After years of struggle, during which he was often told he was unsuitable for the classic, this actor began gaining recognition for his performances on Broadway in the 1990s. Ruben Santiago-Hudson scored on the New York stage in three projects--as cornet player Buddy Bolden alongside Gregory Hines in the musical "Jelly's Last Jam" (1992), as Canewell, the harmonica-playing amateur philosopher, in August Wilson's "Seven Guitars" (1996), for which he won a Tony Award, and in the title role of "Henry VIII" for the New York Shakespeare Festival in 1997. After his turn in the Wilson play, interest
While mother struggled with drug addiction, was raised by mother's landlady, Rachel Crosby, and a couple, Mattie and Adolph Overton
1983
Arrived in New York; was denied role in Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre because does not speak Spanish; denied role in Negro Ensemble Company because of Latino ancestry
1990
Made primetime episodic debut on the NBC sitcom "Dear John"
Played Capt. Billy Casper on the NBC daytime drama "Another World"
