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?
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.
Laugh out loud funny!! Now I can’t recommend anybody else. James Baldwin was very talented but definitely not eye candy.
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.
The latest Samuel Jackson commercial convinces me he could portray Baldwin quite well.
I immediately thought of Sterling Brown…
Excellent suggestion! So many great suggestions, but I have to say, I like this suggestion the most.