Biography for
Bill Duke (I) More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

26 February 1943, Poughkeepsie, New York, USA

Birth Name

William Henry Duke Jr.

Height

6' 4½" (1.94 m)

Mini Biography

Shaven headed, imposing looking African American actor, director, producer and writer who received his dramatic arts training at Boston University, New York University's Tisch School of Arts and at the American Film Institute. Duke first broke into TV in the early eighties directing episodes of well known TV shows including "Miami Vice" (1984), "Cagney & Lacey" (1981) and "Hill Street Blues" (1981). Additionally he directed several made for TV movies that received wide critical acclaim including "American Playhouse" (1981) (The Killing Floor) and "American Playhouse: A Raisin in the Sun (#8.1)" (1989). Big Bill Duke's face then became known to movie goers following his appearance in several high octane action movies of the mid 1980s including fighting (and losing) to Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando (1985), as unlucky mercenary "Mac", in Predator (1987) and as Carl Weathers fiery police chief in Action Jackson (1988). After cutting his directorial teeth on the small screen, Duke directed his first feature film with the crime drama, A Rage in Harlem (1991). This was followed by another impressive crime film Deep Cover (1992), then the, The Cemetery Club (1993), and the comedy sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). Duke has since continued to divide his time between appearing both in front of the camera and behind it, and remains a dynamic, stimulating and creative talent in Hollywood.

IMDb Mini Biography By: firehouse44

Trivia

He is a mentor to young African Americans trying to make it as actors or directors.

Frequently collaborates with Laurence Fishburne.

Appeared in two films opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger: first as a villain in Commando (1985) and second as one of Schwarzenegger's jungle commandos in Predator (1987).

Directed the sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). Nearly a decade later, he appeared in Red Dragon (2002) with Harvey Keitel, who played the villain of the original Sister Act (1992).

Was member of the dramatic jury at the Sundance Film Festival in 1992.

Was considered for the role of Lt. Al Giardello on "Homicide: Life on the Street" (1993).

Where Are They Now

(2000) Chairperson of the Radio-TV-Film department at Howard University.