Isaiah Washington

Born: April 2 1963
Where: Houston, Texas, USA

Washington established himself as a major player when he featured in four movies from acclaimed black director Spike Lee.

The former airman in the USAF, who stands over 6ft, appeared in Clockers, Get on the Bus, Girl 6 and Crooklyn.

After four years in the USAF, he studied drama at Washington DC's Howard University and landed a part in playwright Ntozake Shange's Spell 7.

He moved to New York and appeared in a number of stage productions as well as co-founding the CityKids Repertory, a theatre group that visits high schools and community centres.

Washington began his screen career on television, appearing in the soap operas As the World Turns and One Life to Live.v He made his big screen debut in Spike Lee's Crooklyn which he followed with other notable appearances including Warren Beatty's Bulworth, Steven Soderbergh's Out of Sight opposite George Clooney and Romeo Must Die.

Washington also had roles in the romantic drama Love Jones, Dead Presidents, Stonewall, Strictly Business and the thriller Ghost Ship opposite Gabriel Byrne.

TV works includes NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Homicide and Ally McBeal.

Recent work includes the aimiable comedy caper Welcome to Collinwood with Sam Rockwell as well as the lacklustre Hollywood Homicide with Harrison Ford.