Clifton Powell
Biography
Biography
Character actor Clifton Powell is probably best known for his characterization of Pinky, an outrageous old-school gangster still hanging on in the urban comedy sequels "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next," and for his memorable frequent parts as volatile heavies in films such as the tragic "Menace II Society" and the gritty "Dead Presidents." It was those later-mentioned aggressive performances that particularly marked Powell as a dramatic actor to watch, especially in the eyes of young audiences that could relate to the harrowing, modern-day context his characters provided. Still, Powell is a versatile performer who has displayed his acting skills beyond crime films and urban comedies, starring as Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Walt Disney-produced television movie "Selma, Lord, Selma" and as music legend Ray Charles's road manager Jeff Brown in the award-winning Taylor Hackford feature "Ray." In addition to appearing in such other culturally charged projects as "The Gospel," "Street Kings," and "Women Thou Art Loosed," he has also done voice work for the animated TV series "The Boondocks," a sometimes controversial social satire.
Filmography
Director (Feature Film)
Cast (Feature Film)
Cast (TV Mini-Series)
Life Events
1984
Feature debut in "Alphabet City"
1990
Cast in the comedy feature "House Party"
1993
Portrayed Chauncy in the feature "Menace II Society"
1994
Cast in the short-lived television drama "South Central"
1995
Portrayed the violent character Cutty in the feature drama "Dead Presidents," directed by the Hughes brothers.
1997
Cast in the award winning TNT television feature "Buffalo Soldiers"
1998
Portrayed the cousin to Chris Tucker's character in the blockbuster hit "Rush Hour"
2000
Cast as the hilarious Pinky in the comedy feature "Next Friday"
2001
Co-starred in the romantic feature "The Brothers"
2002
Reprised the role of Pinky in "Friday After Next"
2002
Co-starred in the award winning prison drama "Civil Brand"
2004
Cast opposite Jamie Foxx in "Ray" a biopic of legendary blues singer Ray Charles
2004
Starred in "Woman Thou Art Loosed" based on the self-help novel by Bishop T.D. Jakes
