Morris Chestnut - Actor Profile

Morris Chestnut

Acting
Freshness: Jan 19, 2026
40Total Films
7.6 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 1, 1969
Birth Place: Cerritos, California, USA

About Morris Chestnut

Morris Lamont Chestnut is an American film and television actor. He is known for his roles as teenage father Ricky Baker in the 1991 film Boyz n the Hood, groom-to-be Lance Sullivan in the 1999 film The Best Man, as NBA star Tracy Reynolds in the 2002 film Like Mike, and as the Visitor Ryan Nichols in the TV series V (2009). His first professional acting role was as Jadon in Freddy's Nightmares: A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Series in the episode "A Family Affair" (season 2, episode 19) which aired on February 18, 1990. His first feature film role was as Ricky Baker in Boyz n the Hood (1991). He followed with roles in various TV movies. Chestnut also played a role on Patti LaBelle's short-lived sitcom Out All Night. His career continued to rise steadily with co-starring roles in standard big-budget studio films like Under Siege 2 (1995) and G.I. Jane (1997). In 1998, he won the annual Madden Bowl video game competition. In 1999, he starred in The Best Man with Taye Diggs and Nia Long in which he played a professional football player on the eve of his wedding. He reprised his role in Best Man Holiday. For both of his performances, he earned NAACP Image Award nominations. He then starred in The Brothers (2001), another film centering on the themes of fidelity and success among urban professionals. He has worked with Steven Seagal three times in Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, Half Past Dead and Prince of Pistols. He starred In Two Can Play That Game (2001), Breakin' All the Rules (2004), and Ladder 49 (2004). He again played a football player in The Game Plan (2007). He produced and starred in the film Not Easily Broken (2009). He starred as Ryan Nichols in the TV series reboot of V (2009). He then appeared in the films Think Like a Man (2012), and, in 2013, the films Identity Thief, Kick-Ass 2, and The Call. In 2013, he joined the cast of HBO's Nurse Jackie, playing war veteran Dr. Ike Prentiss. The following year, he won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2015, Morris Chestnut played Derrick Dog Prince in the movie Heist; and People magazine named him as one of the "Sexiest Men Alive" in 2015. He then starred in the films The Perfect Guy (2016) and When the Bough Breaks (2017). He played the lead role of pathologist Dr. Beaumont Rosewood Jr. in the series Rosewood, receiving another NAACP image Award nomination. He had recurring roles in the TV series Legends, The Enemy Within, and Our Kind of People. He had a starring guest role on the medical drama The Resident.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Morris Chestnut reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 40 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Morris Chestnut'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 30% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Morris Chestnut remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Boyz n the Hood, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Morris Chestnut Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Morris Chestnut's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Morris Chestnut.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2022 Halloween in Hollywood Self Flop Similar →
2020 Saving OurSelves: BET COVID-19 Relief Effort Self Flop Similar →
2017 Girls Trip Morris Chestnut Hit Similar →
2016 When the Bough Breaks John Taylor Average Similar →
2015 Heist Dog Average Similar →
2015 The Perfect Guy Dave King Average Similar →
2013 The Best Man Holiday Lance Sullivan Hit Similar →
2013 Kick-Ass 2 Detective Marcus Williams Average Similar →
2013 The Call Officer Paul Phillips Hit Similar →
2013 Identity Thief Detective Reilly Average Similar →
2012 Think Like a Man James Hit Similar →
2011 The Enduring Significance of 'Boyz n the Hood' Self Flop Similar →
2009 Love in the Nick of Tyme Marcelles Wynters Flop Similar →
2009 Not Easily Broken Dave Johnson Average Similar →
2008 The Prince of Motor City Leo Moore Flop Similar →
2007 The Perfect Holiday Benjamin Armstrong Flop Similar →
2007 The Game Plan Travis Sanders Hit Similar →
2006 The N Word Self Hit Similar →
2005 The Cave Top Buchanan Flop Similar →
2004 Ladder 49 Tommy Drake Average Similar →
2004 Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid Gordon Mitchell Average Similar →
2004 Breakin' All the Rules Evan Average Similar →
2003 Friendly Fire: Making of an Urban Legend Self Flop Similar →
2003 Confidence Travis Average Similar →
2002 Half Past Dead Donald Robert Johnson Flop Similar →
2002 Like Mike Tracey Reynolds Average Similar →
2002 Scenes of the Crime Ray Flop Similar →
2001 The Killing Yard Shango Average Similar →
2001 Two Can Play That Game Keith Fenton Average Similar →
2001 The Brothers Jackson Smith Hit Similar →
1999 The Best Man Lance Sullivan Hit Similar →
1997 G.I. Jane McCool Hit Similar →
1996 Firehouse Andre Flop Similar →
1995 Under Siege 2: Dark Territory Bobby Zachs Average Similar →
1995 Higher Learning Track Anchor Average Similar →
1994 The Inkwell Harold Lee Flop Similar →
1993 The Ernest Green Story Ernest Green Hit Similar →
1992 In the Line of Duty: Street War Prince Franklin Flop Similar →
1991 The Last Boy Scout Locker Room Kid Hit Similar →
1991 Boyz n the Hood Ricky Baker Super Hit Similar →

Morris Chestnut - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Morris Chestnut?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Morris Chestnut is "Boyz n the Hood" with a rating of 7.6/10.

How many movies has Morris Chestnut acted in?

Morris Chestnut has been featured in at least 40 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Morris Chestnut?

Other notable films include "The Ernest Green Story", "Think Like a Man", and "The Last Boy Scout".