Born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, Don Cheadle's journey to stardom was marked by hard work and unwavering dedication. He developed an interest in acting during his high school years and pursued it further at the California Institute of the Arts, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Cheadle's breakthrough came in 1995 when he delivered a standout performance in the critically acclaimed film, Devil in a Blue Dress, earning him an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. Since then, his career has been a series of remarkable roles that have demonstrated his range and depth as an actor. His portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda (2004) garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also gained widespread recognition for his role as Marty Kaan in the Showtime series House of Lies, which won him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. In addition to his acting prowess, Cheadle has also made his mark behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with Miles Ahead (2015), a biographical film about jazz musician Miles Davis, in which he also starred. His commitment to social issues has been equally noteworthy. An active campaigner against genocide in Darfur, Cheadle co-authored Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond with John Prendergast.