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Ruben Santiago-Hudson

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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.

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Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
2026
Bynum Walker

[Off-Broadway]
2025
M-Dash

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Production, 2013
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Joe Levay

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2010
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Caesar

[Off-Broadway]
2001
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1997
King Henry VIII

[Broadway]
1996
Canewell

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Roy

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Lucio

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Buddy Bolden

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1991
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2022] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[US Tour, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2016]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Director

Writing

Movies

Coming to America
[ 1988 ] Street Hustler Ruben Hudson
Blown Away
[ 1994 ] Blanket
Auf Wiedersehen Amerika
[ 1994 ] Mahatma
Bleeding Hearts
[ 1994 ] Todd
White Lies
[ 1997 ] Bum #2
The Devil's Advocate
[ 1997 ] Leamon Heath
Shaft
[ 2000 ] Jimmy Groves
Domestic Disturbance
[ 2001 ] Sgt. Edgar Stevens
Winning Girls Through Psychic Mind Control
[ 2002 ] Samuel Menendez
Brother's Shadow
[ 2006 ] Manny Botero
American Gangster
[ 2007 ] Doc
Mr. Brooks
[ 2007 ] Hawkins
Honeydripper
[ 2007 ] Stokely
The Invention of Lying
[ 2009 ] Landlord
Selma
[ 2014 ] Bayard Rustin
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
[ 2020 ] writer

TV Shows

Another World
Captain Billy Cooper
Billions
Raul Gomez
Castle
Captain Roy Montgomery
Dear John
Curtis, Orlando, Larry
East New York
Officer Marvin Sandeford
Gargoyles
Gabriel
Law & Order
Attorney Winters
Michael Hayes
Eddie Diaz
New York Undercover
Walter Perry, Johnny
NYPD Blue
Otis
Spawn
Jess Chapel
The Quad
Cecil Diamond
Law & Order
[ 1990-2025 ] Defense Attorney WintersDr. Paul JacksonDetective Brian KeeneMr. Gaines

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Tony Awards - 2026 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Skeleton Crew


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Special Achievement Awards

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Special Citation

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jitney

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Direction of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's Jitney

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned

Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson


winner
Obie Awards - 2013 - Direction

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson


winner
The Lortels - 2013 - Outstanding Director

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, The Piano Lesson


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Ruben Santiago-HudsonLackawanna Blues


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Special Citations

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Lackawanna Blues


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Ruben Santiago-Hudson , Seven Guitars

Videos

News


SCHMIGADOON! and THE LOST BOYS Lead 2026 Dorian Award Nominations
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2026

GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced nominations for the 4th annual Dorian Theater Awards, with SCHMIGADOON! earning nine nods and THE LOST BOYS close behind with eight nominations.
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- RAGTIME and SCHMIGADOON! Lead the Pack
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026

The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
Breaking Down the 2026 Tony Awards Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - May 10, 2026

Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from the big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
Photos: Tom Hanks Visits JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE and THE BALUSTERS
by Bruce Glikas - May 8, 2026

Tom Hanks recently paid a visit to two Broadway productions, Joe Turner's Come and Gone and The Balusters. The actor, who was last seen on stage in This World of Tomorrow in 2025, posed with cast members at both shows. Check out photos here!
Exclusive: Watch Scenes from JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - May 7, 2026

August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone is officially a five-time Tony-nominated revival! Directed by Golden Globe Award, four-time Emmy Award winner and recipient of the 2026 Academy Honorary Award, Debbie Allen, the play is led by Taraji P. Henson as 'Bertha Holly' and Cedric 'The Entertainer' as 'Seth Holly.' Watch Highlights of the cast in action here!
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Tracy Letts and More to Present at 92nd Drama League Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2026

Ruben Santiago-Hudson, David Stone, Tracy Letts and David Rockwell will present the Honorary Awards at the 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, taking place at The Ziegfeld Ballroom.
2026 Tony Nominations - Show by Show
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026

The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show. Follow us on BroadwayWorld throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
Danny Burstein Becomes Most Tony-Nominated Male Actor
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2026

With his nomination for Marjorie Prime, Danny Burstein has become the most nominated male actor in Tony history, having earned a total of nine nominations across his stage career.
2026 Tony Nominations: THE LOST BOYS and SCHMIGADOON! Lead with 12 Each
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2026

BroadwayWorld's official Tony Awards coverage is here! Check out the 2026 Tony nominees here and follow us throughout the season for exclusive nominee interviews, special coverage and lots more!
Raúl Esparza, Norbert Leo Butz, Beth Leavel and More to Present at 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 4, 2026

The 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards is set to be the largest gathering in the organization's seven-decade history — with the most Drama Desk winners and nominees, past and present, ever assembled for the ceremony.
Video: Go Inside Opening Night of JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Luka Vonier - May 1, 2026

The final play of the 2025/26 season opened just last week! August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, directed by Debbie Allen, officially arrived on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Watch in this video as the full company walks the red carpet on opening night!
70th Annual Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 29, 2026

Raúl Esparza and Helen J Shen will announce the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards nominations on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 10:00AM ET. Check out the nominees so far and check back later for teh complete list.
Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 27, 2026

The Barrymore Theatre was the place to be on Saturday night, when August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos of the cast and creative team as they celebrate the special occasion on the red carpet.
Photos: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 26, 2026

Joe Turner's Come and Gone celebrated opening night at the Barrymore Theatre. Directed by Golden Globe Award, four-time Emmy Award winner and recipient of the 2026 Academy Honorary Award, Debbie Allen, the revival is led by Taraji P. Henson as ‘Bertha Holly’ and Cedric “The Entertainer” as ‘Seth Holly.' Check out photos from the first official curtain call here.
Review Roundup: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2026

August Wilson is back on Broadway with Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer” and more in a new production of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, directed by  the legendary Debbie Allen. The critics are weighing in on the show! See what they're saying in tonight's review roundup!
Photos: Don Cheadle Visits JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2026

Don Cheadle recently paid a visit to Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway, and posed backstage with members of the cast after the performance. Check out photos here!
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026

Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
Photo Exclusive: JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE On Broadway Starring Taraji P. Henson, Cedric 'the Entertainer' and More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2026

August Wilson is back on Broadway and BroadwayWorld has your exclusive first look at Joe Turner's Come and Gone, now in previews at Barrymore Theatre. Check out photos of the production.
Video: Taraji P. Henson Shares Why She Joined Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 20, 2026

Taraji P. Henson is making her Broadway debut in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, a new production of the August Wilson play helmed by renowned director and performer Debbie Allen. Watch her discuss the show and her relationship with Allen on TODAY.
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026

The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ruben Santiago-Hudson been in?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Ruben Santiago-Hudson been in?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Ruben Santiago-Hudson been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone, 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.

What awards has Ruben Santiago-Hudson won?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Special Achievement Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Lackawanna Blues. He received the Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Jitney and also earned a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. He was awarded for Direction at the Obie Awards for The Piano Lesson, along with the Outstanding Director at The Lortels for the same play. Additionally, he won the Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Lackawanna Blues and the Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for the same work. He received Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Lackawanna Blues and was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Seven Guitars.

How many shows has Ruben Santiago-Hudson written?

Ruben Santiago-Hudson has written 1 shows including Lackawanna Blues (Playwright).

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