The Wire - Where are They Now?
The Wire, the pioneering American drama series created by David Simon, graced our television screens between June 2002 and March 2008 on HBO. Regarded by many as one of the greatest television series in the 21st century, the show is applauded for its literary themes, its exceptional critical exploration of society and politics, as well as its realistic representation of urban life. It’s been 15 years since the first season of the wire aired so we wondered where the actors who portrayed the characters we all enjoyed watching over the course of The Wire’s 60 episodes are? For some, the show was a stepping stone to much bigger things in the acting industry, but others have faded away from the limelight. That said, let’s explore what the cast of The Wire has been up to lately.
Dominic West (Jimmy McNulty)
Dominic West is best known for playing Jimmy McNulty in the Wire and winning the 2012 British Academy Television Award for Best Actor for playing serial killer Fred West in Appropriate Adult. However, West has had several other accolades to his name. In 2015, for instance, he received a Golden Globe nomination for his stunning performance in ‘The Affair’ on Showtime. He stars as Noah Solloway on the drama series. It is worth noting that West went to Eton College and his prestigious education is often referred to in his profiles. Nonetheless, his range extends to all classes, types, and accents.
Productions Since The Wire:
A Funny Thing Happened to Kelly and Ted (2017), The Finish Line (2017), Five Star Fouad (2017), The Affair (2014 – 2018), The Square (2017), The Girl with the Mechanical Maiden (2013), Arthur Christmas (2011), Words of the Blitz (2010), The Devil’s Whore (2008).
Lance Reddick (Cedric Daniels)
Lance Reddick is not only a celebrated actor; he is a refined musician as well. He is more widely known as Lt Cedric Daniels, the character he portrayed in The Wire. Lance has hardly taken a break from acting after The Wire. Besides playing the role of Chief Irvin Irving in the Amazon Prime Series Bosch, he has also voiced the character Sylens in the Horizon: Zero Dawn, a 2017 video game, among numerous other roles in Films, Video games, and TV drama series.
Productions Since The Wire:
Business Ethics (2017), Corporate (2017), Destiny 2 – Video Game (2017), Rick and Morty (2017), Bosch (2014 – 2017), Mary + Jane (2016), Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories (2015), The Blacklist (2014), Fringe (2008 – 2013).
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Sonja Sohn (Kima Greggs)
Since the finale where Detective Shakima “Kima” Greggs – the character portrayed by Sonja Sohn – becomes the new McNulty, Sonja has been on the hunt for regular TV work. While she has been on several shows, nothing seemed to last for over a season or two. But what has she been up to currently? Sonja recently reappeared on Hulu’s Shut Eye, as well as Luke Cage for Marvel/Netflix. What’s more, she has been directing and executive producing For The Love of Baltimore, which is a full-length documentary, for HBO. It is also worth noting that Sonja’s role on The Wire resulted in her position as the leader of Rewired for Change, a Baltimore community initiative.
Productions Since The Wire:
Incorporated (2017), Shut Eye (2016), Domain (2016), Luke Cage (2016), Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (2015), The Missing Girl (2015), The Originals (2014 – 2015), The Good Wife (2010 – 2013), Body of Proof (2011 – 2012), Brothers & Sisters (2008 – 2009).
Andre Royo (Bubbles)
While he is best known for portraying the drug addict and confidential informant Reginald “Bubble” Cousins in The Wire, Andre Royo actually started his acting career in a minor role in L.A Without a Map, a 1998 movie. Other notable works include his appearances on Fringe, Party Down, and How to Make It in America. Andre currently appears on the sensational drama Empire on Fox, where he plays Thirsty Rawlings, a shifty defence attorney. Thanks to his stunning performance in Hunter Gatherer, Royo won a Special Jury Award at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival.
Productions Since The Wire:
Empire (2015 – 2017), Juvenile (2017), Tim and Eric’s Bedtime Stories (2017), Hand of God (2014 – 2017), Kingdom (2014 – 2016), Bob’s Burgers (2013 – 2014), Hellbenders (2012), Fringe (2010 -2011), The Mercy Man (2009).
Leo Fitzpatrick (Johnny Weeks)
You have to wonder if the young actors who appeared in season 4 of The Wire look up to Leo Fitzpatrick. Why? Leo started acting at only 14 when director Larry Clark cast him in the film Kids. Managing to remain active as an adolescent and into adulthood, Leo portrayed Johnny Weeks, Bubbles sidekick in The Wire’s early seasons. Most recently, Fitzpatrick played the lead role of Otis on Danny Sangra’s Goldbricks in Bloom.
Productions Since The Wire:
Goldbricks in Bloom (2016), The Drowning (2016), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2016), Pee-wee’s Big Holiday (2016), The Heart, She Holler (2010 – 2014), Winter of Frozen Dreams (2009).
Domenick Lombardozzi (Thomas “Herc” Hauk)
If you are looking to play cop and knucklehead roles, you will certainly make it if you look and sound like Domenick Lobardozzi. However, you won’t match the humour and moral murkiness of Herc, the character portrayed by Domenick in the Wire. That is a preserve of David Simon and his team of refined writers. But what has Domenick been up to currently? He was recently cast in Martin Scorsese’s Netflix film The Irishman, where he will portray Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno, head of the Genovese crime family.
Productions Since The Wire:
Frank and Ava (2017), Rosewood (2015 – 2017), Doubt (2017), Sneaky Pete (2015 – 2017), The Adventures of Mr. Clown (2015), Boardwalk Empire (2013 -2014), Breakout Kings (2011 -2012), How Do You Know (2010), Public Enemies (2009).
Seth Gilliam (Ellis Carver)
In his career, Seth Gilliam has starred in a vast range of projects. And in numerous ways, his career since turning his badge and gun is the archetypal post-Wire narrative: guest posts and some multi-episode runs on various TV shows, some great, some just unimpressive. Despite stating that he prefers acting on stage to appearing in film and television, Gilliam continues to play Dr Deaton in Teen Wolf for MTV.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Walking Dead (2014 – 2018), Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017), Police State (2017), Elementary (2016), The Good Wife (2011 – 2015), Stake Out: Atlantic Salmon (2011), Nurse Jackie (2010), The People v. Leo Frank (2009).
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Clarke Peters (Lester Freamon)
While he made his name on the hit show The Wire as Detective Lester Freamon, Clarke Peters boasts many more strings to his bow, and shoots from the hip. A quick skim of his jam-packed IMDB entry reveals he has hardly been out of work, notching up credits in the likes of The Benefactor, The Best of Me, John Wick, Red Hook Summer, and Searching for Sonny, in between long-running television series such as The Tunnel, Underground, Jericho, Jessica Jones, and Show Me a Hero.
Productions Since The Wire:
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), Division 19 (2017), The Blacklist: Redemption (2017), People of Earth (2016), Chance (2016-2017), The Benefactor (2015), Treme (2010 – 2013), Nativity! (2009), Tao of the Traveller (2008).
Jim True-Frost (Roland “Prez” Pryzbylewski)
A member of Chicago’s sensational Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Jim True-Frost is a refined actor who performed the best on screen as part of The Wire. He portrayed Roland “Prez” Pryzbylewski on all five seasons of the show. It is worth noting that the character arc of Prezbo from lily-livered and hapless cop to commanding middle school teacher is one of The Wire’s high points, setting the stage for the fourth, and most impressive, season. Since then, however, Jim has never experienced such a transformation on TV. His role on Treme, for instance, felt awkward whenever he tried to glide into the scene. Fortunately, all that seems not to have dimmed his acting career, as he has been involved in a wide range of projects. He played Mayor Walton Green, in the recently completed Rod Lurie’s Monsters of God.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Walking Dead (2014 – 2018), Teen Wolf (2011 – 2017), Police State (2017), Elementary (2016), The Good Wife (2011 – 2015), Stake Out: Atlantic Salmon (2011), Nurse Jackie (2010), The People v. Leo Frank (2009).
Frankie Faison (Ervin Burrell)
Frankie Russel Faison is mostly known for his roles as the Baltimore City Police Commissioner Ervin Burrell on The Wire and as Barney Matthews in the Hannibal Lecter franchise. However, he has several other projects under his belt. For instance, he recently appeared a Henry “Pop” Hunter in Marvel’s Luke Cage, a web television series created for Netflix. He also played a supporting role in the 2016 Amazon Studios original special An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win.
Productions Since The Wire:
Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television (2017), My Other Home (2017), The Case for Christ (2017), The Good Fight (2017), An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win (2016), Banshee (2013 – 2016), The Good Wife (2010 -2015), Cowgirls ‘n Angels (2012), Mayor Cupcake (2011), Breaking Point (2009).
John Doman (William Rawls)
Do you know how John Doman managed to appear as five different characters on SVU? He combines a gruff voice, a craggy face, and a bad attitude than most actors. Besides portraying Deputy Police Commissioner William Rawls on The Wire, Doman is also recognized for his role as Rodrigo Borgia in the international television series Borgia, which ran between 2011 and 2014. Doman currently plays Don Carmine Falcone in Fox’s show Gotham. He also recently secured a series regular role in the second season of the Paramount-produced Epix series Berlin Station.
Productions Since The Wire:
Iron Terry Malone (2017), Final Vision (2017), Two Black Coffees (2017), Berlin Station (2017), Gotham (2014 – 2017), Rizzoli & Isles (2010 – 2014), A Gifted Man (2012), The Company Men (2010), Shoot First and Pray You Live (Because Luck Has Nothing to Do with It) (2008).
Deirdre Lovejoy (Rhonda Pearlman)
When all is said and done, true enthusiasts of The Wire just want to see everyone who made that possible get some worthwhile work. And it is so encouraging to know that those people are earning a living through their craft. Assistant State’s Attorney Rhonda Pearlman may not have been your favourite character, but you can still smile for the fact that the career of Deirdre Lovejoy, the character who gave her life, continues to thrive. Lovejoy recently recurred on The Blacklist and also guest-starred on Elementary.
Productions Since The Wire:
Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television (2017), My Other Home (2017), The Case for Christ (2017), The Good Fight (2017), An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win (2016), Banshee (2013 – 2016), The Good Wife (2010 -2015), Cowgirls ‘n Angels (2012), Mayor Cupcake (2011), Breaking Point (2009).
Wendell Pierce (Bunk Moreland)
Has it ever crossed your mind what would have happened if Detective Bunk Moreland exchanged his badge and gun for a trombone before moving to New Orleans? He would be Antoine Batiste of Treme. Isn’t that impressive? But what has Wendell Pierce been up to lately?
Besides portraying Detective Bunk Moreland in the Wire, trombonist Antoine Batiste in Treme, and Michael Davenport in Waiting to Exhale, Wendell has been involved in a vast array of other screen projects. Today, he is best known for his role in Suits as high-powered attorney Robert Zane, whose name is part of the law firm Rand, Calder and Zane.
Productions Since The Wire:
One Last Thing (2017), King of the South (2017), Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2017), The Glory (2017), Suits (2013 – 2017), The Michael J. Fox Show (2013 – 2014), The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 (2012), Love Ranch (2010), Fear Itself (2009), House of Payne (2008).
Wood Harris (Avon Barksdale)
Born in Chicago, Illinois, and holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from Northern Illinois University (NIU), as well as a Master of Arts from New York University, Sherwin David “Wood” Harris will forever be remembered for his performance as the drug kingpin Avon Barksdale on The Wire. That does not mean that he has not been working since 2008; he has worked on a wide range of projects. Today, he is largely known for portraying Brooke Payne on the BET 2017 mini-series The New Edition Story. His other most notable recent project is VH1 mini-series The Breaks, where he plays Barry Fouray, a controversial hip-hop mogul.
Productions Since The Wire:
Blade Runner 2049 (2017), 9/11 (2017), Once Upon a Time in Venice (2017), The Breaks (2017), The New Edition Story (2017), Ransum Games (2014), The Watsons Go to Birmingham (2013), Southland (2010), Next Day Air (2009), House (2008).
Idris Elba (Stringer Bell)
Idris Elba is a man of many hats; he is an actor, a producer, a hip-hop and soul musician, and a DJ under the moniker DJ Big Driis. In fact, he made it to the 2016 Time 100 list of the world’s most influential people. The handsome Brit is worth every applause for his role as the narcotic trafficker Stringer Bell in The Wire. That Idris has been nominated four times for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Film cannot go unmentioned. He won one Golden Globe, thanks to his BBC cop show Luther.
He also has been nominated five times for a Primetime Emmy Award. Idris boasts several recent projects, including starring in Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut film, Molly’s Game, besides Jessica Chastain. In the world of music, Elba is featured on the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 2016 album This Unruly Mess I’ve Made.
Productions Since The Wire:
In the Long Run (2017), Luther (2010 – 2018), Thor: Ragnarok, Thor (2017), The Mountain Between Us (2017), Molly’s Game (2017), Zootopia (2016), No Good Deed (2014), Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), Takers (2010), The Human Contract (2008).
Hassan Johnson (Wee-Bey Brice)
Drug enforcer Roland “Wee-Bey” Brice spent much of series locked up, but that did not stop him from being a fans favourite. One of the most notable performances of Hassan Johnson since The Wire is in Person of Interest, an American science fiction crime drama television series, which aired on CBS between September 2011 and June 2016. Hassan portrayed Lorenzo on the CBS show.
Productions Since The Wire:
Blood Brother (2017), Mahjongg (2016), Bobbi Kristina (2016), Guns and Grams (2016), Blue Bloods (2016), Ovum (2015), Grand Theft Auto V (2013), Dead Man’s Trigger (2012), Gun (2010), Brooklyn’s Finest (2009), Who’s Deal? (2008).
Felicia Pearson (Snoop)
The Wire brought into the limelight a number of Baltimore residents who are painfully familiar with the city’s injustices and traps. However, Felecia Pearson, who portrayed the hired killer Snoop in the fourth season, was arguably the most captivating. Sporting a low, scratchy voice and a swinging posture, Felicia was unlike any woman you would see on your television screen. She was hypnotic.
Despite having run-ins with the law enforcers due to various drug-related crimes, which almost brought her acting career to a grinding halt, Felicia never floundered. She has been involved in a wide range of projects including VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York, a reality television show that chronicles the personal lives, relationships and careers of various people who have a history in the Hip Hop world. She joined the cast of the show in 2016.
Productions Since The Wire:
Redmond Hand, Private Dick (2016), Blue Bloods (2016), Guns and Grams (2016), Chi-Raq (2016), By Any Means (2015), Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014), They Die by Dawn (2013).
J.D. Williams (Bodie)
When drug dealer Bodie Broadus’ story wrapped, this writer couldn’t help shaking. J.D. Williams brought out Bodie’s character in a way no one could, infusing it with vitality and charisma. His performance in The Wire proved he is an accomplished actor. But what has he been up to lately? He recently played Uncle Q in Served Films and Jabari Morris in Saints & Sinners, an American television series that follows the conflicts between members of a Baptist church in the small town of Georgia.
Productions Since The Wire:
Served Film (2017), Saints & Sinners (2016 – 2017), The Choir (2016), The Night Of (2016), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2016), The Good Wife (2010 – 2015), An American in Hollywood (2014), Detroit 1-8-7 (2010 – 2011), Falling Awake (2009).
Michael B. Jordan (Wallace)
In spite of the fact that Wallace didn’t live to see later seasons of the Wire, Michael B. Jordan’s performance remains embedded in viewers’ memory, as his death was one of the show’s first moments of heartrending drama. Thankfully, Michael’s career has remained stable and growing increasingly since his demise. One of his notable performances is in the Rocky sequel Creed (2015), where he played the lead role as Adonis Creed, the son of boxer Apollo Creed. He will be appearing as Erik Killmonger in the forthcoming superhero film Black Panther (2018).
Productions Since The Wire:
Black Panther (2018), Hotel Noir (2012), Wilson’s Heart – Videogame (2017), Against the Wall (2016), Apple TV: Father Time (2016), That Awkward Moment (2014), Parenthood (2010 – 2011), Bones (2009).
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Michael K. Williams (Omar Little)
Michael K. Williams is best known for his performance in The Wire as Omar Little, a badass Baltimore stick-up man who frequently robs street-level drug dealers. Omar Little acquired quite a reputation for accomplishing what he had set his mind to. Williams seems to have kept that character alive even after the dramatic death of Omar Little. He has accomplished a lot ever since. One of his notable projects today is Hap and Leonard, an American television series developed by Nick Damici and Jim Mickle. Williams portrays Leonard Pine, a gay black Vietnam vet with severe anger issues.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Red Sea Diving Resort (2018), The Public (2017), Hap and Leonard (2016 – 2018), F Is for Family (2017), When We Rise (2017), Assassin’s Creed (2016), The Spoils Before Dying (2015), Boardwalk Empire (2010 – 2014), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Behind the Steve (2010).
Corey Parker Robinson (Leander Sydnor)
Since appearing on The Wire as Detective Leander Sydnor, Corey Parker Robinson has been involved in just a handful of projects. The mandatory guest spots on crime shows are present and accounted for, as well as the super-small role in a Hollywood feature. However, it seems like Robison’s acting career may have waned with the Wire. That doesn’t mean he faded into oblivion completely; he is up to something lately. One of his notable recent projects is The Neighborhood, in which he appears as Agent Taylor.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Neighborhood (2017), Amateur (2017), Unforgettable (2016), Orange Is the New Black (2015), The Red Road (2014), Unstoppable (2010), Sinner (2008).
Robert F. Chew (Proposition Joe)
On January 17, 2013, Robert F. Chew was found dead in his apartment in Baltimore. He was 52 years old at the time of his death. He was a legend in his own right, thanks to his roles on The Wire, The Corner, and Homicide, as well as his community outreach and teaching. By all accounts, Chew was a great, compassionate man. He derived pleasure from mentoring young actors at Baltimore’s Arena Players. In fact, he played an integral role in coaching actors who played the middle school students, who are credited with making season four of The Wire incredibly fascinating. R.I.P.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Hassan Brooks Story (2011).
Robert Wisdom (Howard “Bunny” Colvin)
Before playing Howard “Bunny” Colvin, Robert Wisdom was working on a vast array of projects, and nothing about that has changed. Namely, Wisdom has worked on numerous TV shows, including Ballers, in which he plays Dennis, Seven Bucks Digital Studios as Dennis Jerret, and Flaked as George.
What’s more, Wisdom will be playing Cyrus Montros in The Alienist, a forthcoming television drama event series based on a novel by Caleb Carr, which goes by the same name. The eight-episode show is set to premiere on TNT on January 22, 2018.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Alienist (2018), Revival! (2017), Ballers (2015 – 2017), Seven Bucks Digital Studios (2017), Flaked (2016 – 2017), Chicago P.D. (2014 – 2015), Nashville (2012 – 2013), Burn Notice (2010 – 2011), Lie to Me (2009), Ball Don’t Lie (2008).
Pablo Schreiber (Nick Sobotka)
Besides his dramatic stage work, Pablo Schreiber is also known for his role on The Wire as Nickolas Andrew “Nick” Sobotka, cousin to Ziggy Sobotka, the wayward son of his uncle Frank Sobotka. But what has Pablo been up to lately? He has two films slated for 2018, Skyscraper and First Man, set to be released in July 2018 and October 2018 respectively.
Productions Since The Wire:
Beast of Burden (2018), Den of Thieves (2018), The King’s Daughter (2017), American Gods (2017 – 2018), Big Bear (2017), Orange Is the New Black (2013 – 2017), Periods. (2012), Happythankyoumoreplease (2010), Favorite Son (2008).
Amy Ryan (Beadie Russell)
Amy Ryan is one of the most successful actors to come out of The Wire. Namely, she has acted on one of the most popular, and at one time, acclaimed comedies on network TV, The Office; she is an Academy Award nominee and two-time Tony Award nominee. Amy recently filmed Beautiful Boy for Amazon Studios, a dark family drama that reunites her with The Office star Steve Carell, as well as Strange But True, a noir-thriller based on the novel by John Searles. Both are set to premiere in 2018.
Productions Since The Wire:
Beautiful Boy (2018), Abundant Acreage Available (2018), High Maintenance (2016 – 2017), Monster Trucks (2016), The Infiltrator (2016), Louder Than Bombs (2015), Devil’s Knot (2013), The Office (2008 – 2011).
Chris Bauer (Frank Sobotka)
Born in 1966, in Los Angeles, California, Mark Christopher “Chris” Bauer has starred in numerous television series, The Wire being one of the most notable. He played port union boss Frank Sobotka, arguably one of the best-played characters in the show. Bauer’s most recent projects include his appearance in The Deuce as Bobby Dwyer and Life Support as Father Rose.
Productions Since The Wire:
Life Support (2017), The Deuce (2017), Survivor’s Remorse (2014 – 2017), Dismissed (2017), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2009 – 2017), True Blood (2008 – 2014), New Amsterdam (2008).
James Ransone (Ziggy Sobotka)
James Ransone is certainly an endearing guy. Namely, he has worked in David Simon’s camp of regulars as well as Spike Lee’s. His recent, most notable projects include his lead role as Eddie Arceneaux in Amazon Studios police procedural drama series Bosch (2016). The uncanny, dangerous energy of The Wire’s Ziggy Sobotka made people take notice.
Productions Since The Wire:
Captive State (2018), Mosaic (2018), Doulo (2017), Cabiria, Charity, Chastity (2017), In a Valley of Violence (2016), The Timber (2015), Empire State (2013), Treme (2011 – 2012), The Next Three Days (2010), The Perfect Age of Rock ‘n’ Roll (2009).
Aidan Gillen (Tommy Carcetti)
Dublin-born Aidan Gillen is best known for his role in The Wire as Carcetti, an ambitious Baltimore politician, who though portrayed as a loving father, is often unfaithful to his wife, Jen. Gillen’s other most notable performance is in Game of Thrones, where he plays Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish. He will be appearing as John Reid in Bohemian Rhapsody, an American-British biographical drama film, which is scheduled for release in the U.S. on December 2018 by Century Fox.
Productions Since The Wire:
James and Lucia (2018), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018), King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), Game of Thrones (2011 – 2017), Love/Hate (2010 – 2013), 12 Rounds (2009), Wake Wood (2009).
Jamie Hector (Marlo Stanfield)
Projecting calm menace and chilling confidence, Jamie Hector made the ruthless drug baron Marlo Stanfield into one of the most memorable antagonists of The Wire. Hector is also known for his portrayal of Detective Jerry Edgar in the drama series Bosch. One of his recent most notable projects is his role as Devon Finch on 2 episodes of seasons 2 of the U.S. drama, Queen of the South.
Productions Since The Wire:
Canal Street (2018), Queen of the South (2017), The Strain (2014 – 2017), Bosch (2014 – 2017), All Eyez on Me (2017), A Feeling from Within (2012), CSI: Miami (2011), Mercy (2010), Cold Case (2009), Jericho (2008).
Glynn Turman (Clarence Royce)
Glynn Turman is a man of many hats; he is a stage, film, and television actor, besides being a refined writer, director, and producer. He has won several NAACP Image awards for his acting, famously portrayed Baltimore mayor Clarence Royce on The Wire, and also played a key role of Jeremiah Kaan on the Showtime series House of Lies, which was cancelled in May 2016 after five seasons. He will be playing General Whalen in Bumblebee, a forthcoming film set to be released in December 2018.
Productions Since The Wire:
Bumblebee (2018), Windows on the World (2017), Brothered Up (2017), House of Lies (2012 – 2016), Super 8 (2011), Takers (2010), In Treatment (2008 – 2009).
Gbenga Akinnagbe (Chris Partlow)
Born in Washington, D.C., Gbenga Akinnagbe made his debut playing Christ Partlow, who despite his quiet demeanour, commits more murders than any other character on The Wire. The Wire seems to have been a blessing for Gbenga as he has worked on a wide range of projects ever since. His most recent products include his role as Peter in Starbright.
Productions Since The Wire:
Egg (2018), Starbright (2017), The Deuce (2017), Heart, Baby (2017), Mindhack: #savetheworld (2017), Knucklehead (2015), The Good Wife (2010 – 2015), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2009 – 2014), Nurse Jackie (2011 – 2012), Edge of Darkness (2010), Cold Case (2008).
Chad Coleman (Dennis “Cutty” Wise)
Chad Coleman is largely credited for delivering a fantastic performance of a reformed street “hitter” Dennis “Cutty” Wise in The Wire. Since then, Coleman has worked on a wide range of projects. In 2016, for instance, he portrayed Tobias Church on Arrow, an American superhero television series developed by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Andrew Kreisberg. Currently, he is portraying Klyden, Second Officer Bortus’ mate, on The Orville.
Productions Since The Wire:
Treadwater (2019), Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland (2017), The Black Ghiandola (2017), The Expanse (2015 – 2017), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2010 -2017), Horrible Bosses (2011), The Forgotten (2009), New Amsterdam (2008).
Jermaine Crawford (Duquan “Dukie” Weems)
Jermaine Crawford is best remembered for playing Duquan “Dukie” Weems, a student at Edward Tilghman Middle School who faces a difficult life at home since the adults in his home are buried in alcoholism and drug addiction. Even though he was a source of real emotional weight and impact on the show, Crawford has worked on just a handful of projects since, including his most recent role of Damon in Hair Wolf, a short film.
Productions Since The Wire:
Hair Wolf (2017), Roxanne Roxanne (2017), The Get Down (2016), Cru (2014), Maladies (2012), Damsels in Distress (2011), Twelve (2010), An American Affair (2008).
Maestro Harrell (Randy Wagstaff)
Playing Randy Wagstaff, an enterprising 8th-grade pupil who is dependent on social services, Maestro Harrel is popular among his peers for his imagination and ideas, and that’s one of the best things you can expect from a young actor. And Harrell has stayed true to Randy’s character by being a singer, recording artist, dancer, DJ, and actor. His most recent project includes his role as Zeke in Rack and Ruin as well as Teen boy #1 in America Koko, a 2017 television series.
Productions Since The Wire:
Rack & Ruin (2017), American Koko (2017), Dinner Party (2017), House of Lies (2016), Suburgatory (2011 – 2014), CSI: NY (2012), Meet the Browns (2010), Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009), The Promotion (2008).
Julito McCullum (Namond Brice)
In 2016, Julito McCullum, who played Namond Brice, the son of Wee-Bey Brice and De’Londa Brice in The Wire, portrayed Jordan in 59 Seconds, a film written and directed by Benedict Dorsey. He will also play MC in Olivia Newman’s First Match, which is set to be released in 2018.
Productions Since The Wire:
First Match (2018), Sole Kings (2017), After Hours (2017), 59 Seconds (2016), Madam Secretary (2015), The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete (2013), Da Brick (2011), Law & Order (2010), Parting Words (2008).
Tristan Wilds (Michael Lee)
Tristan Paul Mack Wilds deserves all the credit for excellently playing Michael Lee, a middle school pupil who matures to walk the path of Omar in The Wire. He is also known as Mack Wilds, a recording artist, and his sophomore album was released on April 17, 2017. One of his most recent notable performances is his role as Officer Joshua Beck, the Black officer entangled in the controversial shooting of a young white man in a racially-charged town in the American television series Shots Fired.
Productions Since The Wire:
Shots Fired (2017), After Hours (2017), The Breaks (2017), Last Fair Deal (2016), Adele: Hello (2015), 90210 (2008 – 2013), The Secret Life of Bees (2008).
Isiah Whitlock Jr. (Clay Davis)
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is known for not only playing Clay Davis, corrupt Maryland State Senator with a reputation for soliciting bribes, in The Wire, but also for his catchphrase Sheeeeeeeee-it! He recently played the role of sheriff in the 2016 remake of 1977 film of Pete’s Dragon. He also appeared as Samuel Jordan in the television series Survivor’s Remorse, which ended in October 2017.
Productions Since The Wire:
All Square (2018), Old Man and the Gun (2018), Sloan Hearts Neckface (2017), Survivor’s Remorse (2017), Atlanta (2016), Veep (2013 – 2015), Not Fade Away (2012), Meet the Browns (2010), Under New Management (2009), Cadillac Records (2008).
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Clark Johnson (Augustus Haynes)
Clark Johnson played Augustus “Gus” Haynes, the dedicated and principled editor for the Baltimore Sun City desk, in the Wire. He also directed the show’s pilot episode, the second episode, fifth episode, and the series finale. But what has Johnson been up to lately? He appears as Detective Watkins in Brawl in Cell Block 99, an American action thriller film released in theatres on October 6, 2017, as well as on digital HD and video-on-demand on October 13, 2017, by RLJE Films.
Productions Since The Wire:
Shots Fired (2017), After Hours (2017), The Breaks (2017), Last Fair Deal (2016), Adele: Hello (2015), 90210 (2008 – 2013), The Secret Life of Bees (2008).
Tray Chaney (Poot)
Tray Chaney is a man of many talents, whose career began as a performer at a tender age of four years, acing competitions at the Apollo Theatre. However, he is best known for playing Poot Carr in The Wire, which is considered as his most successful acting role. Chaney’s other notable performance is his appearance on America’s Most Wanted, portraying a fugitive named Jerry Robinson. In 2016, He starred in Saints and Sinners, an American television series, as Kendrick Murphy.
Productions Since The Wire:
Steady Hand (2017), Hit a Lick (2015), The Weekend (2014), Good Brutha Bad Brutha (2013), Dead Money (2012), Streets (2011), Cash Rules (2008).
Michael Kostroff (Maurice Levy)
Michael Kostroff played the role of the skilled but corrupt and unscrupulous defence attorney Maurice “Maury” Levy in The Wire, of which his sister Nina Kostroff “K” Noble was an executive producer. Michael starred in the fifth season of the show and appeared in all four seasons as a guest star. He has hardly rested since the end of The Wire, working in a wide range of projects. One of his notable recent projects is his role as Peter Madoff in The Wizard of Lies, a 2017 American television drama film directed by Barry Levinson.
Productions Since The Wire:
Most Likely to Murder (2018), The Wizard of Lies (2017), Hard Sell (2016), The Good Wife (2013 – 2016), Made in Jersey (2012), Hit List (2011), Sonny with a Chance (2009 – 2010), Eagle Eye (2008).
Michael Salconi (Santangelo)
Michael Salconi is best known for playing Michael Santangelo, an Italian American officer tasked with driving the district arrest van in the Baltimore Police Department’s Western District, in The Wire. But what has Michael been up to? He seems to have done nothing much since The Wire if his entry on IMDb is something to go by.
Productions Since The Wire:
Veep (2014), Tranquility (2014), Wasting Daylight (2010)
Jay Landsman (Dennis Mello)
Jay Landsman, a retired homicide detective, appeared in The Wire as Lieutenant Dennis Mello. Landsman was also the inspiration for the character named Jay Landsman on the show. It is worth noting that Landsman character was not played by Jay himself, but by Delaney Williams.
Another one of Landsman’s notable performances in the entertainment scene is his appearance in season five of No Reservations, a food and travel show hosted by Anthony Bourdain on the Travel Channel. One of the most recent notable events in Landsman life is his promotion to lieutenant in the Baltimore County Police Department in December 2015.
Productions Since The Wire:
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Delaney Williams (Jay Landsman)
Delaney Williams is best known for playing homicide sergeant Jay Landsman, a character based on and named after a real homicide detective sergeant. As noted above, the real Jay Landsman also appeared on the show as Dennis Mello. Williams other notable projects include his appearances in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as John Buchanan, Veep as Joe Walker, as well as in the recently completed Night Call as Captain Neil Suelter.
Productions Since The Wire:
Godless (2017), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2010 – 2017), Good Enough (2016), Beneath the Harvest Sky (2013), You Don’t Know Jack (2010).
Anwan Glover (Slim Charles)
Ralph Anwan Glover shot to the limelight as a teenager in 1992 as one of the co-founders of the Washington, D.C.-based BackYard Band. He made his acting debut in 2003 as Slim Charles, an enforcer for the Barksdale Organization and later the chief lieutenant of kingpin Proposition Joe Stewart, in The Wire.
Glover has worked on an array of projects since. One of his notable projects is his starring in three episodes of season one of Treme as Keevon White, a convicted killer. He is also appearing in The Deuce, a drama television series that chronicles the legalization and ensuing growth of the porn industry in New York from the 1970s, which premiered on September 2017.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Deuce (2017), The Confidential Informant (2016), Desiree (2015), 12 Years a Slave (2013), Dead Money (2012), Misunderstandings (2009).
Method Man (Cheese Wagstaff)
Best known by his stage name Method Man, rapper Clifford Smith is a man of many talents. He is a rapper, a record producer, and an actor. One of his most notable performances is in his role as Cheese Wagstaff, Proposition Joe’s nephew as well as a crew chief in his Eastside drug crew, in The Wire.
Cheese was murdered by Slim Charles. Since The Wire, Method Man has had numerous credits to his name, including playing the lead in the 2011 film The Mortician. In 2016, he appeared as himself in Luke Cage, which aired on Netflix.
Productions Since The Wire:
Love Beats Rhymes (2017), Rebel (2017), Blue Bloods (2015 – 2017), #Lucky Number (2015), The Cobbler (2014), The Mortician (2011), Sinners and Saints (2010), Burn Notice (2008).
Lawrence Gilliard Jr. (“D’Angelo ‘D’ Barksdale”)
New York City-born Lawrence Gilliard Jr. is known for portraying D’Angelo Barksdale, the nephew of Avon Barksdale and a lieutenant in his drug dealing group that controls most of the trade in West Baltimore, in The Wire. While Gilliard has appeared in numerous shows, it his role as D’Angelo Barksdale that earned him arguably the most critical acclaim.
He is also recognized for playing Bob Stookey, a former combat medic who’s considered the town drunk of Woodbury, Georgia, in the AMC horror drama The Walking Dead. Gilliard currently appears as Chris Alston in David Simon’s HBO TV series, The Deuce, which premiered in September 2017.
Productions Since The Wire:
The Deuce (2017), Graceland (2015), The Walking Dead (2013 – 2015), Turnipseed: Legacy (2014), The Championship Rounds (2013), Would You Rather (2012), Detroit 1-8-7 (2010), Trauma (2009).
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