Mario Van Peebles

Mario Van Peebles is a versatile American film director and actor, known for his impactful contributions to cinema, including his directorial debut with ‘New Jack City’ and various roles in diverse productions. He has transitioned from a child actor to a director and producer, maintaining a prolific career across film and television. After making his acclaimed feature film directorial debut with the black gangster film New Jack City in 1991, Mario Van Peebles established himself as a prominent filmmaker and actor. The critically and commercially successful film, in which he also co-starred alongside Wesley Snipes and Ice-T, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and grossed over $47 million domestically, becoming the highest-grossing independent film of 1991.

He went on to direct USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage in 2016, starring Nicolas Cage. Van Peebles has also received a DGA Award nomination for his impactful work. Most recently, Van Peebles created, produced, directed multiple episodes, and acted in the series Superstition (2017). He then directed and acted in the feature film Armed (2018).

In 2021, his notable achievements and enduring connection to his alma mater were recognized when he was invited to serve as the Class Day Speaker for Columbia College’s annual commencement exercises. His latest directorial project, Outlaw Posse, was released in 2024, continuing his prolific and impactful career in the entertainment industry.