Biography
American actor Harold Perrineau rose to fame with parts in some of his generation's most iconic projects, including the television shows "Oz" (HBO, 1997-2003) and "Lost" (ABC, 2004-10). A native of Brooklyn, he began his career working as a dancer, making his screen debut performing dance moves on the television show "Fame" (1982-87). He moved into acting with small roles in the films "Shakedown" (1988) and Abel Ferrara's "King of New York" (1990), as well as a guest appearance on "The Cosby Show" (NBC, 1984-92). His acting break came with a recurring role on the critically acclaimed television period drama "I'll Fly Away" (NBC, 1991-93). After moving through additional guest appearances on television, he began to find his footing in the film world. A sizable role in the Jack Nicholson drama "Blood and Wine" (1996) preceded the actor's true breakout in "Romeo + Juliet" (1996). Perrineau played Mercutio opposite Leonardo DiCaprio's Romeo in Baz Luhrmann's stylized retelling of the Shakespeare tragedy. A starring role alongside Alec Baldwin and Anthony Hopkins followed in the David Mamet penned thriller "The Edge" (1997). He showed a softer side as part of the ensemble, alongside Taye Diggs and Terrence Howard, in the comedy "The Best Man" (1999). His strong run continued as he was cast in the landmark prison drama "Oz". His wheelchair bound former drug dealer Augustus Hill served as the show's narrator. He joined Keanu Reeves in the final two films of the Wachowski Siblings' "Matrix" trilogy, playing ship operator Link in "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003) and "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003). He then moved on to a role on J.J. Abrams' "Lost", becoming a part of that show's mind-bending mythology. His Michael Dawson was featured both on and off the mysterious island at the show's center. Perrineau's film career continued as well with a role in "28 Weeks Later" (2007), the sequel to Danny Boyle's hit zombie film "28 Days Later" (2003). He continued piling up credits on both film and television, including starring in the short-lived series "Blade" (Spike, 2006) and "Wedding Band" (TBS, 2012-13). He spent a memorable season on the hit gangland drama "Sons of Anarchy" (FX, 2008-15) playing a crime rival of Charlie Hunnam's Jax, before starring as a warrior angel looking after Matt Ryan's title character on "Constantine" (NBC, 2014-15). On film, he played a CIA analyst in Kathryn Bigelow's critically acclaimed "Zero Dark Thirty" (2012) and returned to one of his previous successes with the sequel "The Best Man Holiday" (2013). He also starred opposite former "Oz" costar J.K. Simmons in "The Bachelors" (2017) playing a psychiatrist trying to help a father overcome the loss of his wife. After another run of supporting roles and TV guest appearances, Perrineau joined the cast of "Claws" (TNT, 2017-) playing the autistic brother of Niecy Nash's nail salon owner.
