Clarke Peters facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clarke Peters
Peters in Edinburgh in August 2010
Born	Peter Clarke (1952-04-07) April 7, 1952 (age 73) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor writer director
Years active	1970s–present
Spouse(s)	Janine Martyne Penny Ephson
Children	5, including Joe Jacobs

Peter Clarke (born April 7, 1952), known as Clarke Peters, is an American actor, writer, and director. He has spent a lot of his life in the United Kingdom. He is famous for playing Lester Freamon in the TV show The Wire (2002–2008). He also played Albert Lambreaux in the TV series Treme (2010–2013).

Peters also acted in movies like John Wick (2014) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). His role in Da 5 Bloods (2020) earned him a nomination for a BAFTA Award. He also wrote the story for the musical Five Guys Named Moe (1990).

Early Life and First Steps

Clarke Peters was born Peter Clarke in New York City. He grew up in Englewood, New Jersey. He was the second of four sons. When he was 12, he acted in his first play, My Fair Lady, at school. By age 14, he knew he wanted to work in theater. He finished high school in 1970.

Starting His Career

In 1971, Peters' older brother helped him get a job. He worked as a costume designer for the musical Hair in Paris. Later, Peters even acted in that show! In 1973, he moved to London. He changed his name to Clarke Peters because another actor already had the name Peter Clarke.

While in London, he started a soul band called The Majestics. He also sang backup for famous songs like "Love and Affection" by Joan Armatrading. But his main dream was always to work in theater.

Theater and Musicals

Peters got his first big musical roles in London's West End theatre. These included I Gotta Shoe (1976) and Bubbling Brown Sugar (1977). He also appeared in other well-known musicals. Some of these were Porgy and Bess, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago.

He also wrote a musical called Five Guys Named Moe in 1990. It was very popular and was even nominated for a Tony Award. He later starred in a UK production of the same musical in 2010.

Peters has also acted on Broadway in New York. In 1999, his performance in The Iceman Cometh won him the Theatre World Award. He played the lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago in 2000 and 2003. He has also acted in plays like Shakespeare's Othello and King Lear.

Television Roles

Many people know Clarke Peters from his TV roles. He played Detective Lester Freamon in the HBO series The Wire. He also starred in another HBO mini-series called The Corner. Both of these shows were created by David Simon.

Peters also played Mardi Gras Indian chief Albert Lambreaux in Simon's HBO series Treme. He appeared in two episodes of the show Life On Mars as Captain Fletcher Bellow. He has also been in shows like Holby City, Person of Interest, and His Dark Materials.

Film Appearances

Clarke Peters has been in many movies. Some of his film credits include Mona Lisa (1986) and Notting Hill (1999). He also played Nelson Mandela in the movie Endgame (2009). Other films include John Wick (2014), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), and Da 5 Bloods (2020).

Voice and Radio Work

Peters has also done voice work. He voiced a character in the Doctor Who animated episode Dreamland. He has narrated radio series for the BBC Radio, including Black Music in Europe: A Hidden History. He also read the audiobook version of Telegraph Avenue.

Personal Life

Clarke Peters has five children from three relationships. His daughter China Clarke is an architect, and his son Peter Clarke is a tattoo artist. Another son, Joe Jacobs, is an actor. He also has a son named Max, who played young Michael Jackson in the musical Thriller – Live.

As of 2012, Peters divides his time between homes in Baltimore and London. He follows the Brahma Kumaris faith.

Filmography

Television Roles

Audio Dramas

Awards and Nominations

Clarke Peters has been recognized for his acting with several awards and nominations:

See also

In Spanish: Clarke Peters para niños