The Devil Finds Work - As A Play

I couldn’t help but think how “The Devil Finds Work” might be an interesting one man play with three acts. Which actor would you want to play James Baldwin and why?

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I’m thinking Samuel L. Jackson. He isn’t terribly pretty, plus he’s got rage down.

I like your choice, especially because of your point about rage. The only actor who kept popping into my mind was Laurence Fishburne. I think Lou Gossett Jr. (when he was in his late 40’s or early 50’s) would have been great too.

Denzel Washington because I can hear the sarcasm in his voice and he also does rage well!

I briefly considered Denzel WAshington for the very reasons you mentioned, but then I got side tracked and wondered whether he could pull off being a bit flamboyant too. For some reason, as I thought about Baldwin reading his essays aloud, I couldn’t help but feel he was just being flamboyant. Curious if anyone else wondered whether he was sometimes flamboyant

I thought about Denzel Washington, too, but I think he’s too attractive.

I’m not familiar with any Broadway type actors if this book was made into a play. If it was made into a movie or small film series on Netflix, I think the talent and versatility of Morgan Freeman would do James Baldwin’s character justice.

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Laugh out loud funny!! Now I can’t recommend anybody else. James Baldwin was very talented but definitely not eye candy.

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I also considered Morgan Freeman as a possibility.

Morgan Freeman crossed my mind too and just as quickly crossed him off because I remembered him playing God in Bruce Almighty.

It would have to be Colman Domingo. He is also gay and a fantastic actor, nominated last year for an Oscar. He would be fabulous.

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The latest Samuel Jackson commercial convinces me he could portray Baldwin quite well.

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I immediately thought of Sterling Brown…

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Excellent suggestion! So many great suggestions, but I have to say, I like this suggestion the most.