Carl Lumbly

Biography

Carl Winston Lumbly, born on August 14, 1951, is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his impactful roles across film and television. He made history as the first black superhero on television with his portrayal in the series M.A.N.T.I.S. His impressive range includes playing Dick Hallorann in Doctor Sleep and NYPD detective Marcus Petrie in the classic CBS police drama Cagney & Lacey. Lumbly is also recognized for his role as CIA agent Marcus Dixon in the ABC espionage series Alias, and he lent his voice to J'onn J'onnz, also known as Martian Manhunter, in several animated installments of the DC Animated Universe, including Justice League, Static Shock, and Justice League Unlimited. He further connected with this character by portraying J'onn's father, M'yrnn, in The CW's Arrowverse series Supergirl from 2017 to 2019. More recently, Lumbly took on the role of Isaiah Bradley, the first Black super-soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021) and set to feature in Captain America: Brave New World (2025). Lumbly was married to actress Vonetta McGee from 1987 until her passing in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.