Moved back to Tennessee, to Nashville, after studying voice in college, in order to write gospel music

Moved to New York to pursue acting after he saw his twin brother Clinton performing onstage

Career breakthrough when his brother Clinton was unable to fulfill a commitment to perform in a Broadway revival of "Hair"; his brother suggested Cleavant, who flew to New York, auditioned and got the part of Hud

First TV-movie, "Cindy"

Did choral arrangements and handled vocal preparation for the stage musical, "But Never Jam Today" (based on "Alice in Wonderland"), in which he also played the roles of Caterpiller, Cook, Tweedledee and the Seven of Spades

Feature film debut, "Fort Apache, The Bronx"

Enjoyed notable Broadway success in the musical revue, "Dreamgirls", for which he also did vocal arrangements; won Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Musical

First prominent supporting role in features, "Moscow on the Hudson"

First TV role as series regular, "Good Sports"; played role of Jeff Mussberger

Played Dr. Frederick Ross on the Fox TV sitcom, "Woops!"

Played Charles on the ABC comedy series, "Thea"

Played Rembrandt 'Crying Man' Brown on the science-fiction series, "Sliders" (Fox, 1995-97; Sci-Fi Channel 1998-2000)