Glynn Turman (born January 31, 1947, in New York City) is an acclaimed American actor whose remarkable six‑decade career has spanned stage, television, and film. Turman first attracted attention as a child actor, originating the role of Travis Younger in the 1959 Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun opposite Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee, establishing a foundation for a career defined by versatility and depth.

Turman’s breakthrough screen work began in the late 1960s with his portrayal of Lew Miles on the prime‑time soap Peyton Place and continued with high‑profile roles such as Leroy “Preach” Jackson in the 1975 coming‑of‑age classic Cooley High. On television, he gained widespread recognition as Colonel Bradford Taylor on NBC’s A Different World (1988–1993), and later as Baltimore mayor Clarence Royce on the critically acclaimed HBO drama The Wire.

A celebrated guest actor, Turman won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2008 for his poignant work on In Treatment and earned another Emmy nomination in 2019 for How to Get Away with Murder. His performance highlights also include recurring roles on Fargo and Percy Jackson and the Olympians on Disney+, showcasing his continued relevance across genres and generations.

In film, Turman’s diverse credits range from family favorites like Gremlins to acclaimed dramas such as Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Rustin; he received recognition from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and multiple NAACP Image Award nominations for his supporting work.

In the 2020s, Turman has sustained a busy schedule with roles in high‑profile projects including the Western epic Horizon: An American Saga (2024), the Hulu series Black Cake, and the 2025 TV projects High Horse: The Black Cowboy and Paradise. His ongoing presence in both television and feature films underscores a career characterized by longevity and artistic range.

In recognition of his enduring contributions to cinema and television, Turman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025. He has also been celebrated with a Legacy Award from the African American Film Critics Association, affirming his impact on storytelling and representation in entertainment.

Beyond acting, Turman is respected for his advocacy and community work, including co‑founding Camp Gid D Up, a nonprofit summer camp for inner‑city and at‑risk youth, and his induction into the Western Heritage Multi‑Cultural Museum’s Hall of Fame as an accomplished horseman.