Trevante Rhodes is an American actor who has gained recognition for his exceptional talent and performances in both film and television. His journey to success has been remarkable, starting from his early days as a sprinter to becoming an award-winning actor.
Early Life
Trevante Nemour Rhodes was born on February 10, 1990, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He grew up in a supportive family, with his parents, Demour Dangelo and Jessi Rhodes, always encouraging his dreams. When he was ten years old, the family relocated to Little Elm, Texas, where Rhodes would embark on his athletic and acting journey.
Rhodes attended Little Elm High School, where he excelled in both football and track and field. As a running back in football, he showcased his agility and speed, while in track and field, he specialized in sprinting events like the 100 and 200 meters. Rhodes earned four letters in both sports and even competed in the 2007 UIL Track and Field Championships, finishing second in both the 100 and 200 meters.
Sports Career
Rhodes’ talent as a sprinter did not go unnoticed, and he continued to pursue his passion for athletics at the University of Texas at Austin. Representing the Texas Longhorns from 2008 to 2012, Rhodes competed in various track and field events, including the 4×100 meters relay. His dedication and hard work paid off when he helped the U.S. team secure a gold medal in the 4×100 meters relay at the 2009 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Transition to Acting
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Rhodes made a bold career move by transitioning from athletics to acting. He relocated to KwaThema and immediately immersed himself in the world of acting. Rhodes landed supporting roles in several notable films, including “Ingoma,” “Open Windows,” “Shangri-La Suite,” and “The Night Is Young.” His talent and dedication caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to more significant opportunities.
Breakthrough in Film
In 2016, Rhodes had his breakthrough moment in the film industry when he portrayed the character of Chiron in the critically acclaimed film “Moonlight.” Directed by Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” explored themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. Rhodes’ performance as the adult Chiron garnered widespread praise and earned him accolades. He brought depth, vulnerability, and authenticity to the character, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Notable Filmography
Rhodes’ success in “Moonlight” opened doors to more prominent roles and exciting projects. In 2018, he co-starred in the science fiction action film “The Predator,” where he showcased his versatility as an actor. He then appeared in the post-apocalyptic thriller film “Bird Box,” starring alongside Sandra Bullock. Rhodes’ captivating performances continued to resonate with audiences, solidifying his position as a rising star in Hollywood.
In 2021, Rhodes portrayed the character of Jimmy Fletcher in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” a biographical drama film. His portrayal of the complex and conflicted FBI agent earned him critical acclaim and further showcased his range as an actor. Rhodes’ dedication to his craft and ability to bring depth to his characters have made him a sought-after talent in the industry.
Here is a comprehensive list of Trevante Rhodes’ filmography:
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | I Came Back | Dr. Peter Montgomery (Short film) |
| 2014 | Open Windows | Brian |
| 2015 | The Night Is Young | George |
| 2016 | Lady Luck | Daryl |
| 2016 | Shangri-La Suite | Mike |
| 2016 | Moonlight | Chiron (a.k.a. Black) |
| 2017 | Burning Sands | Fernander |
| 2017 | Song to Song | (Scenes deleted) |
| 2017 | Smartass | Mike C |
| 2018 | 12 Strong | Sergeant First Class Ben Milo |
| 2018 | The Predator | Nebraska Williams |
| 2018 | Bird Box | Tom |
| 2021 | The United States vs. Billie Holiday | Jimmy Fletcher |
| 2022 | Bruiser | Porter |
| 2023 | Candy Cane Lane | Tre |
| 2024 | Mea Culpa | (Post-production) |
Awards and Nominations
Rhodes’ exceptional talent and performances have been recognized by various award ceremonies and organizations. Here are some of the notable awards and nominations he has received throughout his career:
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Chicago Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actor | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2016 | Chicago Film Critics Association | Most Promising Performer | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2016 | Detroit Film Critics Society | Best Breakthrough | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2016 | Austin Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actor | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2016 | Austin Film Critics Association | Breakthrough Artist Award | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2017 | Independent Spirit Awards | Robert Altman Award | Moonlight | Won |
| 2017 | Dorian Awards | Film Performance of the Year — Actor | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2017 | Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2017 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture | Moonlight | Nominated |
| 2017 | Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Male | Moonlight | Won |
| 2023 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special | Mike | Nominated |
| 2023 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Supporting Performance | Bruiser | Nominated |
| 2024 | Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Supporting Performance in a TV Movie/Limited Series | Nominated |
Trevante Rhodes has captivated audiences with his raw talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. From his humble beginnings as a sprinter to becoming an award-winning actor, Rhodes’ journey is a testament to his perseverance and passion. With each role he takes on, he continues to push boundaries and leave a lasting impact on the film industry. As Rhodes’ career evolves, we eagerly anticipate the remarkable performances he has yet to deliver.
