Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman

1947-01-31 New York City, New York, USA 82 Credits

Biography

Glynn Russell Turman, born on January 31, 1947, in New York City, is a revered American stage, television, and film actor as well as a writer, whose career spans decades. He gained early recognition for his role as Leroy "Preach" Jackson in the 1975 film "Cooley High." Turman's talent shone on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for "The Great White Hope." He's renowned for TV work in "The Wire," math professor and retired Army colonel Bradford Taylor on the NBC sitcom "A Different World," fictional ...

Known For

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Complete Filmography

STRAW

STRAW

2025

as Richard

7.9
Acting

What will be her last straw? A devastatingly bad day pushes a hardworking single mother to the breaking point — and into a shocking act of desperation...

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2

2024

7.6
Acting

Explore the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning 15 years before, during, and followi...

A Hero's Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

A Hero's Journey: The Making of Percy Jackson and the Olympians

2024

as Self - Chiron

6.4
Acting

Alongside a passionate cast and crew, follow Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries and Aryan Simhadri as they step into worlds fit for gods, battle unfor...

Rustin

Rustin

2023

as A. Philip Randolph

6.6
Acting

Activist Bayard Rustin faces racism and homophobia as he helps change the course of Civil Rights history by orchestrating the 1963 March on Washington...

Outlaw Johnny Black

Outlaw Johnny Black

2023

as Bullseye Black

5.7
Acting

Hell bent on avenging the death of his father, Johnny Black vows to gun down Brett Clayton and becomes a wanted man in the process while posing as a p...

80 for Brady

80 for Brady

2023

as Mickey

6.3
Acting

Four lifelong friends set out on an unforgettable journey to see their hero Tom Brady play in Super Bowl LI and witness one of the greatest comebacks ...

Is That Black Enough for You?!?

Is That Black Enough for You?!?

2022

as Self

7.4
Acting

A look at the Black revolution in 1970s cinema, from genre films to social realism, from the making of new superstars to the craft of rising auteurs.

Women of Theatre, New York

Women of Theatre, New York

2022

Executive Producer

Producing

A documentary film about the life, times and experiences of eight theatre artists and a theatre critic in the theatre of New York City.

The Legend of Glynn Turman

The Legend of Glynn Turman

2022

as G.T.

Acting

Actor Glynn Turman makes his Broadway debut at 12 years old in the original production of “A Raisin in the Sun” opposite Sidney Poitier and becomes a ...

The Legend of Glynn Turman

The Legend of Glynn Turman

2022

Writer

Writing

Actor Glynn Turman makes his Broadway debut at 12 years old in the original production of “A Raisin in the Sun” opposite Sidney Poitier and becomes a ...

The Devil You Know

The Devil You Know

2022

as Lloyd Cowans

6.7
Acting

Once-incarcerated Marcus Cowans is trying to turn over a new leaf with the support of his loving family. Upon discovering that one of his brothers may...

Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist

Chadwick Boseman: Portrait of an Artist

2021

as Self

8.2
Acting

An intimate look at the Oscar-nominated actor’s incomparable artistry, and the acting process which informed his transformative performances. Viola Da...

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: A Legacy Brought to Screen

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: A Legacy Brought to Screen

2020

as Self - Presenter

6.2
Acting

Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, George C. Wolfe and more share the heart, soul and history that brought August Wilson's timeless play to the screen.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

2020

as Toledo

6.7
Acting

Tensions rise when the trailblazing Mother of the Blues and her band gather at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Adapted from August Wilson's play.

The Way Back

The Way Back

2020

as Doc

6.7
Acting

A former basketball all-star, who has lost his wife and family foundation in a struggle with addiction, attempts to regain his soul and salvation by b...

Sextuplets

Sextuplets

2019

as Leland

6.2
Acting

Father-to-be Alan is shocked to learn that he was born a sextuplet. With his newfound brother Russell riding shotgun, the duo sets out on a hilarious ...

Justine

Justine

2019

as Papa Don

6.4
Acting

A woman dealing with the loss of her husband, the struggle of parenthood and finding work in a new state, finds solace in her relationship with an eig...

Justine

Justine

2019

Executive Producer

6.4
Producing

A woman dealing with the loss of her husband, the struggle of parenthood and finding work in a new state, finds solace in her relationship with an eig...

Windows on the World

Windows on the World

2019

as Lou

4.0
Acting

After watching the news on 9/11 with his family, Fernando travels from Mexico to New York City to find his father, an undocumented worker at the World...

Bumblebee

Bumblebee

2018

as General Whalen

6.7
Acting

On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie, on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to ...

Solace

Solace

2018

as Clay (Pastor Davis)

4.7
Acting

Following the death of her father, a 17-year-old girl is sent to live with her estranged family and finds comfort in a questionable friendship with a ...

The Killing Floor

The Killing Floor

2017

as Self

Acting

A documentary on making the movie JD'S REVENGE.

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart

Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart

2017

as Self

6.2
Acting

On March 11, 1959, Lorraine Hansberry’s 'A Raisin in the Sun' opened on Broadway and changed the face of American theater forever. As the first-ever b...

August 28: A Day in the Life of a People

August 28: A Day in the Life of a People

2017

1.0
Acting

Documentary film on events that happened on August 28th in African-American history, shown at the Smithsonian African-American History Museum.

Race

Race

2016

as Harry E. Davis

7.2
Acting

Based on the story of Jesse Owens, the athlete whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage ...

Act Like You Love Me

Act Like You Love Me

2013

as David Lofton

5.4
Acting

Kelly Lofton is a young, successful dentist who has all the material things a woman could ask for. However, Kelly has struggled to find time for love ...

John Dies at the End

John Dies at the End

2013

as Detective Lawrence 'Morgan Freeman' Appleton

6.3
Acting

A new drug promises out-of-body experiences, but users are coming back changed forever, and an otherworldly invasion of Earth is underway.

The Obama Effect

The Obama Effect

2012

as Slim Sugar

2.5
Acting

A serious health scare ignites John Thomas, an insurance salesman in his 50s, to take a closer look at his life. Motivated by a misguided obsession wi...

City Teacher

City Teacher

2012

as Kevin Sawyer

Acting

A Jewish parole officer, Jeff Solomon White, struggles in his new role as a reading teacher for illiterate teens at a New York high school. Hard Lesso...

The Pastor's Secret

2012

Acting

After paying his debt to society, a convicted man is redeemed, called by God to become the pastor of a disgraced church and lead it back to glory. But...

Super 8

Super 8

2011

as Dr. Woodward

6.8
Acting

In 1979 Ohio, several youngsters are making a zombie movie with a Super-8 camera. In the midst of filming, the friends witness a horrifying train dera...

Burlesque

Burlesque

2010

as Harold Saint

7.2
Acting

Ali leaves behind a troubled life and follows her dreams to Los Angeles, where she lands a job as a cocktail waitress at the Burlesque Lounge, a once-...

Takers

Takers

2010

as Chief Detective Duncan

6.2
Acting

A seasoned team of bank robbers, including Gordon Jennings, John Rahway, A.J., and brothers Jake and Jesse Attica successfully complete their latest h...

Preaching To The Pastor

Preaching To The Pastor

2009

as Bishop Hightower

1.0
Acting

Preaching To The Pastor is a musical comedy about the controversy going on at High And Mighty Missionary Baptist Church. The Pastor has a dark secret ...

Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery

Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery

2008

as Sheriff Bob Monroe

7.0
Acting

Criminology professor Jonathan Maxwell investigates a murder at a new age retreat where the leader is killed in a locked room surrounded by people in ...

Kings of the Evening

Kings of the Evening

2008

as Clarence Brown

Acting

Homer Hobbs, home after two years in jail, discovers that life on the outside can be crueler than the back-breaking injustice of the chain gang...

Uncle P

Uncle P

2007

as Dr. Niles

5.1
Acting

Rapper/multi-millionaire P. Miller becomes the guardian of his sister's three children - all of whom need a father figure in their lives.

Sahara

Sahara

2005

as Dr. Frank Hopper

5.9
Acting

Seasoned adventurer and treasure hunter Dirk Pitt, a former Navy SEAL, sets out for the African desert with his wisecracking buddy Al in search of a c...

The Seat Filler

The Seat Filler

2004

as Derrick's Dad

4.3
Acting

Derrick is a struggling law student who takes a job as an awards show seat filler to make ends meet. One day, he is seated next to the beautiful pop s...

Air Rage

Air Rage

2001

as Ted Bigelow

5.2
Acting

A Marine Colonel and his men are sent abroad on hostage rescue mission. When they arrive, they find the hostages dead and decide to get payback by mas...

The Visit

2001

as Parole Board Member Reingold

7.6
Acting

A young man dying in prison brings his family together for a fateful visit, and proceeds to put his life back together.

Fire & Ice

Fire & Ice

2001

as Robert Aimes Sr.

8.0
Acting

While many celebrities believe their fame gives them good luck with the opposite gender, one man with a successful television career discovers fame is...

Men of Honor

Men of Honor

2000

as Chief Floyd

7.5
Acting

Against formidable odds -- and an old-school diving instructor embittered by the U.S. Navy's new, less prejudicial policies -- Carl Brashear sets his ...

Freedom Song

Freedom Song

2000

as T-Bone Lanier

5.5
Acting

Freedom Song is a made-for-TV film based on true stories of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi in the 1960s. It tells the story of the struggle ...

Light It Up

Light It Up

1999

as Principal Allan Armstrong

6.6
Acting

On a winter day in a southside Queens high school, events collide and six students are suddenly in an armed standoff with the NYPD. At the school, cla...

How Stella Got Her Groove Back

How Stella Got Her Groove Back

1998

as Dr. Shakespeare

5.8
Acting

Through good times and bad, Stella and Delilah have always had each other. Now, Stella's so busy building a life that she's forgotten how to really li...

Buffalo Soldiers

Buffalo Soldiers

1997

as Sgt. Joshua 'Joyu' Judges Ruth

5.2
Acting

They've ridden dusty miles without end and fought fierce battles. Yet when these brave African-American cavalrymen enter a scraggly frontier town, the...

Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault

Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault

1996

as Coach Powell

7.1
Acting

A dramatization of the life of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault (Don Cheadle), with a lot of factual based occurrences. A reformed junkie returns from prison...

Subterfuge

Subterfuge

1996

as Stallworth Hubbs

6.3
Acting

Scuba-diver turned beach-bum Jonathan Slade is forced back into his previous milieu - the world of international espionage - in order to retrieve Blac...

Someone Else's Child

1994

as Judge Roullard

2.0
Acting

Ten years after the birth of her son, Corey Maddox discovers an awful truth: Her son was switched at birth.

The Inkwell

The Inkwell

1994

as Spencer Phillips

5.5
Acting

The Inkwell is about a 16-year-old boy coming of age on Martha's Vineyard in the summer of 1976.

Deep Cover

Deep Cover

1992

as Russell Stevens Sr.

6.8
Acting

Black police officer Russell Stevens applies for a special anti-drug squad which targets the highest boss of cocaine delivery to LA—the Colombian fore...

A Different World

A Different World

1987

as Colonel Bradford Taylor

10.0
Acting

A Different World is an American sitcom television series and a spin-off of The Cosby Show. It aired for six seasons on NBC from September 24, 1987, t...

Ask Max

Ask Max

1986

as Lloyd Lyman

6.0
Acting

A 12-year-old genius, poor Max is a washout socially. To impress his girlfriend, he sells the design of his latest invention-a jumping bike-to a major...

Out of Bounds

Out of Bounds

1986

as Lieutenant Delgado

5.5
Acting

Farm boy Daryl Cage's parents ship him off to the big city to live with his brother, hoping he will have a better life there. After a baggage mixup at...

Charlotte Forten's Mission: Experiment in Freedom

Charlotte Forten's Mission: Experiment in Freedom

1985

as Joshua

Acting

At the beginning of the Civil War, Union gunboats sailed into Port Royal Sound, on the Sea Islands off the coast of Georgia. White plantation owners f...

Secrets of a Married Man

1984

as Jesse

2.0
Acting

A man going through a mid-life crisis, starts patronizing prostitutes. Eventually, he meets a very expensive one and he thinks he has it all. That is ...

Gremlins

Gremlins

1984

as Roy Hanson

7.1
Acting

After receiving an exotic small animal as a Christmas gift, a young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet, which unlea...

Manimal

Manimal

1983

as Ty Earl

4.5
Acting

Jonathan Chase is a British college professor at New York University who has the unusual ability to transform into any kind of animal he wants.

Penitentiary II

Penitentiary II

1982

as Charles Johnson

4.3
Acting

An ex-con, on parole and trying to straighten his life out, decides to resume his boxing career when one of his prison enemies escapes and kills his g...

Thornwell

Thornwell

1981

as James Thornwell

6.0
Acting

The story of James Thornwell, whose accusation that the U.S. Army used mind control drugs on him to force him to confess to stealing secret documents ...

Attica

Attica

1980

as Raymond Franklin

5.7
Acting

Acclaimed dramatization recreating the incidents surrounding the 1971 revolt in New York's Attica State Prison that lasted for 23 days and resulted in...

Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold

Katie: Portrait of a Centerfold

1978

as Preston de Cordiva

3.8
Acting

A naive Texas beauty queen, seeking Hollywood stardom, quickly learns the realities of the business after attending an unethical modeling school.

A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich

A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich

1977

as Nigeria

5.9
Acting

A troubled boy becomes addicted to heroin, and his mother and foster father help him fight it.

The Serpent's Egg

The Serpent's Egg

1977

as Monroe

6.3
Acting

Berlin, 1923. Following the suicide of his brother, American circus acrobat Abel Rosenberg attempts to survive while facing unemployment, depression, ...

The Richard Pryor Special?

The Richard Pryor Special?

1977

as Booster Johnson

7.0
Acting

Richard Pryor wanders around the NBC Studio, encountering various eccentrics. Meanwhile, the Reverend James L. White, the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin Da...

Minstrel Man

Minstrel Man

1977

as Harry Brown Jr.

Acting

Two black brothers in a traveling minstrel show in the early part of the twentieth century have two different goals. One brother is determined to succ...

The Tapestry

The Tapestry

1976

6.0
Acting

A television drama directed by Maya Angelou. In 1975, the accomplished writer became the first African American woman to join the Directors Guild of A...

J.D.'s Revenge

J.D.'s Revenge

1976

as Isaac / 'Ike'

5.8
Acting

Although notorious New Orleans gangster J.D. Walker is shot and killed in the 1940s, his spirit remains restless for three decades, until a hypnotist'...

The River Niger

The River Niger

1976

as Jeff Williams

6.8
Acting

An intimate look at life in the ghetto: Johnny Williams is a house painter who moonlights as a poet, struggling to financially and emotionally support...

Cooley High

Cooley High

1975

as Leroy "Preach" Jackson

6.9
Acting

In the mid-1960s, a group of high school friends who live on the Near North Side of Chicago enjoy life to the fullest...parties, hanging out, meeting ...

Carter's Army

Carter's Army

1975

as Pvt. George Brightman

4.0
Acting

A racist officer is put in charge of an all-black squad of troops charged with the mission of blowing up an important hydro-dam in Nazi Germany. Their...

The Blue Knight

The Blue Knight

1975

as Edwin Beall

Acting

In this pilot film that preceded the short-lived series, a street cop in his last week on the force before his retirement investigates the murder of h...

Ceremonies in Dark Old Men

Ceremonies in Dark Old Men

1975

as Theo

Acting

Russell B. Parker, a former vaudeville hoofer, is a man of big dreams but small ambitions. He hardly works at all in fact, often spending the time inc...

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat

The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat

1974

5.0
Acting

Fritz, now married and with a son, is desperate to escape from the domestic hell he now finds himself in. Lighting up a joint, he begins to dream abou...

Together Brothers

Together Brothers

1974

as Dr. Johnson

5.0
Acting

A group of ghetto kids try to find out who killed a popular police officer.

Thomasine & Bushrod

Thomasine & Bushrod

1974

as Jomo J. Anderson

6.5
Acting

A pair of thieves operate in the American South between 1911 and 1915, stealing from rich, white capitalists, and giving to Mexicans, Native Americans...

Five on the Black Hand Side

Five on the Black Hand Side

1973

as Gideon

6.8
Acting

Leonard Jackson plays a barber who is also the domineering head of a middle-class African American family. Jackson is forced to rethink his values whe...

AWOL

AWOL

1972

as Mohammed G.

Acting

In Sweden, young US soldier, Willy, goes a.w.o.l and teams up with other deserters in Stockholm. There, he meets leftist radical beauty, Inga, who tri...

Honky

Honky

1971

as Sailor at Bus Station

4.8
Acting

Sheila, an affluent black teenager, begins dating working class white teen Wayne, and asks him for help to sell a kilo of marijuana.

In Search of America

In Search of America

1971

as Bodhi

3.0
Acting

Michael (Jeff Bridges) drops out of college with the intention of finding himself. When his parents (Carl Betz and Vera Miles) balk, he talks them int...

You Look Familiar: Vernée Watson

You Look Familiar: Vernée Watson

N/A

Executive Producer

10.0
Producing

A look at the life and career of Vernee Watson, who paved the way for Black actresses for four decades.