Comprehensive List of Blair Underwood Movies and TV Shows From L.A. Law to Longlegs

Blair Underwood has maintained a prominent presence in American entertainment for over four decades, transitioning seamlessly between legal dramas, romantic comedies, science fiction, and high-stakes thrillers. His career is characterized by a series of breakthrough roles that helped redefine the representation of African American professionals on television. From his early start as a young attorney in the late 1980s to his roles in modern psychological horrors, his filmography provides a roadmap of the evolving landscape of television and cinema.

For viewers looking for a quick reference to his most impactful work, his career highlights include the iconic legal series L.A. Law, the heist thriller Set It Off, the recurring role of Dr. Robert Leeds in Sex and the City, and the intense drama Quantico. Recently, he has garnered attention for his role in the 2024 horror sensation Longlegs and the 2026 project Youngblood.

The Early Years and Breakout Success in the 1980s

Blair Underwood's professional journey began in the mid-1980s, a period where he quickly established himself as a versatile young talent. His debut was not on television but in a film that celebrated the burgeoning hip-hop culture of the era.

Krush Groove (1985)

In 1985, Underwood made his feature film debut in Krush Groove. He played Russell Walker, a character based on the real-life music mogul Russell Simmons. The film centered on the early days of Def Jam Recordings and featured appearances by hip-hop pioneers like Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J. For Underwood, this was a high-profile start that showcased his ability to carry a lead role in a feature-length production.

Guest Appearances and Early Television

Before securing a long-term series role, Underwood appeared in several notable 1980s programs. He had a guest spot on The Cosby Show (1985) as Denise Huxtable’s boyfriend, which introduced him to a massive prime-time audience. Following this, he spent a brief period on the ABC daytime soap opera One Life to Live as Bobby Blue and appeared in the short-lived crime drama Downtown (1986–1987).

L.A. Law (1987–1994)

The turning point in Underwood's career came in 1987 when he joined the cast of the NBC legal drama L.A. Law. At just 23 years old, he was cast as Jonathan Rollins, a brilliant and ambitious Harvard Law graduate who joins the prestigious firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak.

His portrayal of Rollins was significant for several reasons:

• Cultural Impact: At the time, depictions of successful Black attorneys in high-power corporate environments were relatively rare on network television.
• Critical Acclaim: Underwood received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film in 1991.
• Longevity: He remained with the series for seven seasons until its conclusion in 1994, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the legal drama genre.

Expanding the Filmography in the 1990s

Following the success of L.A. Law, Underwood shifted his focus toward feature films, often taking roles that allowed him to explore different genres, from westerns to science fiction.

Just Cause and Posse

In 1993, he co-starred in the Western Posse, directed by Mario Van Peebles. The film sought to highlight the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys in the American West. Underwood played Sheriff Carver, contributing to the film's ensemble cast.

In 1995, he appeared in the legal thriller Just Cause alongside Sean Connery and Laurence Fishburne. In this film, he played Bobby Earl Ferguson, a man on death row for a crime he claims he did not commit. The role required a high level of intensity and showcased his ability to handle complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Set It Off (1996)

One of Underwood's most beloved film roles came in 1996 with Set It Off. In this heist drama, he played Keith Weston, a bank executive who becomes a romantic interest for Jada Pinkett Smith's character, Frankie. While the film was primarily focused on the lives and struggles of four women who turn to bank robbery, Underwood’s performance provided a grounded, empathetic counterpoint to the high-stakes action.

Gattaca and Deep Impact

The late 90s saw Underwood venturing into large-scale studio productions. In the 1997 science fiction cult classic Gattaca, he played a geneticist, contributing to the film’s exploration of eugenics and social hierarchy. In 1998, he joined the ensemble cast of the disaster film Deep Impact, where he played Mark Simon, one of the astronauts tasked with stopping a comet from striking Earth. The film was a major box-office success and demonstrated his capability within the blockbuster format.

Television Dominance and Genre Versatility in the 2000s

As the television landscape became more experimental in the early 2000s, Underwood took on a variety of roles across different networks, including guest arcs on prestige cable shows and leading roles in medical and political dramas.

City of Angels (2000)

In 2000, Underwood starred in City of Angels, a medical drama produced by Steven Bochco. The series was notable for its predominantly Black cast and its focus on an inner-city hospital in Los Angeles. Underwood played Dr. Ben Turner. Although the show was short-lived, it remains a significant project in his career for its commitment to diversity and realistic medical storytelling.

Sex and the City (2003)

Underwood joined the iconic HBO series Sex and the City in 2003 for a memorable recurring arc. He played Dr. Robert Leeds, a team doctor for the New York Knicks and a love interest for Miranda Hobbes. His role was a significant moment for the series, as it represented one of the most prominent interracial relationships depicted on the show. Fans of the series remember Robert for his charm and the "cookie" scene that became a part of the show’s pop culture legacy.

The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006–2010)

Underwood displayed his comedic timing in the CBS sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus. He played Daniel Harris, a teacher at the protagonist's son’s school and a recurring love interest. His presence in the show provided a romantic anchor and allowed him to step away from the more serious roles that had defined his early career.

Dirty Sexy Money and In Treatment

Between 2007 and 2009, Underwood played Simon Elder, a mysterious and wealthy billionaire, in the ABC drama Dirty Sexy Money. The show’s focus on the scandals of the ultra-rich allowed Underwood to play a more calculating and powerful figure.

Simultaneously, he appeared in the HBO drama In Treatment (2008). In this series, which focused on therapy sessions, he played Alex, a fighter pilot dealing with the psychological aftermath of a mission. His performance earned widespread critical acclaim and a second Golden Globe nomination, as it required deep emotional vulnerability and a nuanced portrayal of post-traumatic stress.

Leading the Charge in 2010s Dramas and Thrillers

The 2010s saw Underwood taking on leadership roles in high-concept thrillers and reimagined classics.

The Event and Ironside

In 2010, he starred as United States President Elias Martinez in the NBC sci-fi thriller The Event. The series involved a massive conspiracy involving extraterrestrial beings, and Underwood’s role as the President was central to the show’s political and mystery elements.

In 2013, he took on the title role in a reboot of the classic series Ironside. He played Robert Ironside, a tough-as-nails detective who uses a wheelchair after a shooting. While the series was cancelled after a few episodes, Underwood’s commitment to the role and his preparation for the physical aspects of the character were noted by critics.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Quantico

Underwood joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe via television in 2015, playing Dr. Andrew Garner in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. His character was a psychologist who worked with the agency and was later revealed to have a transformation into the Inhuman known as Lash.

Immediately following his time at Marvel, he was cast in the ABC thriller Quantico (2016–2018). He played Owen Hall, a former CIA operative and lead instructor at the Farm. Over the course of the series, his character transitioned from a mentor figure to a CIA Deputy Director, and eventually, an active field agent.

Prestige TV and Modern Film Roles (2019–Present)

In recent years, Blair Underwood has been part of some of the most critically acclaimed limited series on streaming platforms, often focusing on historical narratives and social justice.

When They See Us (2019)

Underwood appeared in Ava DuVernay’s Netflix miniseries When They See Us, which told the story of the Central Park Five. He portrayed Bobby Burns, one of the attorneys involved in the case. The series was a global phenomenon, and Underwood’s inclusion in the cast added to the production’s gravitas.

Self Made and Dear White People

In 2020, he starred alongside Octavia Spencer in the Netflix limited series Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker. He played C.J. Walker, the husband of the pioneering hair care entrepreneur. The series explored the complexities of their marriage and the challenges of building a business empire in the early 20th century.

He also had a recurring role in the Netflix series Dear White People as Moses Brown, a charismatic and influential professor whose presence on campus sparks debate and conflict.

Recent Film Success: Longlegs (2024)

Blair Underwood’s film career has seen a significant resurgence in the 2020s. In 2024, he appeared in the psychological horror film Longlegs, starring Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe. Underwood played Agent Carter, a veteran FBI agent. The film became a breakout horror hit of the year, praised for its atmosphere and performances.

Future Projects: Youngblood (2026)

Looking ahead, Underwood is set to star in Youngblood, a 2026 project that reimagines the 1980s hockey classic. His continued activity in both film and television demonstrates his endurance in an industry that is constantly changing.

Full Filmography and Recurring Television Roles

The following table provides a breakdown of some of the most significant movies and television shows featuring Blair Underwood.

Voice Work and Audio Projects

In addition to his on-screen roles, Blair Underwood has a prolific career as a voice actor and narrator. One of his most notable contributions to the audio medium is The Bible Experience.

The Bible Experience

Underwood portrayed Jesus Christ in Inspired By... The Bible Experience, an 89-hour fully dramatized audio Bible. This project featured an all-star cast of Black actors and musicians. His performance as the central figure of the New Testament was widely praised for its depth and resonance.

Disney Candlelight Processional

For fans of seasonal events, Underwood is a frequent guest narrator for Disney's annual Candlelight Processional at Epcot. His participation in the event across multiple years (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2021) has made him a favorite among Disney park guests who appreciate his distinctive voice and storytelling ability.

Summary of Awards and Recognition

Underwood's work has been recognized by major award bodies throughout his career. While he is often noted for his consistency, several specific projects have garnered him high-level accolades.

• Grammy Award: He won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for An Inconvenient Truth (2009).
• NAACP Image Awards: He is a five-time winner of the NAACP Image Award, receiving honors for his work in L.A. Law, Murder in Mississippi, and Mama Flora's Family.
• Golden Globe Nominations: He has received two nominations for his roles in L.A. Law and In Treatment.
• Tony Award Nomination: In 2020, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in A Soldier's Play on Broadway.

Conclusion

The career of Blair Underwood is a testament to the power of versatility and professional longevity. By successfully navigating the shift from network television to cable and eventually to streaming platforms, he has remained relevant across generations. Whether he is playing a high-powered attorney, a romantic interest, a superhero-universe doctor, or a federal agent, Underwood brings a consistent level of gravitas and professionalism to his roles. As he moves into the mid-2020s with projects like Longlegs and Youngblood, his filmography continues to grow, offering new audiences a chance to experience his work.

FAQ

What is Blair Underwood's most famous role?

Blair Underwood is arguably most famous for his role as Jonathan Rollins on the legal drama L.A. Law, which he played for seven seasons. Among modern audiences, he is also highly recognized for his roles in Sex and the City and Quantico.

Was Blair Underwood in any Marvel movies or shows?

Yes, Blair Underwood appeared in the television series Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He played the character Andrew Garner, a psychologist who worked with S.H.I.E.L.D. and later transformed into the character Lash.

Has Blair Underwood won an Emmy?

While he has been nominated for several awards, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for his work in the special Give Us the Word. He also has a Grammy Award and multiple NAACP Image Awards.

What are some of Blair Underwood's recent movies?

In 2024, Underwood appeared in the successful horror-thriller Longlegs as Agent Carter. He is also slated to appear in the 2026 film Youngblood.

Who did Blair Underwood play in Sex and the City?

Blair Underwood played Dr. Robert Leeds in the sixth season of Sex and the City. He was a sports doctor and the neighbor/boyfriend of Miranda Hobbes.