Marque Richardson is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his impactful work as an actor, writer, artist, speaker, creator, and activist. His dynamic performances have captivated audiences on both the big and small screens, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Richardson’s creative journey is marked by his contributions to groundbreaking projects that challenge norms and push the boundaries of storytelling in film and television.
Currently, Richardson stars in the NAACP Image Award-nominated Hulu/Onyx Collective comedy series “Unprisoned,” opposite Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo. The series, created and executive produced by Tracy McMillan and Yvette Lee Bowser, is inspired by McMillan’s life. It centers on a relationship therapist and single mom (Washington) whose life is turned upside down when her father (Lindo) is released from prison after 16 years and moves in with her and her teenage son. Richardson plays Mal, a sensible caseworker at the group home from which Eddie (Lindo) has been released.
He is also known for his role as Reggie Green in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series “Dear White People.” The show, based on the film that won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize at Sundance, is a satire set on the campus of a predominantly white Ivy League university where racial tensions simmer. Richardson’s poignant portrayal of Green in an episode directed by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins was hailed as one of the best episodes of television that year.
His film “All the Way,” HBO’s adaptation of the Tony-winning Robert Schenkkan play, received an Emmy nomination for ‘Outstanding Television Movie.’ Directed by Jay Roach and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the film stars Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Melissa Leo, and Richardson as Civil Rights leader Dr. Bob Moses.
His other notable film credits include “Inheritance,” a thriller directed by Vaughn Stein starring Lily Collins, which was one of Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films with over 11.5 million hours viewed. He also appeared in “Antebellum,” a genre-bending psychological horror film starring opposite Janelle Monáe, and in the Netflix YA hit “Step Sisters,” a sorority comedy directed by Charles Stone III and produced by Matt Alvarez.
Additionally, he can be seen in Amazon Prime’s limited drama series “Tell Me Your Secrets” as Tom, a credulous Louisiana cop who forms a close connection with Emma, a mysterious newcomer to town played by Lily Rabe.
Richardson’s other extensive television credits include recurring roles on Nat Geo’s “Genius: Aretha,” HBO’s “The Newsroom,” and “True Blood,” as well as guest star roles on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Anger Management,” and “Community.”
A graduate of the University of Southern California, Richardson trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade, the Ivana Chubbuck Studio, the Margie Haber Studio, and studied screenwriting at UCLA. Born on a naval base in San Diego, California, to parents who served in the United States Navy, he began his acting career in commercials at the age of four. Raised primarily in Bellflower, California, he graduated from USC with degrees in Public Policy, Planning, Management, and Business on a full scholarship from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
After graduation, Richardson worked at Will Smith’s production company, Overbrook Entertainment, to gain insight into life behind the camera. He is a strong advocate for community service, having been involved in various global service projects. He co-founded The Jordan Edwards Memorial Scholarship with the cast and crew of “Dear White People,” in memory of the 15-year-old Jordan Edwards of Dallas, Texas, who was slain by police. He traveled to Khao Lak, Thailand, to provide relief after the 2004 tsunami, and worked with Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (post-Hurricane Katrina) and Retalhuleu, Guatemala.
Richardson currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Law Center and as a mentor to various student programs across Los Angeles, continuing his commitment to giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation of talent.
Photo Credit: Bukunmi Grace