2020s

Know the Cast: ‘Rustin’

Rustin Cast - Every Actor and Character in the 2023 Netflix Movie

The Rustin cast features Colman Domingo, Aml Ameen and Glynn Turman. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for George C. Wolfe’s 2023 Netflix movie. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

*

Rustin takes place in 1963. As Bayard Rustin organizes a peaceful civil rights protest, he faces scrutiny about his sexuality. The narrative follows the main protagonist as he rallies people together for the 1963 March on Washington. Here’s every actor and character in Rustin.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Killer’

Rustin Cast: Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin

Rustin Cast on Netflix - Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin

Character Profile: A civil rights activist. He values passive resistance and organizational details. Bayard works as the Deputy Director of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Domingo’s Resume: Private Harold Green in Lincoln (2012), Ralph Abernathy in Selma (2014), Victor Strand in Fear the Walking Dead (2015-), X in Zola (2020), William Burke in Candyman (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Nyad’

Rustin Cast: Aml Ameen as Martin Luther King Jr.

Rustin Cast on Netflix - Aml Ameen as Martin Luther King Jr.

Character Profile: A civil rights activist. He defends Black people while dealing with malicious rumors. Martin stands up for Bayard on national television.

Ameen’s Resume: Trife in Kidulthood (2006), Alby in The Maze Runner (2014), D in Yardie (2018), Simon in I May Destroy You (2020), Junior Massey in The Porter (2022)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’

Rustin Cast: Glynn Turman as A. Philip Randolph

Rustin Cast on Netflix - Glynn Turman as A. Philip Randolph

Character Profile: A civil rights activist. He is a union organizer. A. Philip leads the March on Washington.

Turman’s Resume: Clarence V. Royce in The Wire (2004-08), Dr. Frank Hopper in Sahara (2005), Dr. Woodward in Super 8 (2011), Toledo in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020), Charles Mitch in Black Cake (2023-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘All the Light We Cannot See’

Rustin Cast: Chris Rock as Roy Wilkins

Rustin Cast on Netflix - Chris Rock as Roy Wilkins

Character Profile: The NAACP executive secretary. He values strategic moves while fighting for civil rights. Roy initially clashes with Bayard but ultimately lends his support.

Rock’s Resume: A Famous Stand-Up Comedian — Also, Saturday Night Live Cast Member (1990-93), Pookie in New Jack City (1991), Loy Cannon in Fargo (2020), Detective Ezekiel Banks in Spiral (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Wingwomen’

Rustin Cast: Gus Halper as Tom

Rustin Cast on Netflix - Gus Halper as Tom

Character Profile: Bayard’s boyfriend. He is Brooklyn-raised man who graduated from Howard University. Tom worries about Bayard’s wandering eye.

Halper’s Resume: Mikey Scaramucci in Happy! (2017-18), Bone in Cold Pursuit (2019), Joseph in Dickinson (2019), Will in Fear the Walking Dead (2021), Teddy Silas in Law & Order: Organized Crime (2022-)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Sister Death’

Rustin Cast: Johnny Ramey as Elias Taylor

Rustin Cast on Netflix - Johnny Ramey as Elias Taylor

Character Profile: A civil rights activist and minister. He coordinates the NAACP’s national and regional branches. Elias is a closeted gay man who develops a romantic relationship with Bayard.

Ramey’s Resume: Sylvester in Poz Roz (2019), Brad Hunt in A Baby at any Cost (2022), Alex Hanson in Calling for Love (2020), MB in Into the Dark (2021), Derrick in Act Your Age (2023)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Pain Hustlers’

The Rustin cast also includes:

  • CCH Pounder as Dr. Anna Hedgeman
  • Michael Potts as Cleve Robinson
  • Audra McDonald as Ella Baker
  • Jeffrey Wright as Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
  • Lilli Kay as Rachelle
  • Jordan-Amanda Hall as Charlene
  • Jakeem Powell as Norm
  • Ayana Workman as Eleanor Holmes
  • Grantham Coleman as Blyden
  • Jamilah Rosemond as Dorie Ladner
  • Jules Latimer as Joyce Ladner
  • Maxwell Whittington-Cooper as John Lewis
  • Frank Harts as Jim Farmer
  • Kevin Mambo as Whitney Young
  • Carra Patterson as Coretta Scott King
  • Da’Vine Joy Randolph as Mahalia Jackson
  • Adrienne Warren as Claudia Taylor
  • Bill Irwin as A. J. Muste
  • Jamar Williams as Tyrone
  • Hope Clarke as Lucille Randolph
  • Rashad Demond Edwards as Medgar Evers

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.