Howard Rollins
ActingAbout Howard Rollins
Howard Rollins (October 17, 1950 – December 8, 1996) was an American television, film, and stage actor. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime and Virgil Tibbs on In the Heat of the Night.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Howard Rollins reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 21 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Howard Rollins's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 10% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Howard Rollins remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Ragtime, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Howard Rollins Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Howard Rollins's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Howard Rollins.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Remembering Ragtime | Coalhouse Walker Jr. (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | Drunks | Joseph | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Harambee! | Chimbuko | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Legacy of Malthus | Self (Population Institute, 1993) (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | With Murder in Mind | Samuel Carver | Average | Similar → |
| 1990 | On the Block | Clay Beasley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | Johnnie Mae Gibson: FBI | T.C. Russell | Flop | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Children of Times Square | Otis Travis | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Boy King | Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | He's Fired, She's Hired | Raoul | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | A Soldier's Story | Captain Davenport | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | The House of Dies Drear | Walter Small | Flop | Similar → |
| 1984 | A Doctor's Story | Dr. Zack Williams | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The House of God | Chuck Johnston | Flop | Similar → |
| 1983 | For Us, the Living: The Story of Medgar Evers | Medgar Evers | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Member of the Wedding | Honey Brown | Flop | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Neighborhood | Allen Campbell | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Ragtime | Coalhouse Walker Jr. | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | Thornwell | Carson | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | My Old Man | Doctor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Trial of the Moke | James Smith | Average | Similar → |
Howard Rollins - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Howard Rollins?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Howard Rollins is "Ragtime" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Howard Rollins acted in?
Howard Rollins has been featured in at least 21 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Howard Rollins?
Other notable films include "A Soldier's Story", "The Neighborhood", and "The Children of Times Square".