Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Rachel Zegler, Darren Criss, Cole Escola and More Set for the 79th Annual Tony Awards (Jun 4, 2026)
2026 Tony Awards Guide - How to Watch, Who is Nominated & More (Jun 7, 2026)
SCHMIGADOON!, THE BALUSTERS and GIANT Win Top Categories at 2026 Dorian Theater Awards (Jun 1, 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
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
winner
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Ruben Santiago-Hudson, August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone
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
Exclusive: Watch Scenes from JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-05-07 15:24:29
Video: Taraji P. Henson Shares Why She Joined Broadway's JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-20 15:14:38
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
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 Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2026
The Tony Awards has revealed the line-up of stage and screen stars slated to appear during the 79th Annual Tony Awards, including Rachel Zegler, Darren Criss, Cole Escola and many more.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2026
Something's coming! The best of Broadway will take the stage Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall for the 79th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by P!nk. Need a refresher on how to watch and when? We've got you covered!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards.
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 1, 2026
Whoopi Goldberg recently paid a visit to Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway. Following the performance, she posed with members of the cast, including Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer.' Check out photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
The Actors’ Equity Foundation has revealed the recipients of its 2026 awards for theatre artists. These honors will be awarded at a ceremony emceed by Julie Halston, a previous recipient of the Foundation's Richard Seff Award.
by Luka Vonier - May 24, 2026
Watch in this video as 2026 Tony Award nominee Ruben Santiago-Hudson chats more about being singled out in his cast, the genius of August Wilson, and so much more.
by Nicole Rosky - May 17, 2026
The best of the New York City theatre community was at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards, the theater award honoring excellence across all of New York City’s theatrical landscape. Check out a full list of winners here.
by Jennifer Broski - May 17, 2026
The Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there to speak with all of them! Check out photos from behind the scenes with the nominees as they chatted with Richard Ridge and passed on our very own Tiny Tony.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 15, 2026
The New York Public Library presented a discussion, hosted by Richard Ridge, and featuring the cast members of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway. Watch here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has not appeared in the West End.
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.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to theater. He won the Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Joe Turner's Come and Gone. He received a Special Achievement Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Lackawanna Blues. Additionally, he earned the Outstanding Director of a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for Jitney and a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. At the Obie Awards, he won for Direction for The Piano Lesson. He also received the Outstanding Director award at The Lortels for The Piano Lesson and the Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for Lackawanna Blues. Santiago-Hudson was recognized with the Outstanding Solo Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for Lackawanna Blues and received Special Citations at the Obie Awards for the same work. Lastly, he was honored with the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Seven Guitars.
Ruben Santiago-Hudson has written 1 shows including Lackawanna Blues (Playwright).
Videos
