Who is the actor Trevante Rhodes?

Trevante Rhodes in Moonlight (2016)
Trevante Rhodes in Moonlight (2016)
February 21, 2024 6:51am EST

Trevante Rhodes is an American actor who has gained recognition for his exceptional talent and performances in both film and television. His journey to success has been remarkable, starting from his early days as a sprinter to becoming an award-winning actor.

Early Life

Trevante Nemour Rhodes was born on February 10, 1990, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He grew up in a supportive family, with his parents, Demour Dangelo and Jessi Rhodes, always encouraging his dreams. When he was ten years old, the family relocated to Little Elm, Texas, where Rhodes would embark on his athletic and acting journey.

Rhodes attended Little Elm High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field. As a running back in football, he showcased his agility and speed, while in track and field, he specialized in sprinting events like the 100 and 200 meters. Rhodes earned four letters in both sports and even competed in the 2007 UIL Track and Field Championships, finishing second in both the 100 and 200 meters.

Sports Career

Rhodes’ talent as a sprinter did not go unnoticed, and he continued to pursue his passion for athletics at the University of Texas at Austin. Representing the Texas Longhorns from 2008 to 2012, Rhodes competed in various track and field events, including the 4×100 meters relay. His dedication and hard work paid off when he helped the U.S. team secure a gold medal in the 4×100 meters relay at the 2009 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Transition to Acting

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Rhodes made a bold career move by transitioning from athletics to acting. He relocated to KwaThema and immediately immersed himself in the world of acting. Rhodes landed supporting roles in several notable films, including “Ingoma,” “Open Windows,” “Shangri-La Suite,” and “The Night Is Young.” His talent and dedication caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to more significant opportunities.

Breakthrough in Film

In 2016, Rhodes had his breakthrough moment in the film industry when he portrayed the character of Chiron in the critically acclaimed film “Moonlight.” Directed by Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” explored themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. Rhodes’ performance as the adult Chiron garnered widespread praise and earned him accolades. He brought depth, vulnerability, and authenticity to the character, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.

Notable Filmography

Rhodes’ success in “Moonlight” opened doors to more prominent roles and exciting projects. In 2018, he co-starred in the science fiction action film “The Predator,” where he showcased his versatility as an actor. He then appeared in the post-apocalyptic thriller film “Bird Box,” starring alongside Sandra Bullock. Rhodes’ captivating performances continued to resonate with audiences, solidifying his position as a rising star in Hollywood.

In 2021, Rhodes portrayed the character of Jimmy Fletcher in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” a biographical drama film. His portrayal of the complex and conflicted FBI agent earned him critical acclaim and further showcased his range as an actor. Rhodes’ dedication to his craft and ability to bring depth to his characters have made him a sought-after talent in the industry.

Here is a comprehensive list of Trevante Rhodes’ filmography:

YearTitleRole
2012I Came BackDr. Peter Montgomery (Short film)
2014Open WindowsBrian
2015The Night Is YoungGeorge
2016Lady LuckDaryl
2016Shangri-La SuiteMike
2016MoonlightChiron (a.k.a. Black)
2017Burning SandsFernander
2017Song to Song(Scenes deleted)
2017SmartassMike C
201812 StrongSergeant First Class Ben Milo
2018The PredatorNebraska Williams
2018Bird BoxTom
2021The United States vs. Billie HolidayJimmy Fletcher
2022BruiserPorter
2023Candy Cane LaneTre
2024Mea Culpa(Post-production)

Awards and Nominations

Rhodes’ exceptional talent and performances have been recognized by various award ceremonies and organizations. Here are some of the notable awards and nominations he has received throughout his career:

YearCeremonyCategoryNominated WorkResult
2016Chicago Film Critics AssociationBest Supporting ActorMoonlightNominated
2016Chicago Film Critics AssociationMost Promising PerformerMoonlightNominated
2016Detroit Film Critics SocietyBest BreakthroughMoonlightNominated
2016Austin Film Critics AssociationBest Supporting ActorMoonlightNominated
2016Austin Film Critics AssociationBreakthrough Artist AwardMoonlightNominated
2017Independent Spirit AwardsRobert Altman AwardMoonlightWon
2017Dorian AwardsFilm Performance of the Year — ActorMoonlightNominated
2017Screen Actors Guild AwardOutstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureMoonlightNominated
2017NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion PictureMoonlightNominated
2017Black Reel AwardsOutstanding Breakthrough Performance, MaleMoonlightWon
2023NAACP Image AwardsOutstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic SpecialMikeNominated
2023Independent Spirit AwardsBest Supporting PerformanceBruiserNominated
2024Black Reel AwardsOutstanding Supporting Performance in a TV Movie/Limited SeriesNominated

Trevante Rhodes has captivated audiences with his raw talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. From his humble beginnings as a sprinter to becoming an award-winning actor, Rhodes’ journey is a testament to his perseverance and passion. With each role he takes on, he continues to push boundaries and leave a lasting impact on the film industry. As Rhodes’ career evolves, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable performances he has yet to deliver.

See Trevante Rhodes give Hoda Kotb a romantic painting lesson
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