Grew up in Lackawanna, New York

While mother struggled with drug addiction, was raised by mother's landlady, Rachel Crosby, and a couple, Mattie and Adolph Overton

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

Made primetime episodic debut on the NBC sitcom "Dear John"

Played Capt. Billy Casper on the NBC daytime drama "Another World"

TV-movie debut in "Which Way Home" (TNT)

Broadway debut as cornet player Buddy Bolden in the musical "Jelly's Last Jam"

Film acting debut in "Blown Away"; also appeared in Gregory Hines' directorial debut, "Bleeding Hearts"

Starred on Broadway in "Seven Guitars"; won Tony Award

Played title role in the New York Shakespeare Festival production of "Henry VIII" (summer)

Cast as Eddie Diaz on the CBS drama series "Michael Hayes", starring David Caruso

Co-starred opposite Samuel L Jackson in "Shaft"

Wrote and starred in his autobiographical one-man show titled "Lackawanna Blues"

Cast as a detective in "Domestic Disturbance"

Wrote and starred in the HBO original movie "Lackawanna Blues" based on his autobiographical one-man show; earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Miniseries or TV Movie