Why We Love... Harold Perrineau Jr.

There are some actors whose body of work really catches our eye. The name may not ring a bell, but you'll know the face. And after you say, "Oh! I knew he/she looked familiar," you'll thank us for bringing them to your attention.

Why We Love Harold Perrineau Jr.

He's played characters named "Man #1" and "Thug Leader," but thankfully Harold Perrineau Jr. has gotten a number of roles worthy of his talent. The first thing you notice about a Perrineau performance is how precisly he enunciates dialogue while making speech sound natural. This has come in handy when playing language-rich roles in movies based on Shakespeare or Paul Auster, where he pairs his delivery with a knack for getting at the underlying emotions of a scene. He really shines in roles that are well written, which may explain why one feels he deserved more from the Matrix franchise. (Imagine what he'd be capable of if he ever gets cast in a David Mamet film!) When Perrineau appears on the screen he's easy to root for and sympathize with. He's a natural. We can't wait to see what he appears in next. -- Ryan Boudinot

We Love Him In ...

Lost: Perrineau hit the jackpot with his role as Michael in this hit series. As the estranged father who finds himself among the castaways with his young son, Perrineau's moments of paternal tenderness and protectiveness make him a standout in this ensemble cast. The finale of season one's confrontation on high seas puts this actor's talents on fine display, as he goes from exhaltation to confusion, fear, rage, and sorrow in a few highly charged moments. (Likewise for season two's finale.)

Smoke: Starring opposite Harvey Keitel and William Hurt, Perrineau more than holds his own in this early example of his magnetic screen presence. A New York tale of a writer and his community, this well-wrought drama by writer Paul Auster features Perrineau as a headstrong teenage artist. He's usually the most interesting character in every scene in which he appears.

William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet: Not only does Perrineau do Shakespeare with aplomb, he does it with a queer twist. His turn as Mercutio is flamboyant, hilarious, and in his dying scene, filled with rage. We love it.

Oz - The Complete Fifth Season: Another small screen achievement for the versatile actor. As wheelchair-bound Augustus Hill, Perrineau's terse, philosophical ruminations give this series its literate edge.

Yup, That Was Harold Perrineau Jr. In...

The Ultimate Matrix Collection: As Link, one of the underground dwellers who joins the battle against the robots in the last two movies of the series.

Prison Song: Played Uncle Steve in this jail house family drama.

Harold Perrineau Jr. DVDs