Throughout his illustrious career, Carl Lumbly has portrayed an array of characters—superheroes, secret agents, lawmen, and geniuses—but no matter how extraordinary, he always brings a human touch to every role. His performances are deeply rooted in authenticity, making each character resonate with audiences on a personal level.
“I put my heart and soul into everything I do because I believe it’s vital,” Carl, now 73, exclusively shared with Closer. “Through my work, I’ve found a way to connect with people, and that connection has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to my passion and haven’t shied away from it.”
Carl’s journey began in San Francisco after college, where he initially aspired to become a writer. However, destiny had other plans, and he soon found himself on stage. Since then, he’s seamlessly transitioned between theater, television series like Cagney & Lacey and Alias, and feature films.
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Currently, Carl is captivating audiences on the big screen in Captain America: Brave New World, where he reprises his role as the super-soldier Isaiah Bradley, a character he first brought to life in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
From Aspiring Writer to Actor Extraordinaire
What did you dream of becoming as a child?
Back in my childhood, I had aspirations of being a writer. My journey with books began when I was just 12 or 13, working in libraries. Those books were my world. The journeys that writers could take me on, the places I could explore through their words, opened my eyes to a world far beyond Minneapolis, where I grew up.
So, how did you transition into acting?
I realized that while I loved books, I wasn’t sure I understood people as deeply as I understood the characters in them. Luckily, my better instincts led me to Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop, an improvisational theater company. There, I discovered the magic of blending my passion for writing with the physicality of acting, stepping into the shoes of the characters I created.
Memorable Collaborations and Friendships
In 1972, you starred alongside Danny Glover in the play Sizwe Banzi Is Dead. Can you tell us about that experience and your lasting friendship with Danny?
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Oh, Danny Glover is one of the most extraordinary individuals I’ve had the privilege to know. We’ve remained dear friends all these years. Performing in that play was transformative for me. It dealt with the harsh realities of Apartheid in South Africa, and it was the first time I realized the power of representing characters who had something truly important to say. Working with Danny on that project was a journey I’ll always cherish.
How did performing in New York change your life?
New York was a breath of fresh air for me after Los Angeles. Every job I took there was a step toward more stage work and staying in the city I loved. Unlike LA, New York offered me a rigorous education in acting and theater, even though I wasn’t formally trained. It was an invaluable experience that shaped me as an artist.
