Mykelti Williamson is an American actor and director, best known to the general public for his memorable portrayal of Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue in the 1994 film *Forrest Gump*, a role that earned him critical acclaim. His prolific film career includes roles in notable films such as *Heat* (1995), *Con Air* (1997), *Ali* (2001), in which he played promoter Don King, and *Fences* (2016), for which he shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast with the rest of the cast. Also active on the small screen, he has held significant roles in numerous successful television series, including *24*, *Justified*, where he played Ellstin Limehouse, and in the *Chicago* franchise as Lieutenant Denny Woods. His versatility has allowed him to range between dramatic and action roles, consolidating his reputation as a reliable and highly talented character actor in Hollywood.