“Everything I have done as an actor has been in preparation for this,” said Washington back in 1992.

And boy did he take the role seriously: deferring his salary to help get the movie made; talking with the assassinated Black Muslim leader’s relatives, friends and enemies; reading FBI and prison records; attending Fruit of Islam classes; learning to Lindy Hop; watching hours and hours of videotape…

“I studied so much, I knew even what type of glasses he was wearing on a particular day,” recalls Washington. The result was a performance of extraordinary depth, charisma, conviction and nuance,
anchoring Spike Lee’s noble epic.

Greatest Moment: Demanding to see Brother Johnson at the police station before leading the march to the hospital.

Also see Steve Biko (Cry Freedom), Pvt Trip (Glory), Alonzo (Training Day).