Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most important figures in modern history, a leader of the Civil Rights movement who left an incredible impact.

A prolific and powerful writer and speaker, his enduring words, including the landmark “I Have a Dream” speech, continue to guide and inspire today.

As the country celebrates Dr. King's legacy, we're taking a look at some of the actors who have had the honor of portraying the historical icon on stage and screen.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson portrayed Dr. King on stage in the play "The Mountaintop," which depicts the civil rights leader’s final night before his assassination on April 4, 1968. Angela Bassett co-starred as Camae, an angel sent to warn him of his impending death. Jackson shares a special connection with King's legacy too: he served as an usher at King's funeral in Atlanta.

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 15: Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett attend Broadway's "The Mountaintop" City Proclamation ceremony in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on January 15, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

Jeffrey Wright

Oscar-nominee Jeffrey Wright starred as Dr. King in the 2001 TV movie "Boycott," which focuses on the early stages of the Civil Rights movement and the yearlong Montgomery Bus Boycott. To capture the essence of King's powerful voice, Wright told The Washington Post, "I would fall asleep listening to his speeches, hoping they would seep into my subconscious, like by osmosis."

Jeffrey Wright as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2001 HBO film "Boycott"

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo portrayed Dr. King in 2014's "Selma," directed by Ava DuVernay. The film focuses not on Dr. King's entire life, but on the period of time he worked with other leaders to secure voting rights for Black citizens, culminating in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery. The film was nominated for two Oscars, Best Picture and Best Original song, winning in the latter category for "Glory," written by John Legend and Common.

David Oyelowo{ }as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2014 Paramount Pictures fim "Selma."

(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Martin Luther King Jr. (L) and actor David Oyelowo. Actor David Oyelowo will reportedly play civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. in a film biopic 'Selma' directed by Ava DuVernay. ***LEFT IMAGE*** 1964: American civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 - 1968). (Photo by Reg Lancaster/Express/Getty Images) **RIGHT IMAGE*** SANTA MONICA, CA - JANUARY 16: Actor David Oyelowo poses for a portrait during the 19th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Anthony Mackie

This 2016 TV movie mostly follows Lyndon B. Johnson's (Bryan Cranston) fight to pass the Civil Rights Act in his first year of office following the assassination of JFK. Anthony Mackie plays Dr. King, who pushed Johnson to pass the act, which was signed into law in 1964.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 17: Actor Anthony Mackie attends the NYC special screening of HBO Films' "All The Way" at Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 17, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for HBO)

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance played Dr. King in the 2000 miniseries "Parting the Waters," produced by musician and activist Harry Belafonte.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 14: Courtney B. Vance attends the NAACP Image Awards Dinner at Hollywood Palladium on March 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images For NAACP)

LeVar Burton

The former "Reading Rainbow" host and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" actor starred as King in 2001’s "Ali." The Will Smith-led movie, set during much of Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency, follows the life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 25: LeVar Burton attends Universal Fan Fest Nights Opening Night Event at Universal Studios Hollywood at Universal CityWalk on April 25, 2025 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood)

Paul Winfield

Winfield played the titular role in "King," a mini-series that aired on NBC in 1978. The show earned nine Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.

(Original Caption) Taking a break in the filming of the television movie, King. are left to right; actor Paul Winfield, Mrs. Coretta King, wife of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Reverent Martin Luther King Sr., and actor Ossie Davis. Winfield portrays the late Minister and Davis portrays King Sr. The part of Mrs. Coretta Scott King is played by Cicely Tyson. The movie aired on NBC-TV, on three nights, February 12th to February 14th.

Robert Guillaume

The Emmy-winning actor, best-known for his role in the 80s sitcom "Benson," portrayed Dr. King in the 1984 political satire "Prince Jack." The film follows the inner workings of the Kennedy administration as John F. Kennedy makes decisions alongside his father, brother Robert, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Martin Luther King Jr.

HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 16: Actors Bernie Kopell (L) and Robert Guillaume attend the ABC Television Network's 50th Anniversary Special at the Pantages Theatre on March 16, 2003 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

All of the above actors delivered excellent performances, capturing different elements of Dr. King's life and legacy through their work. It's no easy task, but they more than rose to the occasion to honor the Civil Rights legend.

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