Brian Mitchell

A commanding stage presence with a rich baritone voice, Brian Stokes Mitchell was touted as an overnight success when he starred in the stage musical "Ragtime" in Toronto in 1996 and on Broadway in 1998. In reality, the handsome, trim actor had been working toward that goal since he was a teenager in San Diego. The youngest son of a former Tuskegee airman and a policewoman, Mitchell began his career with the San Diego Junior Youth Theatre. By the time he was 14, he made his professional debut in the chorus of "Godspell" at the Old Globe Theatre. After high school, Mitchell moved to L.A., spending three seasons with the Twelfth Night Repertory Company. In 1979, he answered a casting advertisement in DRAMA-LOGUE and landed his first TV role as John Dolan in the ABC miniseries "Roots: The Next Generation". Shortly thereafter, Mitchell landed the regular role of Dr. Justin 'Jackpot' Jackson on the CBS medical series "Trapper John, M.D." (1979-86) followed by a stint as a cop in "Houston Knights" (CBS, 1987-88).

His television work provided financial security and Mitchell used some of his salary to purchase a house and build a state-of-the-art recording studio. After his two TV series, he turned to stage work, landing the role of the hero's best friend in "Mail" (1988), which led to his Broadway debut. Famed impresario David Merrick cast Mitchell in the lead in an all-black revival of the Gershwin musical "Oh, Kay!" (1990), but critics and audience were not impressed with the show. Mitchell segued to the big screen in a small supporting role in the Bill Cosby vehicle "Ghost Dad" (1990) before landing a recurring role during the 1992-93 season of NBC's "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". The stage beckoned again when Mitchell was selected as Gregory Hines replacement as musician Jelly Roll Morton in the award-winning "Jelly's Last Jam" in 1993. After succeeding Anthony Crivello as Valentin in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" the following year, he began to gain recognition as a musical performer of note. Garth Drabinsky, the producer of "Spider Woman", decided Mitchell was born to play Coalhouse Walker Jr. in "Ragtime" and over a three year-period, from initial readings through workshops and concept albums, Mitchell honed his characterization. He played the role in the Toronto premiere. the L.A. engagement and the Broadway opening in January 1998. Mitchell and co-star Audra McDonald anchored one of the musical's main stories and their first act duet of "Wheels of a Dream" was one of the high points in the show. The actor received a Tony nomination as Lead Actor in a Musical for his performance. Now recognized as a major figure in the theater, Mitchell seemed poised for success in other venues. Whether he would continue on stage or in features remains to be seen.