Glynn Turman is a celebrated American actor whose career spans over six decades, from his early days as a child actor on Broadway to his acclaimed roles in film and television.

Known for his versatility, Turman has left an indelible mark on entertainment, earning awards and widespread recognition for his performances, both on and off the screen.

Born on January 31, 1947, in New York City, Glynn Turman discovered his passion for acting at a young age. He attended the prestigious High School of Performing Arts in Manhattan, graduating in 1965.

His DNA analysis later revealed maternal ancestry tracing back to the Edo people of Nigeria, adding another layer to his rich heritage.

Turman’s first major role came at just 12 years old, when he played Travis Younger in the original 1959 Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun. Starring alongside legends like Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, and Louis Gossett Jr., Turman’s performance set the stage for a lifelong career in acting.

After high school, he honed his craft in regional theater, including performances at Tyrone Guthrie’s Repertory Theatre, where he appeared in productions like The Visit and The House of Atreus. His stage work earned him critical acclaim, including a Los Angeles Critics Award nomination and a Dramalogue Award for The Wine Sellers.

Turman’s transition to film and television was seamless. He gained fame in the 1970s with roles in blaxploitation classics like Five on the Black Hand Side (1973) and Thomasine & Bushrod (1974). However, his breakout role came in 1975 as Leroy “Preach” Jackson in the beloved coming-of age film Cooley High.

In television, Turman became a household name as Colonel Bradford Taylor on A Different World (1988–1993) and later as Mayor Clarence Royce on The Wire (2004–2006). His powerful performance in The Wire earned him an NAACP Image Award nomination.

Turman’s guest role in HBO’s In Treatment won him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2008. He continued to make waves with appearances in House of Lies (2012), Queen Sugar (2016), How to Get Away with Murder (2017–2018), and Fargo (2020).

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020) A standout performance in the Netflix film starring Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis, Women of the Movement (2021) Played Mose Wright, Emmett Till’s great-uncle, 80 for Brady (2023) A cameo as Mickey alongside legends like Rita Moreno, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, The Straw (TBA) –Turman stars in this upcoming thriller, adding yet another compelling role to his extensive filmography.

In a surprising revelation, Turman disclosed that George Lucas considered him for Han Solo in Star Wars. However, Lucas reportedly hesitated due to potential controversy over a Black Han Solo paired with a white Princess Leia a reflection of the era’s racial dynamics.

Glynn Turman, the acclaimed actor and director, has had a colorful journey through love and marriage, with three chapters that each tell their own unique story.

Turman’s most famous marriage was to the legendary "Queen of Soul," Aretha Franklin. The two tied the knot in 1978, creating a high profile union between Hollywood and music royalty.

Though their marriage lasted only six years, ending in 1984, their relationship remained a notable part of both their legacies.

After his divorce from Franklin, Turman married Jo-An Turman, with whom he built a family. Together, they welcomed two children, including Glynn Turman Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps as an actor. Though their marriage eventually ended, their bond as co-parents endured.

In 2008, Turman found lasting love when he married Jana Elizabeth Turman. Their relationship has stood the test of time, marking a new and enduring chapter in his personal life.

Through fame, family, and enduring love, Glynn Turman’s marriages reflect a life rich in both passion and partnership.

Glynn Turman is also a proud father to other children, including a daughter from a previous relationship. Despite his high profile career, Turman has kept much of his family life private, focusing on his craft and philanthropic work.

Outside of Hollywood, Turman is deeply committed to youth mentorship. He founded Camp Gid D Up, a program teaching horse-riding skills and life values to urban youth in Southern California. He has also been a longtime supporter of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, celebrating Black cowboys for nearly 40 years.

From Broadway to blockbuster films, he has consistently delivered unforgettable performances while also giving back to his community. At 77 years old, Turman remains a revered figure in entertainment, proving that true legends only get better with time.