Michael Potts

Michael Potts was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 21, 1962, and grew up in South Carolina. His early exposure to church and local plays sparked an interest in acting. His decision to attend the Yale School of Drama was influenced by a viewing of August Wilson’s 1985 play “Fences,” featuring James Earl Jones and Courtney B. Vance. Potts transitioned from academic training to a professional career, making his mark in significant theatrical productions before expanding his presence into film and television.

Potts has established a notable career with various roles, including Brother Mouzone in the HBO series “The Wire” (2003-2004) and Mafala Hatimbi in the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon” (2011-2013), where he originated the role and performed the song “Hasa Diga Eebowai.” He also played Detective Maynard Gilbough in the first season of “True Detective” (2014) and Slow Drag in the film “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020). His stage work includes a critically acclaimed performance as Wining Boy in the 2022 Broadway revival of August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” a role he reprised for the 2024 film adaptation. For his stage work, Potts received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play for “The Piano Lesson” in 2023 and an Obie Award for Performance for “The America Play” in 1994.

Throughout his career, Potts has consistently taken on diverse roles that showcase his acting range. He has appeared in multiple episodes of “Law & Order” (1997-2024) and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2012-2016), demonstrating his versatility in episodic television. In film, he has participated in movies such as “37” (2016), “Here and Now” (2018), and “Rustin” (2023), where he played Cleveland Robinson. His ongoing work includes upcoming projects like the TV series “Nemesis” and “Envie,” slated for release in 2025, and “Highest 2 Lowest,” also set for 2025, further illustrating his continued engagement in the industry.