Delroy Lindo: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|American actor (born 1952)}}

{{Use British English|date=January 2026}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}

| name               = Delroy Lindo

| image             = Delroy Lindo 2025 (2).png

| caption           = Lindo in 2025

| birth_name         = Delroy George Lindo

| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1952|11|18}}

| birth_place       = London, England

| education         = {{Plainlist|

* [[San Francisco State University]] ([[Bachelor of Fine Arts|BFA]])

* [[American Conservatory Theater]] ([[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]])

* [[New York University]] ([[Master of Arts|MA]])

| occupation         = Actor

| years_active       = 1975–present

| spouse             = {{marriage|Nashormeh Lindo|1990}}

| children           = 1

He gained further recognition for his role as Paul, a [[Vietnam War]] veteran in the film ''[[Da 5 Bloods]]'' (2020), he earned the [[New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor]] and the [[National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor]]. For his role as blues player Delta Slim in [[Ryan Coogler]]'s horror film  ''[[Sinners (2025 film)|Sinners]]'' (2025), he was nominated for the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]].

Lindo is also known for playing Bo Catlett in ''[[Get Shorty (film)|Get Shorty]]'' (1995), Arthur Rose in ''[[The Cider House Rules]]'' (1999), Detective Castlebeck in ''[[Gone in 60 Seconds (2000 film)|Gone in 60 Seconds]]'' (2000), Isaak O'Day in ''[[Romeo Must Die]]'' (2000), Joe Black in ''[[This Christmas (2007 film)|This Christmas]]'' (2007), and [[Bass Reeves]] in ''[[The Harder They Fall (2021 film)|The Harder They Fall]]'' (2021). He also voiced the character Beta in the [[Pixar]] animated film ''[[Up (2009 film)|Up]]'' (2009).

On television, he portrayed [[Matthew Henson]] in the 1998 television film ''[[Glory & Honor]]'', and [[Supreme Court Justice]] [[Clarence Thomas]] in ''[[Strange Justice (1999 film)|Strange Justice]]'' (1999). Lindo later starred as Alderman Ronin Gibbons in the series ''[[The Chicago Code]]'' (2011), as Winter in the fantasy drama series ''[[Believe (TV series)|Believe]]'' (2014), and as Adrian Boseman in ''[[The Good Fight]]'' (2017–2021).

Delroy George Lindo was born on 18 November 1952 in the [[University Hospital Lewisham]] in [[Lewisham]], London, England,<ref name="sky.com_2026-01-23"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Aaliyah 'Best Video' Acceptance Speech 2002 – MOBO | date=21 August 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35iMCnD-dRc | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/35iMCnD-dRc| archive-date=17 November 2021 | url-status=live|publisher=Mobo Awards, Channel 4, YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> the son of [[Jamaicans in the United Kingdom|Jamaican]] parents who were part of the [[Windrush generation]]. His mother had immigrated to the UK in 1951 to work as a nurse,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pri.org/programs/one-farai/child-windrush|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008180828/http://www.pri.org/programs/one-farai/child-windrush|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 October 2014|title = A Child of the Windrush|first=Farai|last= Chideya|author-link=Farai Chideya|date=10 July 2014|website=The World }}</ref> and his father worked in various jobs.<ref>Zondra Hughes (August 2002), [https://web.archive.org/web/20120615042100/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_10_57/ai_97997635/ "Are these the 5 best actors in America? - under rated - Entertainment - Don Cheadle, Delroy Lindo, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ving Rhames And Jeffrey Wright"], ''[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]''.</ref> Lindo grew up in nearby [[Eltham]] and attended [[Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys]]. He became interested in acting as a child when he appeared in a [[nativity play]] at school.

Lindo made his film debut in 1976 with [[John Candy]] in the Canadian comedy ''[[Find the Lady (1976 film)|Find the Lady]]''. He played an army sergeant in ''[[More American Graffiti]]'' (1979).<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes 10 March 2021">{{cite web|url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/essentials-delroy-lindo/|title=The Essentials: Delroy Lindo Breaks Down His Freshest And Defining Roles|website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|first= Robert|last=Daniels |date=10 March 2021|access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>

For a decade from the early 1980s, Lindo's career was more focused on theatre acting than film, although he has said this was not a conscious decision.<ref name="Rotten Tomatoes 10 March 2021" /> In 1982, he debuted on Broadway as a replacement for [[Danny Glover]] in ''[["Master Harold"...and the Boys]],'' directed by the play's South African author [[Athol Fugard]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Master Harold ... and the Boys @ Lyceum Theatre |url=https://playbill.com/production/master-harold-and-the-boys-lyceum-theatre-vault-0000007119 |access-date=February 16, 2026 |website=Playbill}}</ref> Lindo continued with ''Master Harold'' in the national tour, starring with [[James Earl Jones]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delroy Lindo Career Retrospective |url=https://members.sagfoundation.org/programs/17843 |access-date=2026-02-16 |website=SAG-AFTRA Foundation |language=en}}</ref>  

Throughout the 1980s, Lindo worked repeatedly at the [[Yale Repertory Theatre]] under artistic director [[Lloyd Richards]]. Lindo starred as Walter Lee Younger in the 25th anniversary production of ''[[A Raisin in the Sun]] '' alongside [[Mary Alice]], [[Beah Richards]], and [[Courtney B. Vance]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=A RAISIN IN THE SUN {{!}} Yale Repertory Theatre |url=https://yalerep.org/productions/a-raisin-in-the-sun-7/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=yalerep.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Lindo continued with the play when the [[Roundabout Theatre Company]] brought it to the [[Kennedy Center]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Joe |date=1986-11-21 |title='Raisin in the Sun' Shines |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/11/21/raisin-in-the-sun-shines/eef07587-ea30-4712-b273-961ec12ef345/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |work=The Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> He cited the experience and the acting guidance from Lloyd Richards as a major turn in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whipp |first=Glenn |date=2026-02-11 |title=Delroy Lindo's 'Sinners' monologue was almost cut. Then he pulled Ryan Coogler aside |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2026-02-11/sinners-delroy-lindo-delta-slim-oscars-cover |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Lindo also featured in Yale Rep productions of [[James Yoshimura]]'s ''Union Boys'' and [[Lee Blessing]]'s [[Cobb (play)|''Cobb'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WINTERFEST 6 {{!}} Yale Repertory Theatre |url=https://yalerep.org/productions/winterfest-6/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=yalerep.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=COBB {{!}} Yale Repertory Theatre |url=https://yalerep.org/productions/cobb-4/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=yalerep.org |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1988, Richards brought Lindo into an ongoing pre-Broadway production of [[August Wilson]]'s ''[[Joe Turner's Come and Gone]]'' to replace [[Charles S. Dutton|Charles Dutton]], who had played the role at Yale Rep.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Hartigan |first=Patti |title=August Wilson: a life |date=2023 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1-5011-8066-8 |edition= |location=New York |chapter=Chapter 10: Shining Like New Money}}</ref> Lindo, playing the character Herald Loomis, received critical praise. ''[[The Boston Globe|Boston Globe]]'' critic Jay Carr called him "an ax blade, ready to fall."<ref name=":1" /> ''[[The New York Times|New York Times]]'' critic [[Frank Rich]] reviewed the performance as "imposing and intense," writing that the play partly hinges on Lindo's gradual change "from a man whose opaque, defeated blackness signals the extinction of that light into a truly luminous 'shining man,' bathing the entire theater in the abundant ecstasy of his liberation."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rich |first=Frank |date=1988-03-28 |title=Review/Theater; Panoramic History Of Blacks in America In Wilson's 'Joe Turner' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/28/theater/review-theater-panoramic-history-of-blacks-in-america-in-wilson-s-joe-turner.html |access-date=2026-02-17 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Lindo earned a [[Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play|Tony nomination]] for the performance, but lost to [[BD Wong]] in ''[[M. Butterfly|M. Buttterfly]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Tony Award Nominations |url=https://www.tonyawards.com/nominees/year/1988/category/any/show/any/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=www.tonyawards.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.playbill.com/person/delroy-lindo-vault-0000074335|title=Delroy Lindo|website=[[Playbill (magazine)|Playbill]]|access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> ''Joe Turner'' closed in June 1988, after around 105 performances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Broadway, Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 1988) |url=https://playbill.com/production/joe-turners-come-and-gone-ethel-barrymore-theatre-vault-0000004312 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205205333/https://playbill.com/production/joe-turners-come-and-gone-ethel-barrymore-theatre-vault-0000004312 |archive-date=5 December 2025 |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=Playbill |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> 

===1990s: Film breakthrough===

Lindo returned to film in the 1989 science fiction film ''[[The Salute of the Jugger]]'' (AKA ''The Blood of Heroes''), which has become a cult classic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Travis |date=February 27, 2019 |title=30 years on, The Salute of the Jugger is still sci-fi’s best sports movie |url=https://www.flicks.com.au/features/30-years-on-the-salute-of-the-jugger-is-still-sci-fis-best-sports-movie/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=Flicks.com.au |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Andy |date=2020-04-28 |title=12 Cult Classic Sci-Fis You Stupidly Ignored First Time |url=https://whatculture.com/film/12-cult-classic-sci-fis-you-stupidly-ignored-first-time |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=WhatCulture.com |language=en}}</ref> Although he had turned down [[Spike Lee]] for a role in ''[[Do the Right Thing]]'' (as one of the minor characters played by [[Paul Benjamin]], [[Frankie Faison]], and [[Robin Harris (comedian)|Robin Harris]]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Marcus |date=June 12, 2020 |title='Da 5 Bloods' star Delroy Lindo reflects on 30 years of working with Spike Lee |url=https://ew.com/movies/da-5-bloods-delroy-lindo-spike-lee-role-call/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref> Lee later cast him as West Indian Archie, a psychotic gangster, in ''[[Malcolm X (1992 film)|Malcolm X]]'' (1992) and Woody Carmichael in the drama ''[[Crooklyn]]'' (1994), which brought Lindo notice. He also played a starring role as a neighborhood drug dealer in Lee's ''[[Clockers (film)|Clockers]]''. On ''Clockers,'' Lindo said: "It's an underrated film ... it's a terrific film ...  I think it's the subject matter of ''Clockers'' that maybe caused more people to not go and see the film ... It was shot beautifully, really interesting visually."<ref name="LindoFebruary2026DeadlineInterview"/> In 1995, Lindo was offered a role in ''[[Seven Guitars]]'' on its pre-Broadway run, but he declined.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hartigan |first=Patti |title=August Wilson: a life |date=2023 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1-5011-8066-8 |edition= |location=New York |chapter=Chapter 13: 'You a Big Man'}}</ref> The Broadway role went to [[Roger Robinson (actor)|Roger Robinson]], who earned a Tony nomination.  

Between 1995 and 2000, Lindo co-starred in a string of box office hits including [[Barry Sonnenfeld]]'s ''[[Get Shorty (film)|Get Shorty]]'' (1995), Ron Howard's ''[[Ransom (1996 film)|Ransom]]'' (1996), [[John Woo]]'s ''[[Broken Arrow (1996 film)|Broken Arrow]]'' (1996), [[Lasse Hallström]]'s ''[[The Cider House Rules]]'' (1999), ''[[Gone in 60 Seconds (2000 film)|Gone in 60 Seconds]]'' (2000), and ''[[Romeo Must Die]]'' (2000). Lindo also had memorable uncredited cameos in ''[[Congo (film)|Congo]]'' (1995) and ''[[The Devil's Advocate (1997 film)|The Devil's Advocate]]'' (1997).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/congo-sesame-cake-delroy-lindo-reaction/|title='Stop Eating My Sesame Cake!': Delroy Lindo Revisits His Unforgettable Scene in 'Congo'|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]]|first=Perri|last=Nemiroff|date=2 March 2021|access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref>

Additionally, Lindo co-starred in ''[[Soul of the Game]]'' (1996) as baseball player [[Satchel Paige]]. In 2026, Lindo said of the film: "It's a wonderful film. I'm really proud of that film ... I watched it five or six years ago and I was speaking with Kevin Rodney Sullivan, who directed it, and I said 'it holds up man. It does. It holds up.'... That holds a special place in my heart."<ref name="LindoFebruary2026DeadlineInterview">{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/video/delroy-lindo-career-interview-sinners/|title=Delroy Lindo On ‘Sinners’, 50 Years Of Movies, His First Oscar Nomination & The One That Got Away – The Actor’s Side|first=Pete|last=Hammond|date=18 February 2026}}</ref> He also appeared as African-American explorer [[Matthew Henson]], in the TV film ''[[Glory & Honor]]'', directed by [[Kevin Hooks]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richmond |first=Ray |date=1998-02-27 |title=Glory & Honor |url=https://variety.com/1998/film/reviews/glory-honor-1200452823/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> It portrayed Henson's nearly 20-year partnership with Commander [[Robert Peary]] in Arctic exploration, and their effort to find the [[Geographic North Pole]] in 1909. Lindo received a Satellite Award for his portrayal of Henson.<ref>{{Cite web |last=carlos |first=keith |title=INTERNATIONAL PRESS ACADEMY: SATELLITE™ Awards |url=http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/awards1999.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201175700/http://www.pressacademy.com/satawards/awards1999.shtml |archive-date=2008-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=www.pressacademy.com}}</ref>

Lindo also starred as [[Clarence Thomas]] in [[Ernest Dickerson]]'s 1999 TV film ''[[Strange Justice (1999 film)|Strange Justice]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fries |first=Laura |date=1999-08-27 |title=Strange Justice |url=https://variety.com/1999/film/reviews/strange-justice-1117752055/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> The film, based on the book by [[Jane Mayer]] and [[Jill Abramson]], told the story of the [[Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings|1991 Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings]] and [[Anita Hill]]. The film received a [[Peabody Awards|Peabody Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strange Justice |url=https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/strange-justice/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=The Peabody Awards |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[File:Delroy Lindo cropped.jpg|left|thumb|Lindo in 2008]]

In the early 2000s, Lindo co-starred in a series of poorly received [[box office bombs]] including ''[[The Last Castle]]'' (2001), ''[[The Core]]'' (2003), ''[[Domino (2005 film)|Domino]]'' (2005), and ''[[Sahara (2005 film)|Sahara]]'' (2005). During this time, he also starred in the British independent film ''[[Wondrous Oblivion]]'' (2003), directed by [[Paul Morrison (director)|Paul Morrison]], Lindo starred as Dennis Samuels, the father of a Jamaican immigrant family in London in the 1950s. Lindo said he made the film in honour of his parents, who had similarly moved to London in those years.<ref name="cricket">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/26/1085461828735.html|title=It's not just cricket|newspaper=The Age|first=Stephanie|last=Bunbury|date=30 May 2004|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref>

He was set to return to Broadway in the premiere of August Wilson's ''[[Gem of the Ocean]]'' in November 2004.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Kenneth |date=August 9, 2004 |title=Delroy Lindo, Ruben Santiago-Hudson Join Rashad in Wilson's Gem of the Ocean on Broadway |url=https://playbill.com/article/delroy-lindo-ruben-santiago-hudson-join-rashad-in-wilsons-gem-of-the-ocean-on-broadway-com-121296 |access-date=February 16, 2026 |work=Playbill}}</ref> During rehearsals for the pre-Broadway staging at the [[Huntington Theatre Company|Huntington Theatre]], Lindo argued with Wilson over his character and unfavourably contrasted director [[Marion McClinton]] to [[Lloyd Richards]], who had directed Lindo in ''Joe Turner.''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hartigan |first=Patti |title=August Wilson: a life |date=2023 |publisher=Simon & Schuster |isbn=978-1-5011-8066-8 |edition= |location=New York |chapter=Chapter 18: Keeping the Tradition Alive}}</ref> [[Anthony Chisholm (actor)|Anthony Chisholm]] replaced Lindo in the role after what the production said were "creative differences."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Kenneth |date=September 17, 2004 |title=Anthony Chisholm Replaces Delroy Lindo in Gem of the Ocean |url=https://playbill.com/article/anthony-chisholm-replaces-delroy-lindo-in-gem-of-the-ocean-com-121977 |work=Playbill}}</ref>

In 2006, Lindo transitioned to television and was seen on the short-lived NBC drama ''[[Kidnapped (American TV series)|Kidnapped]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/zap-kidnappedpremiere-story.html|title=NBC's 'Kidnapped' Sought By Many|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|first=Jay |last=Bobbin|date=18 September 2006}}</ref> Following the series' cancellation, Lindo began an association with [[Berkeley Repertory Theatre]] in Berkeley, [[California]] in 2007, when he directed [[Tanya Barfield]]'s play ''The Blue Door''. He played Joe Black in ''[[This Christmas (2007 film)|This Christmas]]'' in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armitage |first=Helen |date=2022-02-01 |title=This Christmas: Cast & Character Guide |url=https://screenrant.com/this-christmas-movie-cast-character-guide/ |access-date=2025-11-15 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> In the autumn of 2008, Lindo revisited ''Joe Turner's Come and Gone'', directing a production at the Berkeley Rep.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theroot.com/the-root-interview-delroy-lindo-1790879969|title=The Root Interview: Delroy Lindo|first=Belinda|last=Otas|website=[[The Root (magazine)|The Root]]|date=23 June 2010|access-date=25 February 2022}}</ref> In 2010, he played the role of elderly seer Bynum in [[David Lan]]'s production of ''Joe Turner'' at the [[Young Vic Theatre]] in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/uk-regional/article/Lindo-Leads-Young-Vic-Revival-of-JOE-TURNERS-COME-AND-GONE-Opens-May-27-20100416|title=Lindo Leads Young Vic Revival of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE; Opens May 27|website=[[Broadway World]]|first=Jessica|last=Lewis|date=16 April 2010|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref>

Lindo was in the main cast of a string of short-lived series including [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] crime drama ''[[The Chicago Code]]'' (2011), the [[NBC]] fantasy series ''[[Believe (TV series)|Believe]]'' (2014), and the ABC soap ''[[Blood & Oil]]'' (2015). In 2017, Lindo began playing Adrian Boseman in the [[CBS]] legal drama ''[[The Good Fight]]'', a role he would star in for the series' first four seasons and reprise as a guest star in its fifth season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/article/2017/07/03/salute-good-fights-boss-delroy-lindo|title=A salute to 'The Good Fight's boss, Delroy Lindo|website=SBS|first=Tony|last=Morris|date=25 July 2017|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/the-good-fight-cush-jumbo-delroy-lindo-return-season-5-paramount-plus-1234727922/|title='The Good Fight': Cush Jumbo & Delroy Lindo Return To Close Out Their Storylines In Season 5|first=Denise|last= Petski|website=Deadline|date=5 April 2021|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref> Lindo was cast as the lead in an [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] drama pilot ''Harlem's Kitchen'' in March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/delroy-lindo-lead-abc-drama-harlems-kitchen-1282786/|title=Delroy Lindo to Lead ABC Drama 'Harlem's Kitchen'|first=Rick|last=Porter|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=5 March 2020|access-date=24 January 2022}}</ref> In 2015, Lindo was expected to play [[Marcus Garvey]] in a biopic of the black nationalist historical figure that had been [[Development hell|in pre-production]] for several years.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Delroy Lindo to Star as Marcus Garvey in Upcoming Biopic|url = https://www.colorlines.com/articles/delroy-lindo-star-marcus-garvey-upcoming-biopic|website = Colorlines|access-date = 21 December 2015|first = Sameer|last = Rao|date = 7 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://thesource.com/2016/03/07/marcus-garvey-biopic-set-to-be-released-in-2017/ |title=Marcus Garvey biopic set to be released in 2017|magazine=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]|date=7 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://jamaica-star.com/article/entertainment/20151204/popular-us-actor-delroy-lindo-star-marcus-garvey-new-biopic |title=Popular US actor Delroy Lindo to star as Marcus Garvey in a new biopic|newspaper=The Jamaica Star|date=4 December 2015|access-date=24 January 2026}}</ref> Lindo also appeared in a series of poorly received films such as ''[[Point Break (2015 film)|Point Break]]'' (2015), the drama ''[[Battlecreek]]'' (2017), and the horror film ''[[Malicious (2018 film)|Malicious]]'' (2018).

===2020s: Career resurgence===

In 2020, Lindo starred in ''[[Da 5 Bloods]]'' in another collaboration with Spike Lee. For his role in ''Da 5 Bloods'', Lindo received critical acclaim and a number of accolades.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2021-02-10/delroy-lindo-da-5-bloods-shakespearean-tragic-character-spike-lee|title=Delroy Lindo: Broken ex-soldier in 'Da 5 Bloods' is 'Shakespearean tragic character'|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|first= Hugh|last=Hart|date=10 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/awards/oscars-delroy-lindo-da-5-bloods-lead-actor-1234772884/|title=Netflix to Oscar Campaign Delroy Lindo for Best Actor for 'Da 5 Bloods' (EXCLUSIVE)|first=Clayton|last=Davis|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=17 September 2020|access-date=24 February 2022}}</ref> David Rooney of ''TheHollywoodReporter,'' wrote: "Played with electrifying volatility by Lindo ... (He makes) audacious choices in what might be a career-best performance."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/da-5-bloods-review-1297435/|title=‘Da 5 Bloods’: Film Review|first=David|last=Rooney|date=10 June 2020}}</ref>  Peter Debruge of ''Variety'' wrote that Lindo was "outstanding," and added "delivering two long monologues directly to the camera, Lindo is dynamite in the role."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/da-5-bloods-review-spike-lee-chadwick-boseman-1234629971/|title=‘Da 5 Bloods’ on Netflix: Film Review|first=Peter|last=Debruge|date=10 June 2020}}</ref> Lindo said of the praise he received: "I had never had that consistent, that magnitude of appreciation for my work. It was gargantuan. It was like my mama wrote those reviews."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/delroy-lindo-interview-oscars-sinners-black-panther-1236510787/|title=Delroy Lindo Reveals the Convo He Had With Ryan Coogler About ‘Black Panther 3’|first=Brande|last=Victorian|date=27 February 2026}}</ref> He later credited Lee and ''Da 5 Bloods'' for his career resurgence and eventual Oscar nomination.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Clayton |date=2026-02-09 |title=Delroy Lindo Reflects on ‘Sinners,’ His First Oscar Nomination and the Awards Snubs in Between: ‘The Work Still Stands’ |url=https://variety.com/2026/film/awards/delroy-lindo-sinners-oscar-nomination-awards-snubs-1236651514/ |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, Lindo appeared in ''[[The Harder They Fall (2021 film)|The Harder They Fall]],'' written and directed by [[The Bullitts|Jeymes Samuel]], as [[Bass Reeves]]. He was also cast in the [[Marvel Studios]] film ''[[Blade (upcoming film)|Blade]]'' in an undisclosed role.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=19 November 2021 |title='Blade': Delroy Lindo Joins Mahershala Ali in Marvel Studios' Vampire Adventure (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marvel-blade-delroy-lindo-mahershala-ali-1235049586/ |access-date=19 November 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> It was announced in July 2021 that Lindo would star as Mr. Nancy in the British [[Amazon Prime]] miniseries adaptation of [[Neil Gaiman]]'s ''[[Anansi Boys (TV series)|Anansi Boys]]'' alongside [[Malachi Kirby]].<ref>{{cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=28 July 2021 |title=Delroy Lindo To Star In Amazon's 'Anansi Boys' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/delroy-lindo-to-star-in-amazons-anansi-boys-1234801351/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> Following sexual misconduct allegations against Gaiman, Lindo said in April 2025 that he did not believe the show "[would] ever see the light of day".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Knolle |first=Sharon |date=2025-04-17 |title=Delroy Lindo on Neil Gaiman's Shelved 'Anansi Boys' Series: 'I Don't Think That'll Ever See the Light of Day' |url=https://www.thewrap.com/anansi-boys-update-neil-gaiman-delroy-lindo-interview/ |access-date=2026-01-06 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref> A couple years later, Lindo starred in the comedy show ''[[Unprisoned]]'' and his performance was well received. Kristen Baldwin of ''Entertainment Weekly'' wrote: "Delroy Lindo is so good it should be illegal."<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Baldwin |first=Kristen |title=Delroy Lindo is so good in 'UnPrisoned,' it should be illegal |url=https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/unprisoned-review-hulu-kerry-washington-delroy-lindo/ |access-date=11 March 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref>

 

In 2025, Lindo played the supporting role of Delta Slim in [[Ryan Coogler]]'s critically acclaimed and commercially successful film ''[[Sinners (2025 film)|Sinners]]'', with his performance receiving praise and earning him a nomination for the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pierre |first1=Mikishana |title=Delroy Lindo scores first Oscar nomination at 73 for Sinners after opening up about being 'profoundly disappointed' by past snubs |url=https://ew.com/delroy-lindo-first-oscar-nomination-sinners-after-snubs-11890317 |website=entertainmentweekly.com |publisher=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=23 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/sinners-delroy-lindo-interview-oscars-spike-lee-b2881045.html|title=Delroy Lindo: ‘I get tired of my own voice – but I never get tired of Sinners’|last=Chilton|first=Louis|date=10 December 2025|website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/sinners-delroy-lindo-wunmi-mosaku-miles-caton-jayme-lawson-interview/|title=How the 'Sinners' Supporting Stars Dove Into Ryan Coogler's Southern Gothic Smash|first=Casey|last=Loving|date=11 December 2025|work=TheWrap}}</ref>

In 2027, Lindo will co-star in ''[[Godzilla x Kong: Supernova]].'' On working on the film, Lindo said: "To enter into that universe, very very different but they have a global audience. It's a world unto itself and I actually had a good time working on it."<ref name="LindoFebruary2026DeadlineInterview"/>

In a 2026 interview, Lindo stated he doesn't view himself as British, stating "My career has been birthed and nurtured in America. I was born in Lewisham hospital, my family's from Jamaica, and my mom was part of the Windrush generation. I am British to that extent, that is my reality."<ref name="sky.com_2026-01-23" />

 

== Acting credits ==

| rowspan="2" | 1976 || ''[[Partners (1976 film)|Partners]]'' || Drug Kingpin || Film debut

| ''[[Find the Lady (1976 film)|Find the Lady]]'' || Sam ||

| rowspan="4" | 1996 || ''[[Ransom (1996 film)|Ransom]]'' || FBI Special Agent Lonnie Hawkins ||

| ''[[The Cider House Rules]]'' || Arthur Rose ||

| rowspan="3" | 2009 || ''[[Up (2009 film)|Up]]'' || rowspan="2" | Beta (voice) ||

| ''City of God's Son'' || (voice)

| ''[[LX 2048]]'' || Donald Stein ||

| 2027 || {{Pending film|[[Godzilla x Kong: Supernova]]}} || {{TBA}} || Post-production<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=2025-02-21 |title=Delroy Lindo Joins Legendary’s Newest ‘Godzilla x Kong’ Movie (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/godzilla-x-kong-monsterverse-delroy-lindo-1236142668/ |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

| 2024 || ''[[Anansi Boys (TV series)|Anansi Boys]]'' || [[Anansi|Mr Nancy]] || Unaired<ref name=":0" />

| 2008

| rowspan="2" |[[Astra Film Awards]]

|''[[Da 5 Bloods]] ''

| rowspan="6" |[[Black Reel Awards]]

| ''[[The Cider House Rules (novel)|The Cider House Rules]]''

|

|''Da 5 Bloods ''

|[[Black Reel Awards of 2026|2026]]

|[[Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Performance|Outstanding Supporting Performance]]

|''Sinners''

|{{Nom}}

|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neglia |first=Matt |date=2025-12-18 |title=The 2025 Black Reel Awards (BRAs) Nominations |url=https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2025-black-reel-awards-bras-nominations/ |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=Next Best Picture |language=en-US}}</ref>

|rowspan=3|[[Chicago Film Critics Association]]

| [[1st Critics' Choice Super Awards|2021]]

| rowspan="4" |[[Critics' Choice Television Awards|Critics' Choice Award]]

| rowspan="2" |[[Gotham Awards]]

| rowspan="2" | Ensemble Tribute Award

| rowspan=2| Las Vegas Film Critics Society

| 2025

| <ref>{{cite web |last1=Neglia |first1=Matt |title=The 2025 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Nominations |url=https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2025-las-vegas-film-critics-society-lvfcs-nominations/ |website=Next Best Picture |date=15 December 2025}}</ref>

|[[London Film Critics' Circle]]

| 2026

| Supporting Actor of the Year

|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neglia |first=Matt |date=2026-02-01 |title=The 2025 London Film Critics Circle (LFCC) Winners |url=https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2025-london-film-critics-circle-lfcc-winners/ |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=Next Best Picture |language=en-US}}</ref>

|Best Supporting Actor

|{{Nominated}}

|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neglia |first=Matt |date=2026-01-12 |title=The 2025 Music City Film Critics Association (MCFCA) Winners |url=https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2025-music-city-film-critics-association-mcfca-winners/ |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Next Best Picture |language=en-US}}</ref>

| rowspan="8" |[[NAACP Image Award]]

|2021

|[[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture|Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture]]

|''Da 5 Bloods''

|<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gibbs |first=Adrienne |date=February 4, 2021|title=Netflix, HBO Lead NAACP Image Awards 2021 Nominations |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriennegibbs/2021/02/04/netflix-hbo-lead-naacp-image-awards-2021-nominations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204214908/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriennegibbs/2021/02/04/netflix-hbo-lead-naacp-image-awards-2021-nominations/ |archive-date=2021-02-04 |access-date=2026-01-02 |work=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

||[[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture|Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture]]

| rowspan="2" |''The Harder They Fall''

| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lewis|first=Hilary|date=18 January 2022|title=NAACP Image Awards: 'Harder They Fall,' 'Insecure' Lead Nominations|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/naacp-image-awards-2022-nominations-nominees-list-1235076593/|access-date=18 January 2022|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|language=en-US}}</ref>

| rowspan="5" |[[National Society of Film Critics]]

| rowspan="2" |''Da 5 Bloods''

| rowspan="2" |[[Saturn Awards]]

|rowspan=4|[[Screen Actors Guild Award]]

| [[Tony Awards]]

| [[42nd Tony Awards|1988]]

|rowspan=3|[[Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association|Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards]]

==External links==

 

[[Category:Living people]]

[[Category:Actors from the London Borough of Lewisham]]

[[Category:British emigrants to Canada]]

[[Category:British emigrants to the United States]]

[[Category:Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award winners]]