Trivia

In 1993, during the filming of The Saint of Fort Washington in New York City, Rhames was unexpectedly reunited with his brother, Junior, a troubled, homeless Vietnam veteran who'd been estranged from the Rhames family for years.

Was considered for the role of John Coffey in Milagros inesperados (1999).

Won a Golden Globe in 1998 for best actor in a TV miniseries for his performance in HBO's Don King: Only in America (1997). At the ceremony Rhames gave his award to Jack Lemmon, saying "I feel that being an artist is about giving, and I'd like to give this to you." Lemmon was clearly touched by the gesture, as was the celebrity audience, who gave Lemmon a standing ovation. Lemmon, who tried unsuccessfully to give the award back to Rhames, said it was "one of the sweetest moments I've ever known in my life." The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced later that they would have a duplicate award prepared for Rhames.

Was given the nickname he goes by, "Ving," by his one-time roommate Stanley Tucci, when together for a time at SUNY Purchase.

He says people are often surprised that he isn't bigger in person, as he stands a little bit less than 6 feet tall and weighs a little over 200 pounds. He is, however, quite strong for his size, being able to bench press over 300 pounds.

Has been the voice in Arby's "We have the meats!" promotional campaign since 2015, and not, as often incorrectly thought, James Earl Jones.

Is the only actor besides Tom Cruise to be in all the Mission Impossible movies (1996-2025).

Is a huge fan of boxing and often goes to live major events.

He credits his strong religious faith as a key to his success.

Raised on 126th Street in the Harlem area of New York City.

Step-daughter, Tiffany 15 years old. Daughter, Reignbeau, born 2000. Son, Freedom, born February 2002.

Spent two years as part of the acting class of 1982 at the State University of New York at Purchase (SUNY Purchase) before returning to Julliard.

Put on 30 pounds to look more imposing for his role in Striptease.

Education: Juilliard, NY (Drama)

The son of a mechanic and a homemaker, and the younger of two boys.

Was considered for the role of Ben in Regreso de los muertos vivientes 3 (1990). He later starred in El amanecer de los muertos (2004) and Day of the Dead (2008).

Was named after retired NBC journalist Irving R. Levine.

Engaged to Deborah Reed (2000).

Lives in Los Angeles, California.

Invited to join AMPAS in 2006.