 2013 |
    Je'Caryous Johnson's Marriage Materialas Michael
  • 2008 |
    Capersas Ronald
  • 2007 |
    Coveras Ryan Chambers
  • 2001 |
    Buffalo Soldiersas Stoney
  • 1999 |
    Batsas Jimmy Sands
  • 1999 |
    Friends & Loversas Manny
  • 1998 |
    Side Streetsas Errol Boyce
  • 1997 |
    The Price of Kissingas Larry
  • 1996 |
    Spirit Lostas John
  • 1995 |
    Once Upon a Time... When We Were Coloredas Uncle Melvin
  • 1995 |
    Waiting to Exhaleas Russell
  • 1994 |
    Above the Rimas Shep
  • 1993 |
    Cool Runningsas Derice Bannock
  • 1993 |
    Cliffhangeras Kynette
  • 1991 |
    The Five Heartbeatsas J.T.
  • 1988 |
    The Lawless Landas Road Kill
  • 1986 |
    Band of the Handas Moss