Black Actors Who Brought Multiple Characters to Life in One Show

Many talented performers demonstrate their range by taking on multiple roles within the same television series. This often occurs in sketch comedy programs or sitcoms where a single actor plays various members of a family or recurring neighborhood figures. These actors use costumes and makeup and distinct voices to differentiate their characters and enhance the storytelling experience. The following performers have successfully managed to bring a variety of personalities to life within a single production.

Martin Lawrence

In the comedy series ‘Martin’ the lead actor portrays several distinct characters throughout the multi season run. He stars as the main protagonist Martin Payne while also appearing as the outspoken neighbor Sheneneh Jenkins. Lawrence further expands his range by playing the old man Mr. Otis and the flamboyant Jerome. These various roles allowed him to showcase his comedic versatility within a single television project. He also played the character of Mama Payne who frequently interacted with the other cast members.

Jaleel White

During his time on the sitcom ‘Family Matters’ the young actor became famous for playing multiple members of the same community. He originally started as the nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel before introducing the suave alter ego Stefan Urquelle. White also donned makeup and dresses to play the character of Myrtle Urkel who was the cousin of the main protagonist. This multi role performance required significant physical transformations and changes in vocal delivery. The actor managed to make each character feel like a completely different person on the screen.

Donald Glover

The creator and star of the series ‘Atlanta’ surprised audiences by taking on an unrecognizable role in a specific episode. While he usually plays the lead character Earnest Marks he also portrayed the reclusive and mysterious Teddy Perkins. Glover wore extensive prosthetic makeup to transform into the haunting figure for the duration of the story. This performance demonstrated his ability to inhabit a character that was vastly different from his usual persona. The transformation was so complete that many viewers did not realize it was him until the credits rolled.

Eddie Murphy

As a primary cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ this performer created some of the most iconic characters in the history of the show. He played a wide variety of roles including a unique version of Gumby and the optimistic Buckwheat. Murphy also portrayed Velvet Jones and the neighborhood figure Mr. Robinson in several popular segments. His ability to switch between these diverse personalities helped define an entire era of the program. He often used different accents and physical traits to make each role stand out.

Keegan-Michael Key

This actor co created and starred in the sketch series ‘Key & Peele’ where he played hundreds of different individuals. He portrayed figures such as the substitute teacher Mr. Garvey and the aggressive valet driver who loves movies. Keegan Michael Key utilized his training in improvisation to bring high energy and specific mannerisms to every role. Each episode featured him in a new costume with a new backstory and set of traits. His range allowed the show to tackle many different social and cultural themes through comedy.

Jordan Peele

In the sketch program ‘Key & Peele’ this performer showcased his ability to transform into many different people. He played a stylized version of the President of the United States and several original characters like the obsessive fan Meegan. Peele often used his skills as a voice actor to give each role a unique sound and personality. His work on the show demonstrated a broad range of comedic styles and physical transformations. He frequently appeared as a completely different person in every segment of the broadcast.

Dave Chappelle

The eponymous lead of ‘Chappelle’s Show’ took on numerous roles in every episode of the sketch comedy hit. He played the blind white supremacist Clayton Bigsby and the energetic figure Tyrone Biggums. Chappelle also portrayed several versions of real life celebrities in various parody segments. His work in the series became famous for its bold commentary and memorable character creations. He often played multiple parts within a single sketch to highlight different perspectives.

Kenan Thompson

Holding the record for the longest tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ this actor has played hundreds of different characters over the years. He is known for his portrayals of the talk show host Steve Harvey and the musical host on the sketch What Up With That. Thompson brings a consistent comedic energy to every role he takes on during the live broadcast. His ability to anchor sketches has made him a vital part of the ensemble for decades. He continues to introduce new personas while revisiting classic favorites.

Damon Wayans

As a founding cast member of ‘In Living Color’ this actor brought many iconic characters to the small screen. He portrayed the bitter clown Homey D. Clown and the flamboyant art critic Blaine Edwards. Wayans used his physical comedy skills to create memorable moments in every episode of the show. His diverse range of roles helped establish the program as a landmark in sketch television history. He often underwent dramatic transformations to portray elderly or eccentric individuals.

Jamie Foxx

Before becoming a major film star this actor was a regular on the sketch show ‘In Living Color’. He played several recurring characters including the unattractive Wanda and the physical trainer T Bone. Foxx often used his musical abilities and impressions to add depth to his comedic roles. His performance on the show demonstrated the early stages of his immense talent for physical and vocal transformation. He was able to shift between broad slapstick and nuanced celebrity parodies effortlessly.

David Alan Grier

This classically trained actor was a staple of the ‘In Living Color’ cast where he played a wide array of personalities. He is remembered for his role as the flamboyant art critic Antoine Merriweather and the elderly blues singer Calhoun Tubbs. Grier brought a high level of technical skill and comedic timing to every character he portrayed. His presence on the show added a layer of sophisticated humor to the sketch ensemble. He frequently played authoritative figures who were often undermined by their own eccentricities.

Tommy Davidson

Known for his high energy and physical versatility this actor played many roles on ‘In Living Color’. He portrayed a variety of celebrities through impressions and created original characters like the karate master Sweet Tooth Jones. Davidson often performed in multiple sketches per episode which required rapid costume changes and vocal shifts. His contributions were essential to the fast paced nature of the sketch program. He excelled at playing both heightened versions of real people and entirely fictional creations.

Marlon Wayans

This performer started his television career on ‘In Living Color’ where he played several different characters alongside his siblings. He portrayed figures like the young kid in the neighborhood and various parodies of pop culture icons. Wayans continued to show his range in later projects by taking on multiple roles within single episodes or comedy specials. His work is characterized by a high degree of physical commitment and animated expressions. He often uses makeup to portray characters of different ages and backgrounds.

Shawn Wayans

Similar to his brother this actor was a key member of the ‘In Living Color’ ensemble during its early years. He played a variety of roles including the resident DJ on the show and several characters in parody sketches. Wayans often worked in tandem with his siblings to create hilarious dynamics between different characters. His ability to inhabit diverse roles helped the show maintain its reputation for innovative sketch comedy. He portrayed a mix of suave leading men and over the top comedic figures.

Phil LaMarr

As an original cast member of ‘MADtv’ this actor demonstrated his incredible range by playing dozens of different characters. He is well known for portraying the character of Desperation Collins and various celebrities through his impression skills. LaMarr used his voice acting background to give each of his roles a distinct and believable sound. His tenure on the show was marked by his ability to handle both broad comedy and subtle character work. He remains one of the most prolific performers in the history of the sketch series.

Aries Spears

During his long run on ‘MADtv’ this actor became famous for his ability to play a wide variety of roles in every episode. He portrayed characters like the loud Belma Buttons and dozens of famous musicians and actors. Spears often used prosthetic makeup and elaborate costumes to fully disappear into his roles. His versatility made him one of the most recognizable faces of the sketch program for many years. He was particularly known for his ability to mimic the physicality of famous athletes.

Orlando Jones

This performer was a standout member of the ‘MADtv’ cast where he played numerous original characters and impressions. He is remembered for his portrayal of a popular soda spokesperson and various figures in pop culture parodies. Jones brought a sharp wit and a unique physical presence to all of his roles on the show. His work on the series helped define its comedic voice during the early seasons. He successfully transitioned between many different personas within a single half hour broadcast.

Jay Pharoah

Known for his remarkable gift for impressions this actor was a prominent cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He played many different versions of real life celebrities including former President Barack Obama and Jay Z. Pharoah also created several original characters that appeared in the Weekend Update segment. His ability to perfectly mimic voices and mannerisms allowed him to bring many famous figures to life. He often played multiple celebrities within the same political sketch.

Tim Meadows

This actor spent ten seasons on ‘Saturday Night Live’ creating a large roster of recurring characters. He is most famous for playing Leon Phelps the Ladies Man who appeared in his own sketches and a feature film. Meadows also played several other roles including a recurring weather reporter and various guest hosts. His consistency and professional approach made him a reliable member of the live comedy ensemble. He successfully navigated many different styles of humor during his decade on the show.

Chris Rock

Before his solo success this comedian was a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he played many different roles. He portrayed characters like Nat X the host of a talk show and various figures in social parodies. Rock often brought his signature high energy and observational humor to every role he played on the show. His time on the series allowed him to develop the comedic voice that would later make him a superstar. He returned several times as a host to play even more diverse characters.

Tracy Morgan

During his years on ‘Saturday Night Live’ this performer introduced several beloved characters to the audience. He played roles such as the eccentric Brian Fellow and an outspoken astronaut on a spaceship. Morgan used his unique vocal delivery and unpredictable energy to make every character feel distinct. He later returned to the show as a host where he revisited many of these iconic personas. His ability to play both grounded and surreal characters made him a fan favorite.

Michael Che

While primarily known as the co anchor of the news segment this performer has played various roles in sketches on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He often appears in pre recorded segments and live sketches as different characters ranging from average citizens to heightened versions of himself. Che uses his dry wit and calm demeanor to create humor in many different situations. His work as both a writer and actor allows him to inhabit many different parts of the show. He frequently contributes to the social commentary of the program through his various roles.

Kel Mitchell

This actor became a household name on the series ‘All That’ where he played a vast array of comedic characters. He is most famous for playing Ed the cashier from the Good Burger sketches and an eccentric repairman. Mitchell utilized physical comedy and catchphrases to make his characters memorable to a young audience. His ability to play multiple roles in a single episode was a key part of the show success. He continued this trend in later variety programs and sketch specials.

Garrett Morris

As a member of the original cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ he broke ground by playing many different roles. He is remembered for a segment involving news for the hard of hearing and various musical performances. Morris portrayed a range of characters from historical figures to contemporary personalities. His work in the early years of the program helped set the standard for sketch comedy performers. He brought a sense of theatricality and timing to every character he inhabited.

Jerry Minor

This comedian served as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he played several different characters in various sketches. He also appeared on other sketch comedy series where he portrayed multiple roles in different segments. Minor is known for his ability to ground even the most absurd characters with a sense of reality. His versatility as a performer has allowed him to work on many different types of comedy projects. He often plays characters that provide a rational foil to more eccentric figures.

Finesse Mitchell

During his time on ‘Saturday Night Live’ this actor appeared in many sketches playing a wide variety of people. He created original characters and also performed impressions of famous athletes and celebrities. Mitchell brought a charismatic energy to the show and often played roles that interacted with the guest hosts. His work contributed to the ensemble dynamic of the program during the mid 2000s. He excelled at playing relatable everyman characters as well as heightened comedic personas.

JB Smoove

This energetic performer was a writer and actor on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he played several different roles. He often appeared in sketches that required high energy and rapid fire dialogue. J.B. Smoove also portrayed multiple characters in other television shows throughout his career. His distinct voice and physical presence make every character he plays instantly recognizable. He is particularly known for his ability to improvise within a character persona.

Affion Crockett

This actor starred in his own sketch series ‘In the Flow with Affion Crockett’ where he played dozens of different characters. He utilized his skills in dance and music to enhance his portrayals of various celebrities and original personas. Crockett often transformed himself through the use of makeup and costumes to play multiple roles in a single sketch. His work is characterized by a high level of energy and a talent for parody. He demonstrated a remarkable ability to mimic the vocal patterns of famous musicians.

Richard Pryor

In his short lived but influential program ‘The Richard Pryor Show’ this legendary comedian played a vast array of characters. He portrayed figures such as the first Black president and a variety of street characters from his stand up routines. Pryor used his immense acting talent to bring depth and humanity to even the most comedic roles. The show allowed him to showcase his range in a way that few other projects ever did. He often played multiple roles within a single thematic segment of the show.

Gary Anthony Williams

This versatile actor was a cast member on ‘MADtv’ where he portrayed many different characters. He is known for playing a specific grocery store clerk and various celebrities through impressions. Williams brought a strong physical presence and a powerful voice to all of his roles on the sketch program. His ability to switch between different personas made him a valuable member of the cast. He often played characters that required a high level of physical comedy and stamina.

Bashir Salahuddin

This performer co created and stars in ‘Sherman’s Showcase’ where he plays a variety of characters in every episode. He portrays the host Sherman McDaniels as well as many musical guests and figures in fake commercials. Salahuddin uses his background in comedy writing to create distinct voices and histories for each person he plays. The show serves as a platform for him to display his wide range of comedic and musical talents. He often appears as several different legendary musicians throughout a single season.

Diallo Riddle

As a co creator of ‘Sherman’s Showcase’ this actor also plays many different roles within the series. He appears in various sketches as different characters that populate the world of the fictional variety show. Riddle often plays roles that parody historical figures or contemporary pop culture stars. His work on the show highlights his ability to transform through costume and characterization. He frequently interacts with the guest stars as various recurring personalities.

Eddie Griffin

In the sitcom ‘Malcolm & Eddie’ this actor played the lead role of Eddie Sherman while also portraying his own father in several episodes. He used different costumes and changes in his vocal tone to differentiate between the two generations of the family. Griffin often had scenes where his two characters would interact through the use of television editing. This allowed him to showcase his acting range within a traditional sitcom format. He managed to make the father and son characters feel like distinct individuals with unique mannerisms.

Godfrey

This comedian was a regular on ‘MADtv’ where he played a variety of characters and performed numerous impressions. He portrayed figures such as a prominent pitchman and various famous actors and athletes. Godfrey used his high energy and physical comedy skills to bring each of these roles to life. His ability to inhabit many different personas was a key part of his contribution to the sketch ensemble. He often played multiple roles that required different accents and dialects.

Nick Cannon

This performer started his career on the sketch show ‘All That’ where he played many different comedic roles. He portrayed a variety of characters in the popular segments of the show before getting his own spin off series. Cannon used his youthful energy and comedic timing to appeal to the audience through diverse characters. He later continued to play multiple roles in his own variety and reality programs. His work on television has frequently involved taking on different comedic personas.

Brandon Mychal Smith

On the series ‘So Random!’ this actor played many different characters in a variety of comedy sketches. He portrayed original personas and parodies of popular figures in every episode of the show. Smith often used his musical and dance abilities to add an extra layer to his performances. His versatility helped the program maintain its fast paced and energetic style. He was able to switch between diverse roles that required various costumes and physicalities.

Wayne Brady

On the improvisational show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ this performer plays hundreds of different characters based on audience suggestions. He uses his incredible talent for song and mimicry to bring these spontaneous roles to life in an instant. Brady often portrays multiple characters within a single game or scene during the program. His ability to transform on the fly has made him one of the most respected performers in the genre. He continues to display his range through both musical and non musical character roles.

Chris Redd

During his time on ‘Saturday Night Live’ this actor played a variety of recurring characters and impressions. He is known for his portrayals of various rappers and celebrities in high energy musical sketches. Redd brings a high level of physical commitment and specific traits to every role he takes on. His work on the show demonstrated his ability to handle both leading roles and supporting characters in the ensemble. He often appeared as multiple different figures within the same episode.

Devon Walker

As a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ this performer has brought several different characters to the screen. He appears in a variety of sketches playing everything from average citizens to heightened comedic figures. Walker uses his unique comedic perspective and vocal delivery to make his roles stand out. His contributions help keep the show ensemble fresh through his portrayal of modern personalities. He often plays characters that provide a modern take on social situations.

Donnell Rawlings

This comedian was a frequent performer on ‘Chappelle’s Show’ where he played many memorable characters. He is best known for portraying Ashy Larry and the character who famously shouted the name of the show during sketches. Rawlings often appeared in multiple sketches per episode playing a wide range of street characters and celebrity parodies. His distinct voice and comedic timing made him a fan favorite on the series. He brought a high level of energy to every role he inhabited.

Sam Richardson

In the sketch series ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ this actor plays several different characters in various episodes. He portrays a host of a baby pageant and a performer at a corporate event among other roles. Richardson brings a cheerful yet awkward energy to each character that fits perfectly with the tone of the show. His ability to play these diverse parts has made him a standout performer in the sketch comedy landscape. He often transforms into a different person for every sketch he appears in.

Deon Cole

On the series ‘Angie Tribeca’ this actor played the role of DJ Tanner and also portrayed the twin brother of the character. He used subtle shifts in personality and clothing to distinguish between the two related individuals. Cole also played multiple characters in his own comedy specials and other television projects throughout his career. His deadpan delivery and unique comedic style are present in every role he inhabits. He successfully navigated the dual role in a way that added to the absurdity of the show.

Arsenio Hall

During the run of his late night variety program this performer frequently appeared in sketches as various characters. He is well known for playing a parody of a pop star and several other recurring personas. Hall used these segments to showcase his versatility beyond his role as a host and interviewer. These characters often appeared in musical numbers and comedic segments throughout the series. He demonstrated a talent for physical comedy and character work during these appearances.

Lance Reddick

In the comedy series ‘Corporate’ this actor played the main role of the CEO while also appearing as different versions of himself in surreal segments. He used his intense screen presence to create humor through the contrast of his serious demeanor and the absurd situations. Reddick also portrayed multiple characters in several animated series where he provided distinct voices for each role. His work on the show demonstrated a significant talent for dark and satirical comedy. He frequently appeared in dream sequences and hallucinations as various versions of his character.

Please share your thoughts on these versatile actors and their many characters in the comments.