James Monroe Iglehart has captivated audiences with his mesmerizing performances for nearly his entire life. His versatility and high-energy performances have earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of critics. From movies and TV shows to Broadway plays, Iglehart has proven that there’s nothing he can’t do. Let’s dive into 10 lesser-known facts about this multi-talented performer.
1. Acting Runs in the Family
James isn’t the only Iglehart with a passion for acting. His father, also named James, began his acting career in the late 60s and continued through the 70s. Although he hasn’t appeared on screen since 1978, it’s clear that the acting bug was passed down to his son.
2. A Star from the Start
Iglehart’s introduction to the entertainment industry came at the tender age of four when he made his on-screen debut in the 1978 film Death Force, alongside his father. After this early start, he didn’t make another on-screen appearance until 2003.
3. Broadway Success
While many fans are familiar with Iglehart’s on-screen work, they may not know about his incredibly successful stage career. He has been a part of several Broadway productions, most notably winning a Tony Award in 2014 for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as the Genie in Aladdin.
4. Hip Hop Talents
Iglehart’s musical abilities extend beyond his acting career. He is a member of a hip-hop group called Freestyle Love Supreme, founded in 2004. The group performed on Broadway from 2019 to 2020 in a production of the same name.
5. A Robin Williams Admirer
Playing the Genie on Broadway was a dream come true for Iglehart, not only for the opportunity but also as a fan of Robin Williams. In an interview with Broadway World, he said, “I do pay homage to Robin in certain spots because he was one of my childhood heroes. His influence is there just because he’s awesome, but I try not to copy him in any way just out of respect for his genius.”
6. The Voice Behind the Characters
As a creative individual, Iglehart enjoys expressing himself in various ways. In addition to his live-action work, he has lent his voice to numerous animated projects, such as Lance Strongbow in Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure and a role in the video game Silent Line: Armored Core.
7. Social Media Savvy
Iglehart understands the power of social media as a tool for connecting with fans and promoting his projects. He is very active on both Instagram and Twitter, engaging with his followers and sharing updates on his work.
8. Embracing His Body
The entertainment industry is notorious for its superficial standards and pressure to conform to a certain look. However, Iglehart has found success by embracing his body as it is. He told Black Film, “This works for me. When I was skinny, I didn’t get work. When I came out of college, I didn’t get work until the Iglehart gene kicked in.”
9. A Love for Classic Video Games
While Iglehart may not consider himself a gamer, he has a soft spot for classic video games. In an Instagram post, he revealed that he has arcade machines in his home, reminiscing about his first experience with the arcade game Star Wars in the 80s.
10. A Memorable Guest Star
Throughout his career, Iglehart has been a part of numerous successful productions, often leaving a lasting impact even in smaller roles. In 2017, he guest-starred in an episode of the hit TV show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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