Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Photos: Inside the First Preview of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE (Mar 31, 2026)
Video: JOE TURNER'S COME & GONE Takes First Bows on Broadway (Mar 31, 2026)
Photo: First Look at the Cast of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE; Production Extended (Mar 30, 2026)
BIO
Ruben most recently helmed the world premiere of John Leguizamo’s The Other Americans at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and the Public Theatre in NYC. He will star opposite Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara in This World of Tomorrow, written by Hanks and James Glossman, at NYC’s The Shed in November 2025. His Broadway production of Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau received 4 Tony® nominations, including Outstanding New Play. His own autobiographical Lackawanna Blues was awarded The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as a Tony Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor. With Lackawanna Blues, Ruben became the first person in the history of Broadway to write, direct and star in a play. His Broadway production of Jitney garnered several awards for Outstanding Revival including the Tony Award and six Tony nominations. Santiago-Hudson adapted August Wilson’s play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix: produced by Denzel Washington, directed by George C. Wolfe, and starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.
Santiago-Hudson received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars and made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in Jelly’s Last Jam; other Broadway credits include Stick Fly and Gem of the Ocean.
Ruben wrote, executive produced and co-starred in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues based on his Obie- and Helen Hayes Award-winning play. The movie received many honors, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, The Christopher Award, and the Humanitas Prize.
Film and television credits include “East New York,” American Gangster, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shaft, Devil’s Advocate, Domestic Disturbance, Forgotten Genius, The Red Sneakers, Selma, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Solomon and Sheba (the first time a biblical movie starred actors of color), Rear Window, “The Quad,” “Public Morals,” “Low Winter Sun,” “David Makes Man,” “Billions,” “The West Wing,” “Law & Order,” and numerous other guest star appearances. Santiago-Hudson starred in the hit ABC series “Castle” for three seasons as Capt. Roy Montgomery.
Ruben’s other honors as writer, director or actor include the Humanitas Prize, the National Board Of Reviews, the Christopher Award, the Clarence Derwent Award, the Lucille Lortel Award, 4 Obie Awards, 6 Audelco Awards, the Helen Hayes Award, the NAACP Image Award, the Glen Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award, the SDCF Joseph Calloway Directing Award, the Lloyd Richards Directing Award, the Nederlander Apple Award, and honorary doctorate degrees from Wayne State University and Buffalo State University.
Photos
Director Debbie Allen, Producer Brian A. Moreland and the cast including Taraji P. Henson, Cedric "The Entertainer", Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joshua Boone, Maya Boyd, Abigail Onwunali, Bradley Stryker, Tripp Taylor, Nimene Sierra Wureh, Savannah Commodore, Jackson Edward Davis, Jasmine Batchelor, Rosalyn Coleman, Thomas Michael Hammond, Cayden McCoy, Kevyn Morrow, Dominique Skye Turner and Christopher Woodley
From: Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Meets the Press
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Movies
[ 1988 ] Street Hustler Ruben Hudson
[ 1994 ] Blanket
[ 1994 ] Mahatma
[ 1994 ] Todd
[ 1997 ] Bum #2
[ 1997 ] Leamon Heath
[ 2000 ] Jimmy Groves
[ 2001 ] Sgt. Edgar Stevens
[ 2002 ] Samuel Menendez
[ 2006 ] Manny Botero
[ 2007 ] Doc
[ 2007 ] Hawkins
[ 2007 ] Stokely
[ 2009 ] Landlord
[ 2014 ] Bayard Rustin
[ 2020 ] writer
TV Shows
Captain Billy Cooper
Raul Gomez
Captain Roy Montgomery
Curtis, Orlando, Larry
Officer Marvin Sandeford
Gabriel
Attorney Winters
Eddie Diaz
Walter Perry, Johnny
Otis
Jess Chapel
Cecil Diamond
[ 1990-2025 ] Defense Attorney WintersDr. Paul JacksonDetective Brian KeeneMr. Gaines
Awards and Nominations
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Skeleton Crew
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's Jitney
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson
winner
Ruben Santiago-HudsonLackawanna Blues
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson , Seven Guitars
Videos
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-26 10:43:11
Video: Debbie Allen Previews Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-25 13:04:46
Video: Tom Hanks, Kelli O'Hara, & Kenny Leon Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-18 12:39:49
Video: Tom Hanks Previews New Play THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 11:38:37
Video: Ruben & Trey Santiago-Hudson Talk Joining Forces for THE OTHER AMERICANS
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2024-11-08 13:20:38
Video: Go Behind Manhattan Theatre Club in New ALL ARTS Doc With Sarah Jessica Parker, André De Shields & More
by Michael Major - 2023-09-13 16:01:36
VIDEO: Watch 'Fallaste Corazón' from DESTINY OF DESIRE at The Old Globe
by Alan Henry - 2023-06-23 12:35:12
Video: The Cast of DESTINY OF DESIRE Performs 'El Destino del Deseo' in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - 2023-05-15 05:34:22
Video: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY
by Red Carpet - 2022-12-22 09:02:35
VIDEO: Producer Kevin McCollum Talks Broadway's Financial Return in BROADWAY RISING Documentary Clip
by Michael Major - 2022-11-17 11:23:49
Exclusive: Watch Ruben Santiago-Hudson in a Clip From EAST NEW YORK on CBS
by Michael Major - 2022-10-14 14:37:49
VIDEO: Roberta Colindrez, Molly Ephraim & More Star in A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Series Teaser
by Michael Major - 2022-06-07 11:58:36
VIDEO: Tony Nominee Ruben Santiago-Hudson Opens Up About Making History with LACKAWANNA BLUES
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-06-06 16:26:28
Meet the 2022 Tony Nominees: LACKAWANNA BLUES' Ruben Santiago-Hudson
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-05-28 11:00:20
VIDEO: Dominique Morisseau and Company Talk Bringing SKELETON CREW to Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2022-02-12 09:00:20
News
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 31, 2026
August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone is now in previews at Barrymore Theatre, where it is now set to play through Sunday, July 26. Check out photos from inside the first preview performance here.
by Michael Major - Mar 31, 2026
Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” took their first bows on Broadway in August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone at the Barrymore Theatre. The Debbie Allen-directed production is now in previews. Watch the video!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2026
August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone has been extended for a second and final time. You can now get a first look at the cast in costume on the stage of the Barrymore Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 30, 2026
Performances are now underway for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway! The show recently extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. Meet the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2026
The digital lottery, in-person rush, and in-person student rush policies have been announced for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone. Find out how to get discount tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2026
August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone has been extended, and will now play through Sunday, July 19. The production stars Taraji P. Henson, and Cedric 'The Entertainer'.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 23, 2026
Get a first look at rehearsal photos for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, starring Taraji P. Henson as ‘Bertha Holly’ and Cedric “The Entertainer” as ‘Seth Holly'.
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 18, 2026
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is getting ready to begin performances on Broadway. The cast recently met the press, led by Taraji P. Henson and Cedric 'The Entertainer.' Check out photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2026
The Guthrie Theater has revealed the nine productions that will make up its 2026–2027 mainstage season. The full lineup includes Samuel Beckett’s seminal play Waiting for Godot, featuring Academy Award nominee David Strathairn and more.
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025
This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will continue its 2025-2026 “Soul Of A People” theatre season with the haunting drama – one tempered with jazz and intrigue – “Paradise Blue.”
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025
We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2025
The award-winning Two River Theater has announced the appointment of Dennis Chambers to the position of Associate Artistic Director. Chambers, a theater artist, administrator, and producer, began in his new role over the summer.
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2025
Maya Boyd, Abigail C. Onwunali, and Nimene Sierra Wureh will complete the cast for August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone which will play Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre.
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025
The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 26, 2025
Oscar-winner Tom Hanks is in New York for the fall, starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, a new play he co-wrote. During a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, the beloved actor spoke about the rewarding process of performing in live theater as an actor. Watch the interview now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Tom Hanks, currently starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, will visit Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday to discuss the production. Tune in to NBC on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:35/11:35c to see Hanks' appearance.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Entertainment icon Debbie Allen, who is directing the forthcoming Broadway revival of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, recently visited Sherri to talk about her wide-spanning career. During the conversation, she previewed the new Broadway production and the August Wilson play shared how it came together. Watch the interview now.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has not appeared in the West End.
Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Skeleton Crew, Special Achievement Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jitney, Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Jitney, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Jitney, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Direction (Obie Awards) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Director (The Lortels) for The Piano Lesson, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Lackawanna Blues, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Lackawanna Blues and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Seven Guitars.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has won several prestigious awards, including the Special Achievement Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Lackawanna Blues. He received the Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Jitney and earned a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. At the Obie Awards, he won for Direction of The Piano Lesson and also received Special Citations for Lackawanna Blues. Additionally, he was honored with the Outstanding Director award at The Lortels for The Piano Lesson. He received the Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production award (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lackawanna Blues and the Outstanding Solo Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. Finally, he won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for Seven Guitars.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has written 1 shows including Lackawanna Blues (Playwright).
Videos