Obba Babatundé is a renowned American actor of stage and screen, born on December 1, 1951. He has garnered numerous accolades for his performances, including an Emmy nomination for his role in the television movie Miss Evers' Boys, a NAACP Image Award nomination for his portrayal in the TV movie Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and a Tony Award nomination for his performance as C.C. White in the original cast of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls.
Babatundé was a protégé of the legendary Sammy Davis, Jr., who praised him, saying, "This is the only cat who can do everything I can do." With his impressive range of talents, Obba Babatundé can dance, sing, play instruments, execute impersonations, including his iconic portrayal of Davis, aided by their striking similarity in energy, size, and talent, tap dancing, and performing on multiple instruments. In 2009, he played Davis in the world premiere musical "Sammy: Once in a Lifetime" at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.
Early in 2000, Babatundé partnered with writer/producer Ruth Adkins Robinson for a series of TV projects, including "TV in Black: The First 50 Years," "Oscar's Black Odyssey: From Hattie to Hallie," and "Dorthy Dandridge: An American Beauty." The duo has several projects lined up to take them through 2011.
Throughout his television career, Obba Babatundé has often portrayed authority figures, such as a recurring guest-starring role as a high school principal on Dawson's Creek, an appearance as a judge in a two-part episode of Any Day Now, and as the father of the main characters on Half & Half. He has also played notable roles in films like How High, Life, Philadelphia, The Manchurian Candidate, and That Thing You Do!, as well as lending his voice to animated projects like The Wild Thornberrys Movie. He has had recurring roles on various TV shows, including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Chicago Hope, Rocket Power, Static Shock, and Karen Sisco.
Babatundé is also skilled in American Sign Language, which he has utilized in many roles, including an episode of NYPD Blue. His recorded work includes a performance with the New York pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs on the 2007 album Sack Full of Dreams. Furthermore, the actor/producer is an avid horseman and a highly regarded rider and trainer in the Rodeo Circuit, including the annual Bill Pickett Rodeo.
