Michael Potts (born September 21, 1962) is an American actor known for his captivating performances across stage and screen. A Juilliard alum, he soared in Broadway, earning acclaim for "The Book of Mormon." His portrayal of Brother Mouzone in HBO's "The Wire" showcased his depth. Potts' talent spans television ("True Detective," "The Good Fight") and film ("The Promised Land"), embodying diverse characters with magnetic authenticity. With each role, he leaves an indelible mark, captivating audiences with his nuanced portrayals and solidifying his place as a revered actor in the industry.

Filmography

• Best Medicine — Gilbert Carlisle
• Nemesis — James Sealey
• 2025Highest 2 Lowest — Patrick Bethea
• 2025Out of Order — Jerry
• 2024The Piano Lesson — Wining Boy
• 2023Rustin — Cleve Robinson
• 2023Shakespeare in the Park: Richard III — Lord Stanley
• The Irrational — Nnamdi Adesina
• East New York — Goody Gaines
• 2022Measure of Revenge — Detective Eaton
• 2022Rounding — Dr. Emil Harrison
• The First Lady — Fraser Robinson
• 2021Cicada — Francis
• Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector — Dr. Arthur Wasden
• 2020Ma Rainey's Black Bottom — Slow Drag
• Prodigal Son — Dr. Brandon Marsh
• FBI — Agent Bruce Ellis
• God Friended Me — King Omari
• 2018Here and Now — Ray
• Taken — Hanson
• The Good Fight — Bill Goate
• 201637 — Archibald Smith
• BrainDead — Dr. Daudier
• Bull — Judge Nolan
• 2016Let Me Make You a Martyr — Charon
• Allegiance
• Gotham — Sid Bunderslaw
• Madam Secretary — Senator Fred Reynolds
• True Detective — Maynard Gilbough
• The Blacklist — Iniko
• Elementary — Doctor Peter Hanson
• Person of Interest — Travers
• Blue Bloods — Thorton Mead
• Nurse Jackie — Mediator
• White Collar — David
• Damages — Horatio Emanuel
• Flight of the Conchords — Nigel Saladu
• The Wire — Brother Mouzone
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — Cole Draper
• 1997Conspiracy Theory — Justice Guard
• 1997The Peacemaker — DOE Haz-mat Tech #1
• Thomas Jefferson — Isaac
• 1995Hackers — Tow Truck Driver
• Law & Order — Reggie Dobbs, Lester Wilkes, Malcolm Young, Kenneth Lowell

Appearances as themselves (2)

• 2024The Piano Lesson: Legacy and a Vision — Self
• 2020Ma Rainey's Black Bottom: A Legacy Brought to Screen — Self