Joe Morton, born Joseph Thomas Morton Jr. (New York, October 18, 1947), is an American stage, film, and television actor. His career began on the Broadway stage, where he appeared in successful productions such as the musical *Hair* and received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in *Raisin*. In film, he is known for memorable roles such as the mute protagonist in John Sayles' *The Brother from Another Planet* (1984) and the scientist Miles Dyson in *Terminator 2: Judgment Day* (1991). He also played Captain McMahon in *Speed* (1994) and Dr. Silas Stone in the DC cinematic universe. On the small screen, his portrayal of Rowan "Eli" Pope in the television series *Scandal* earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2014. Other notable television roles include those in the series *Eureka* and *God Friended Me*, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and commanding actor.