As I delve into the captivating world of Common, a man whose talent spans across the realms of music and acting, it becomes increasingly evident that his journey is as intriguing as the characters he portrays. Born and raised in Chicago, Common’s life experiences have undeniably shaped his craft, imbuing his performances with an authenticity that resonates deeply with audiences.
Common, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, has been creating rap music since 1992. His work has seen him partner with some of the most prominent figures in the entertainment world, including Erykah Badu and Kanye West, and he has been honored with three Grammy Awards.
During the late ’90s and early ’00s, he broadened his abilities and started exploring the realm of acting. He made brief appearances on several television series such as Scrubs and Girlfriends. In 2006, Common stepped into a leading role in Smokin’ Aces, his first feature film. Since then, he has graced numerous movies and TV shows without any signs of slowing, demonstrating continued dedication to both acting and music.
More recently, Common has once again taken on the character of Robert Sims, the security officer, in the highly-anticipated second season of the hit TV show “Silo”. Here, we’ll be examining Common’s top performances on both the big and small screens, including his role in “Silo”, and rank them accordingly.
10 Sir Ivy
‘Smokin’ Aces’ (2006)
Debuting in 2006, the thrilling crime adventure titled “Smokin’ Aces” revolves around Buddy “Aces” Israel, a former informant for the mafia, brilliantly portrayed by Jeremy Piven. As Israel, numerous assassins are on his tail due to his past connections. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble, including Ryan Reynolds, Ray Liotta, Ben Kingsley, Morgan Freeman, Chris Pine, Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck, and Common, each playing characters driven by their individual reasons to hunt Israel down. However, despite its talented cast and intriguing plotline, the film garnered mixed reactions from critics and didn’t achieve the box office success many anticipated.
Smoking Aces Was Common’s First Foray Into Big Screen Acting
In 2002’s “Brown Sugar”, Common made a cameo appearance. However, his first significant role in a major motion picture was in “Smoking Aces”. He portrayed the head of Israel’s security and, despite having limited screen time, he convincingly adapted to this new environment. His charm was palpable, underscoring the fact that acting was not just a possible addition to his music career, but a successful one as well.
9 Earl Spellman
‘Wanted’ (2008)
James McAvoy portrays Wesley Allan Gibson, a timid young chap who unexpectedly becomes part of an enigmatic brotherhood of assassins upon learning that his deceased father was one himself. Guided by Fox, played by Angelina Jolie, Wesley is plunged into the thick of things. Being inherently apprehensive, he learns to channel the excessive adrenaline caused by his panic attacks to amplify his agility and strength.
‘Wanted’ Excels in World Building With Its Secretive Assassin Society and Intricate Mythology
The Wanted was well-received and though its plot wasn’t groundbreaking or innovative, the setting where the characters reside was intricate and engaging. The assassin brotherhood boasts a deep history and mythos, teeming with dynamic characters that function as individual cogs contributing to the larger machine that keeps it thriving yet concealed from public view. One such character is Earl Spellman, nicknamed The Gunsmith, portrayed by Common.
Earl is an expert marksman who instructs others on how to handle numerous dangerous firearms. Common skillfully portrays this character, making him both welcoming and endearing while still exuding an unsettling air of authority.
8 Scott McKnight
‘Just Wright’ (2010)
In this delightful, sports-inspired romantic comedy, Common assumes the lead role as Queen Latifah’s love interest. Queen Latifah portrays a dedicated physical therapist who develops feelings for renowned basketball player Scott McKnight (Common). The narrative revolves around her journey to conquer her doubts while pursuing the affection of such a sought-after person.
Despite Mixed Reviews, Common Proves His Ability to Take on Leading Roles
Much like a musician who also acts, Common frequently takes on supporting roles. Yet in this case, he’s placed front and center alongside Latifah, showcasing his captivating charm. Despite powerful acting from both leads, the film received mixed feedback, being criticized for its overly familiar formula and lack of originality within the genre.
7 Rafiq
‘The Chi’ (2018 – Present)
The Chi is a TV show that delves into the tumultuous, erratic, and at times violent lives of four residents living on the South Side of Chicago. The series debuted on Showtime in January 2018 and is currently in its sixth season, divided into two parts. It tackles topics such as racial tensions, gang activities, drug use, and police misconduct.
Common’s Role in ‘The Chi’ Mirrors His Own Life Experiences
In “The Chi,” Common portrays Rafiq, a character who has transformed and is dedicated to steering young people towards the right direction. Given that Common hails from Chicago himself, he’s familiar with the city’s highs and lows. As a rapper and influential figure, Common frequently employs his platform to motivate and guide the youth, focusing on topics such as self-empowerment, social justice, and community improvement. This real-life passion lends an air of authenticity to his performance in the series, making it one of his most powerful roles yet.
6 Robert Sims
‘Silo’ (2023 – Present)
The story unfolds in a bleak future when humanity resides inside a massive underground facility known as “The Silo.” Rebecca Ferguson plays an engineer who gets caught up in solving the enigmas surrounding the past events that led them here. Robert Sims, head of security within the Silo, is portrayed by Common, as he grapples with preserving order while unveiling hidden truths.
The Series Is Based on Hugh Howey’s ‘Silo’ Trilogy of Novels
This month, a series that came back for its second season is inspired by the Silo trilogy of novels (Wool, Shift, and Dust) written by Hugh Howey. Critics have praised it, and viewers are expressing their appreciation for the show’s detailed world creation, captivating storyline, and well-developed characters.
5 Cassian
‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ (2008)
Originally released in 2014, the highly acclaimed action series, “John Wick,” saw Keanu Reeves delivering a remarkable career resurgence as he portrayed the title character on a deadly revenge mission following the death of his cherished pet dog. Audiences were captivated by the film’s visually stunning violence and immersive ambiance, leading to its rapid ascension as a classic film. Consequently, plans for a sequel swiftly followed.
Common’s Character Faces John Wick in an Epic and Memorable Fight
“Stepping into ‘Chapter 2’, I found myself embodying Cassian, a steadfast protector to the esteemed Gianna D’Antonio of the High Table. Tragically, Gianna falls victim to John Wick’s lethal hand. With revenge pulsating through my veins, I engage in an exhilarating dance of fists with Wick himself. This role provided me the opportunity to showcase my raw physicality, and I was more than up to the challenge, executing even the most intricate fight sequences with precision and panache.
4 Turner Lucas
‘American Gangster’ (2007)
American Gangster is often praised as one of the top gangster films in recent times, garnering both critical acclaim and commercial success. Denzel Washington portrays infamous real-life crime lord Frank Lucas, while Russell Crowe takes on the role of the tenacious detective aiming to dismantle his criminal empire.
‘American Gangster’ Features an All-star Stellar Cast
Apart from the outstanding acting by the film’s main stars, the entire supporting cast delivers exceptional performances, with top-tier talent like Josh Brolin, Ted Levine, RZA, Ruby Dee, Cuba Gooding Jr., Idris Elba, and Common contributing significantly to the movie.
In the film, although Common appears for a limited time, his character, Turner, significantly contributes by symbolizing the family-focused side of Frank Lucas’ life. This portrayal underscores the striking differences between Frank’s criminal activities and his personal connections.
3 Elam Ferguson
‘Hell on Wheels’ (2011-2016)
Debuting in 2011 on AMC, “Hell on Wheels” is a TV series centered around the building process of America’s first transcontinental railroad. The story unfolds as it intertwines with the lives of several fictional characters, who for diverse reasons such as seeking redemption or pursuing revenge, become involved in the railroad construction.
Common Shines in His Portrayal of a Recently Freed Slave
In the TV series “Hell on Wheels,” Common’s performance as Elam Ferguson, a former slave seeking his identity in the world, has been one of his most significant roles so far. He imbues the character with a rich emotional texture that is not commonly found in his earlier, smaller film roles. Elam is portrayed as a man who is both proud and resilient yet fraught with inner struggles and self-doubt.
2 Carlos
‘The Hate U Give’ (2018)
Based on Angie Thomas’s young adult novel titled The Hate U Give, this compelling drama follows a teenage girl’s journey towards maturity amidst emotional turmoil. The story unfolds when she witnesses a police officer shooting, leading to tumultuous events in her life. The film features rising stars like Amandla Stenberg and Lamar Johnson alongside seasoned actors such as Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, and Common, who plays a cop acting as a mentor for the main character.
‘The Hate U Give’ Challenges the YA Norm
In young adult literature, particularly coming-of-age tales, themes often revolve around love, romance, and self-exploration. However, this story takes a different approach by making a police shooting the central incident, thereby delving deeply into critical social matters such as systemic racism and police brutality. These topics resonate strongly with Common, and his emotion is evident in his compelling portrayal.
1 James Bevel
‘Selma’ (2014)
One significant film that stands out is “Selma,” a powerful retelling of the historic voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, which occurred in 1965. These marches were strategically organized and led by James Bevel, Martin Luther King Jr., Hosea Williams, and John Lewis.
Common Was Showered with Praise for His Portrayal of the Human Rights Activist James Bevel
The film received widespread acclaim, earning accolades for its exceptional acting, direction, screenplay, and cinematography. With a nearly flawless score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, it garnered numerous nominations and ultimately took home the prestigious Best Picture Oscar. Critics often highlighted Common’s captivating performance as James Bevel.
His part earned him the NAACP Image Award for Exceptional Supporting Actor in a Film. Additionally, his song “Glory” alongside John Legend from the Selma soundtrack received the Academy Award for Best Original Song. This achievement added a Grammy, an Oscar, and an Emmy to Common’s collection of awards.
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2024-11-24 04:32