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Don Cheadle has grown from playing memorable supporting roles in movies to becoming one of the most promising leading men in Hollywood. With his ability to immerse himself into any role he plays, Cheadle has avoided the trap of being typecast by the movie industry, something that African-American actors have to deal with even today.

Don Cheadle was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 29, 1964 to a child psychologist and a teacher. He and his family moved around throughout his childhood. Eventually, they settled in Denver, Colorado where he would graduate from East High School. After graduation, he attended CalArts, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts.

Early in his career, Cheadle briefly tried stand-up comedy. He began auditioning for roles in television and film, earning small parts in shows such as "Fame" and "Hill Street Blues." He also managed to get parts in movies. One of his first movie roles of note was in John Irvin's 1987 war drama "Hamburger Hill."

After years of small parts and supporting roles, he got his first break in 1992. After the cancellation of "The Golden Girls," producers of the show created a spin-off with three of the original cast members called "The Golden Palace." On this show, Cheadle played the hotel desk clerk. The show couldn't capture the magic of the original series and was canceled in less than one season. Despite the cancellation of the series, he continued to work continually.

Critics finally noticed Cheadle's talent with his role as Mouse Alexander in the movie "Devil in a Blue Dress" (1995). For his performance in this movie, he won the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor. His next major role would be in the 1997 television production "Rosewood." A year later, he would play Sammy Davis, Jr. in the 1998 television movie "The Rat Pack." Cheadle would later play in "Ocean's Eleven," a remake of the 1960 Rat Pack movie.

Hard work has paid off for Cheadle. He finally earned his first Oscar nomination for his role as Paul Rusesabagina in the 2004 drama "Hotel Rwanda." The movie is based on the 1990s Rwandan genocide. After his role in this film, he became an activist, particularly raising awareness of the genocide in Darfur. He received critical acclaim for his role in the 2007 movie "Talk to Me."

Although they are not married, Cheadle lives with his girlfriend of more than ten years, Bridgid Coulter. They have two children together. Interestingly, he also plays the saxophone.

Cheadle has paid his dues in Hollywood, working his way up from small roles to leading roles in major movies. Critics and audiences have praised him for the intensity that he puts in any role he plays, whether he is criminal or a hero.

Source:

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