Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Ving Rhames Biography

Birth Name:Irving Rameses Rhames

Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States

Profession Actor, Producer, Writer, Soundtrack

Fast Facts

Earned a degree in fine arts from Juilliard in 1983
Received the 2000 ShoWest Award for best supporting actor of the year
Studied the dramatic arts at the State University of New York, Purchase
Found his passion for acting while attending the High School of Performing Arts in New York
Quote: "(On what draws him to taking or not taking on a role) "It depends on what film - one that I've done right before that, because I try not to do something too similar back-to-back․․․And then, it will depend on if the script you know touches me in any way․ Or in this case with Zombie Apocalypse honestly, it just seemed like, 'Wow․ This would be cool and this'll be fun and a lot of action․' So, that's what drew me to this one․""
Quote: "Quite honestly, I never had a desire to be an actor․ I tell people, I did't choose acting - acting chose me․ I never grew up wanting to be an actor, I wasn't that type of kid; I wanted to play football․"
Widely regarded as a character actor for the versatility of his roles
Was in contention for the role of John Coffey in "The Green Mile․"
Was named after retired NBC journalist Irving R․ Levine
Was given his nickname "Ving" by his former college roommate turned actor Stanley Tucci

Awards

1994ACCA-Best Cast Ensemble: winner
1998Black Film Award-Best Actor: nominated
1998Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries: nominated
1998Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
1998Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
1998Image Award-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Television Movie or Mini-Series: nominated
1998OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: winner
1998Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
1998Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
2000Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Supporting Actor - Action: nominated
2000Golden Satellite Award-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2001Black Reel-Network/Cable - Best Actor: nominated
2001Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
2001Special Mention-: winner
2002Black Reel-Theatrical - Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2002Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: nominated
2002Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
2003Black Reel-Network/Cable - Best Actor: nominated
2003Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
2003Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
2004Black Reel-Film: Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2006Black Reel-Best Actor - Television: nominated
2006DVDX Award-Best Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie): winner
2006DVDX Award-Best Actor (in a DVD Premiere Movie): nominated
2015Black Reel-Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Mini-Series: nominated
2015Image Award-Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated