The 2019 action thriller 21 Bridges features a talented cast of experienced actors from both film and television, adding depth to the story. The plot follows NYPD detective Andre Davis as he takes charge of a mission to close all 21 bridges connecting Manhattan in order to capture two cop killers. Joining him is narcotics detective Frankie Burns, who has his own hidden agenda, along with a large team of officers aiding in the search for the criminals.
While receiving mixed reviews primarily due to its repetitive storyline, critics applauded Chadwick Boseman's performance in the film. Despite a 54% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience rating stands impressively high at 91%. 21 Bridges also holds the distinction of being Boseman's final big-screen appearance before his passing in August 2020. Alongside the main actors, the supporting cast in the action thriller also deserves recognition for their contributions to the movie.
Chadwick Boseman As Andre Davis
Chadwick Boseman showing his police badge in 21 Bridges - Chadwick Boseman As Andre Davis
Chadwick Boseman, originally from Anderson, South Carolina, was a talented actor known for portraying iconic roles such as the Black Panther/King T'Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Jackie Robinson in the film 42, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. He graduated from Howard University and honed his acting skills at the Oxford Mid-Summer Program. Sadly, Boseman passed away on August 28, 2020, following a private battle with colon cancer. He was posthumously awarded an Oscar for his portrayal of Black Panther in Marvel's What If...?
Some of Chadwick Boseman's notable movies and TV shows include Black Panther (2018), 42 (2013), Marshall (2017), and What If...? (2021).
Sienna Miller As Frankie Burns
Sienna Miller portrays the character of Frankie Burns in the movie.
Sienna Miller pointing a gun in 21 Bridges - Sienna Miller As Frankie Burns
Sienna Miller, born in New York and raised in London, began her career as a model for Italian Vogue and the 2003 Pirelli calendar. She has since built a successful career in television, stage, and film, with notable roles in movies like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), American Sniper (2014), and Burnt (2015). Fans can look forward to seeing her in Kevin Costner's upcoming Western film Horizon in 2024.
Notable Movies & TV Shows: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009), American Sniper (2014), Burnt (2015)
Character: Frankie Burns, another NYPD detective, specializes in narcotics. She teams up with Davis to track down the cop killers, all while keeping her role in the drug trafficking operation a secret.
J.K. Simmons As Captain McKenna
Captain McKenna (J.K. Simmons) on the phone in 21 Bridges - J.K. Simmons As Captain McKenna
Actor: J.K. Simmons has had a long and successful acting career. He is known for his roles in various movies, such as Juno where he played Elliot Page's father, and La La Land where he portrayed the character Bill. One of his most memorable performances was in the critically acclaimed movie Whiplash in 2014, for which he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Born in Gross Pointe, Michigan, Simmons initially pursued a career in music and studied at the University of Montana. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in music in 1978.
Notable Movies & TV Shows: J.K. Simmons has appeared in a number of notable movies and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his most well-known works include Whiplash (2014), Juno (2007), La La Land (2016), Being the Ricardos (2021), and the Spider-Man movies (2002-2023).
Stephan James As Michael Trujillo
Character: Michael Trujillo is a key figure in the precinct, facing inner turmoil after losing two of his team members. He secretly instructs Davis to track down and eliminate them without disclosing his involvement in the precinct's corruption.
Stephan James on a train in 21 Bridges - Stephan James As Michael Trujillo
Stephan James, a talented actor hailing from Toronto, has seen significant growth in his film and television career since his debut on television in 2010. His portrayal of Rayshawn in the series #Freerayshawn even earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series. James honed his acting skills at the Jarvis Collegiate Institute and occasionally shares updates on his social media profiles.
Notable Movies & TV Shows:#Freerayshawn (2020), Homecoming (2018-2020)
Character: MichaTrujillo is a former military member and small-time criminal who partners with his best friend in carrying out killings and thefts, causing significant emotional turmoil for Michael.
Taylor Kitsch As Ray Jackson
Taylor Kitsch and Stephan James in 21 Bridges - Taylor Kitsch As Ray Jackson
Actor Taylor Kitsch is best known for his role as Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights. He has appeared in both film and television, starring in movies like John Carter and Battleship. Originally from British Columbia, Kitsch grew up in Vancouver and later studied acting in New York City. He has also worked as a model for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch. Currently, Kitsch can be seen as the lead character in Prime Video's The Terminal List, which is set to have a spinoff called Dark Wolf, also starring Kitsch.
Some of Taylor Kitsch's notable movies and TV shows include Friday Night Lights (2006-2011), John Carter (2012), Battleship (2012), True Detective (2015), and The Terminal List (2022).
Deputy Chief Spencer: Keith David plays the role of Deputy Chief Spencer in the movie. Deputy Chief Spencer is on the hunt for ex-military criminal Ray Jackson and his best friend Michael Trujillo, who are being tracked down for killing several police officers in a shootout.
J.K. Simmons and Keith David in 21 Bridges - Keith David As Deputy Chief Spencer
Actor Keith David is well-known for his deep voice and has had a successful career in both television and movies for many years. He has played a wide range of characters, from the villainous Dr. Facilier in The Princess & The Frog to the hot-headed Childs in The Thing to a comedic role in There's Something About Mary alongside Cameron Diaz. Originally from New York City, David studied drama at Juilliard School and graduated in 1979.
Some notable movies and TV shows include John Carpenter's The Thing (1982), There's Something About Mary (1998), The Princess & The Frog (2009), Nope (2022), and American Fiction (2023).
Deputy Chief Spencer serves as a mentor for Andre Davis. He has been friends with Davis' father and has known the younger Davis since he was a child.
21 Bridges Supporting Cast & Characters
Alexander Siddig, Taylor Kitsch, and Stephan James in 21 Bridges (2019) - 21 Bridges Supporting Cast & Characters
Obi Abili plays Sergeant Butchco in the film. He is most recognized for his roles in Forgotten Man (2017) and Gambit (2012). Despite not having a significant presence on social media, little is known about his background.
Louis Cancelmi portrays Toriano Bush in the movie. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Cancelmi is a familiar face in the world of stage and television. His notable credits include portraying Thomas Wilder in Blue Bloods (2015-2016) and appearing in various roles within the Law & Order franchise.
Gary Carr portrays the character Hawk Tyler. He is a talented English actor, dancer, and singer, most famous for his role in the BBC series Death in Paradise. Additionally, he is recognized for his recurring character Jack Ross in Downton Abbey season 4.
Victoria Cartagena plays Sergeant Yolanda Bell. She is predominantly known for her work as a television actress, appearing in various genres. Some of her notable roles include Zoe Lopez in The Bedford Diaries and Lourdes in the drama series Manifest.
Chris Ghaffari plays the role of Brad Gales in 21 Bridges. He is a relatively unknown actor who has only appeared in a few movies and TV shows. One of his notable works is his role in Prodigal Son in 2020.
Christian Isaiah portrays young Andre in the film. Originally from Virginia Beach, he is both a model and actor who has taken on various roles in film and television. Some of his previous roles include Liam in Showtime's Shameless and young Tupac Shakur in Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.
Adriane Lenox as Vonetta Davis: Hailing from Memphis, Adriane Lenox has showcased her acting skills in various films. From portraying Denise Oher in The Blind Side (2009) to Gina in The Butler (2013), Lenox has displayed her versatility. Her portrayal of Mrs. Muller in Doubt earned her the prestigious 2005 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play.
Darren Lipari as Lt. Kelly: Originally from Long Island, Darren Lipari is recognized for his roles in short films and television. He is known for his portrayal of Bartender Bobby in Welcome to Chippendales and Tyler in the 2017 short film Pouring Glory.
Jamie Neumann is a talented musician, actor, and dancer who has performed with bands like Desert Stars and High and Mighty Brass Band. She is most recognized for her work in television and short films, notably for her portrayal of Dorothy in the TV series The Deuce.
Morocco Omari, originally from Chicago, is known for his work as an actor, screenwriter, and director. He has directed multiple short films and appeared as Conrad Fuller in several episodes of the 2015 series Homeland.
Dale Pavinski, known for his roles as an actor, director, and writer, has appeared in popular police dramas like Blue Bloods and NCIS.
Alexander Siddig, born in Sudan and raised in Britain, is recognized for his portrayals of Dr. Julian Bashir in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Doran Martell in Game of Thrones. He studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and has a child with his ex-wife Nana Visitor.
Sarah Ellen Stephens, known for her role as Selena Gaines in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, portrays young Vonetta. She is a talented actress, producer, and writer, with notable appearances in various short films.
Andy Truschinski takes on the role of Sergeant Dugan. Hailing from Wisconsin, he is a seasoned stage actor and director. Truschinski currently serves as the company manager for American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and has worked with theater companies globally.
21 Bridges is available to stream on Netflix.
Sources: Rotten Tomatoes, American Players Theatre
Editor's P/S:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of the cast of the 2019 action thriller "21 Bridges," highlighting the talented actors who brought the characters to life. The inclusion of images and brief biographies for each actor enhances the reader's understanding of their backgrounds and notable works. While the article mentions the mixed reviews received by the film, it emphasizes the audience's positive reception and the significance of Chadwick Boseman's final big-screen appearance.
Overall, the article effectively introduces the cast of "21 Bridges," showcasing their diverse talents and contributions to the film. It serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the actors involved and their previous works.