Morris Chestnut

Birth Name:

Morris Lamont Chestnut

Birth Place:

Cerritos, California, United States

Profession

Actor, Producer

Studied finance and drama as a student at California State University
Decided to pursue an acting career after watching a friend perform in a play
His first feature film acting role was as Ricky Baker in the 1991 crime drama "Boyz n the Hood․"
Worked as a bank teller before choosing to become an actor
Made his acting debut in a 1990 episode of the TV show "Freddy's Nightmares․"
Quote: "I've always tried to focus on my next job as an actor․ I just want to improve and get better at my craft․ If I was only focused on being a sex symbol, I don't really think I would be here today․"
Best known for playing Detective Marcus Williams in "Kick-Ass 2," Ryan Nichols in "V" and Officer Paul Phillips in "The Call․"
Originally wanted to play college football before discovering acting
Won the Madden Bowl video game competition title in 1998

2000Image Award - Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture:Nominated
2002Black Reel - Network/Cable - Best Actor:Nominated
2014Hollywood Award - Best Ensemble Cast:Winner
2014Hollywood Award - Best Actor:Nominated
2014Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture:Nominated
2014Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:Winner
2016Image Award - Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series:Nominated
2023Image Award - Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special:Winner
2024Black Reel - Outstanding Supporting Performance in a TV Movie/Limited Series:Nominated
2025Image Award - Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:Nominated
2026Black Reel - Outstanding Guest Performance in a Drama Series:Nominated
2026Image Award - Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series:Nominated
2026Image Award - Outstanding Guest Performance:Nominated

Fast Facts