Common, real name Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr. is one of the greatest rappers to come from the Windy City. He got his start on the underground rap scene in the late 1980s and early ’90s only to emerge as a silver screen player in the new millennium. He’s appeared in the John Wick franchise and done some voice acting in Smallfoot as well as staring beside his one-time lover Tiffany Haddish in The Kitchen. Here’s a look at a few of his movie roles.
Smokin’ Aces
He starred alongside Alicia Keys in this assassin thriller.
Just Wright
This time Common shared the screen with Dana “Queen Latifa” Owens, and Paula Patton, where he played an injured NBA Player in this PG Rom-Com.
Selma
This historical film about the Selma Freedom March starred the rapper as civil-rights leader James Bevel opposite David Oyelowo’s MLK Jr. This one was directed by Ava DuVernay and earned Common and John Legend an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Glory.”
Barbershop: The Next Cut
Com starred alongside Ice Cube and Nicki Minaj in this comedy sequel set in Chicago.
LUV
One of his more dramatic roles, Common played an ex-con who shows up in his nephew’s life in this 2012 crime drama.