Trivia

In 1993, during the filming of The Saint of Fort Washington in New York City, Rhames was unexpectedly reunited with his brother, Junior, a troubled, homeless Vietnam veteran who'd been estranged from the Rhames family for years.

Was given the nickname he goes by, "Ving," by his one-time roommate Stanley Tucci, when together for a time at SUNY Purchase.

Won a Golden Globe in 1998 for best actor in a TV miniseries for his performance in HBO's Don King: Only in America (1997). At the ceremony Rhames gave his award to Jack Lemmon, saying "I feel that being an artist is about giving, and I'd like to give this to you." Lemmon was clearly touched by the gesture, as was the celebrity audience, who gave Lemmon a standing ovation. Lemmon, who tried unsuccessfully to give the award back to Rhames, said it was "one of the sweetest moments I've ever known in my life." The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced later that they would have a duplicate award prepared for Rhames.

Was considered for the role of John Coffey in The Green Mile (1999).

He says people are often surprised that he isn't bigger in person, as he stands a little bit less than 6 feet tall and weighs a little over 200 pounds. He is, however, quite strong for his size, being able to bench press over 300 pounds.

Has been the voice in Arby's "We have the meats!" promotional campaign since 2015, and not, as often incorrectly thought, James Earl Jones.

Spent two years as part of the acting class of 1982 at the State University of New York at Purchase (SUNY Purchase) before returning to Julliard.

Raised on 126th Street in the Harlem area of New York City.

Is the only actor besides Tom Cruise to be in all the Mission Impossible movies (1996-2018).

Put on 30 pounds to look more imposing for his role in Striptease.

Step-daughter, Tiffany 15 years old. Daughter, Reignbeau, born 2000. Son, Freedom, born February 2002.

Was considered for the role of Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1990). He later starred in Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Day of the Dead (2008).

He credits his strong religious faith as a key to his success.

Is a huge fan of boxing and often goes to live major events.

Education: Juilliard, NY (Drama)

The son of a mechanic and a homemaker, and the younger of two boys.

Was named after retired NBC journalist Irving R. Levine.

Engaged to Deborah Reed (2000).

Lives in Los Angeles, California.

Invited to join AMPAS in 2006.