Actor Joe Morton aka Papa Pope from SCANDAL
Emmy® Award winning film, television and stage veteran actor Joe Morton is best known for his iconic role as Rowan, the merciless and sinister father of ‘Olivia Pope’ (Kerry Washington) and formerly the immoral head of the clandestine, black-ops division “B613” in one of the most watched shows on television, “Scandal.” The sixth season of “Scandal” will premiere on Thursday, January 26th on ABC.
His deliciously evil portrayal of ‘Rowan’ has kept viewers on their toes guessing what kind of devious curveball he will throw each week making him one of TV’s most-hated dad and leading him to win his first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor! The Broadway trained, decorated actor has over 40 years of experience in theatre, television and film and has become a dominating presence on Shonda Rhimes’ groundbreaking series. Often referred to as the ‘Monologue King,’ Morton’s dialogue has been communicated almost exclusively in eloquent intervals delivering poignant speeches that are both singular and blistering, whilst addressing class, race and privilege; topics that are rarely covered in primetime television. As a central and lethal focal point throughout the series, critics and audiences alike came to understand that “Rowan” is the seemingly evil mastermind behind nearly all of the nefarious events that have unfolded.
2016 has been Joe’s busiest year! Morton recently made an appearance in Zack Snyder’s BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE playing the role of ‘Dr. Silas Stone’ of S.T.A.R. Labs, the father of ‘Victor Stone,’ the metahuman better known as Cyborg, who is set to appear in countless films slated for release over the course of the next four years. Morton also portrayed the role of NAACP leader Roy Wilkins alongside Bryan Cranston in the critically-acclaimed HBO Lyndon B. Johnson biopic ALL THE WAY, adapted from the Tony-winning Robert Schenkkan play, directed by Jay Roach and executive produced by Steven Spielberg. Last but not least, Morton returned to his theater roots as he portrays the groundbreaking comedian Dick Gregory in the one-man show TURN ME LOOSE at The Westside Theatre in New York City, receiving rave reviews. The New York Times.
Born in Harlem, Morton was raised in a military family and spent parts of his childhood in West Germany and Okinawa, Japan before finishing school in New York. After attending Hofstra University, Morton made his way through the Broadway circuit before making his stage debut in the Tony® award winning musical “Hair”, leading to his starring role in “Raisin,” the Tony® award winning musical theatre adaptation of the acclaimed ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ which garnered him a Tony nomination for ‘Lead Actor in a Musical.” Prior to his career-changing role on “Scandal,” Morton was best known for his leading role in his first film BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET by John Sayles. He is mostly recognized for his starring roles in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY, SPEED, Syfy’s “Eureka” and “The Cosby Show’s’ spin-off “A Different World,” among many others. Morton is huge proponent of diversity in Hollywood and uses his platform to express the need for more contemporary non-white roles in TV/film.The Huffington Post — Hollywood in Black and White — by Joe Morton.
