Clarke Peters

Clarke Peters, born as Peter Clarke on April 7, 1952, is an American actor, writer, and director, known for his iconic roles in popular television series. Much of his adult life has been spent in the United Kingdom. As an actor, his most distinguished roles include Lester Freamon in the television series The Wire (2002–2008) and Albert Lambreaux in Treme (2010–2013). In addition to acting, he also penned the book for the musical revue Five Guys Named Moe (1990). His work spans various films like Silver Dream Racer (1980), Endgame (2009), John Wick (2014), Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017), Harriet (2019), and Da 5 Bloods (2020), which earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Born and raised in New York City, Peters began his theater journey at the age of 12 in a school production of My Fair Lady. His early career took him to Paris to work as a costume designer for Hair, eventually leading him to London where he adopted his stage name, Clarke Peters, and started a soul band, The Majestics. His Broadway performances, filmography, and television appearances attest to his successful and diverse career. Interesting aspects of his life include his anti-Vietnam War stance that led to his arrest, and his subsequent life in Paris. Also of note is his devotion as a follower of the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement that originated in India.