In a career that spans more than four decades, Ruben Santiago-Hudson has made an indelible mark as an actor, writer, director and producer. He received a Tony Award for his performance in August Wilson’s “Seven Guitars,” and in 2021, he starred in, wrote and directed the critically acclaimed play “Lackawanna Blues” on Broadway. Previously, he directed Phylicia Rashad on Broadway in Dominique Morisseau’s “Skeleton Crew” and helmed August Wilson’s “Jitney,” which garnered the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Santiago-Hudson made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in “Jelly’s Last Jam.”

In 2020, Santiago-Hudson adapted August Wilson’s play, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” for the screen. Produced by Denzel Washington and directed by George C. Wolfe, the film starred Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. Also, Santiago-Hudson wrote, executive produced and co-starred in a film version of “Lackawanna Blues” in 2005. The movie was honored by the Emmys, Golden Globes, NAACP Image Awards, The Christopher Award and the Humanitas Prize.

Santiago-Hudson’s onscreen roles include “American Gangster,” starring opposite Denzel Washington; “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” opposite Halle Berry; “Shaft,” with Samuel L. Jackson, “Devil’s Advocate,” with Al Pacino; and “Domestic Disturbance,” with John Travolta. He was a series regular on “The Quad,” “Public Morals” and “Low Winter Sun,” and he had recurring roles on “Billions,” “David Makes Man,” “The West Wing,” “Law & Order” and “Castle.” Additional acting credits include “Forgotten Genius,” in which he portrayed famed chemist Dr. Percy Julian; “The Red Sneakers,” opposite Gregory Hines; “Rear Window,” opposite Christopher Reeve; “Selma;” “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks;” “American Tragedy” and “Solomon and Sheba.”

Santiago-Hudson considers the 2014 opening of “The Ruben Santiago-Hudson Fine Arts Learning Center” in his hometown of Lackawanna, N.Y. one of his most cherished accomplishments.

Santiago-Hudson’s birthday is Nov. 24. Follow him on Twitter @rsantiagohudson.