---
name: "Harold Perrineau"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/harold-perrineau"
fi1m_id: "harold-perrineau"
imdb_id: "nm0674782"
tmdb_id: 6195
wikidata_id: "Q310551"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "7 August 1963"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 71
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 9
updated: "2026-10-05T02:48:44.938689+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Harold Perrineau

## Identity

Harold Perrineau

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/harold-perrineau
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** harold-perrineau
- **IMDb ID:** nm0674782
- **TMDB ID:** 6195
- **Wikidata ID:** Q310551
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Perrineau, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310551, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0674782/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6195

Actor. Born 7 August 1963 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 7 August 1963, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
- **Active:** 1990–present
- **Also known as:** Harold Perrineau Jr.
- **Frequently works with:** [Carrie-Anne Moss](https://film.one/person/carrie-anne-moss.md), [Hugo Weaving](https://film.one/person/hugo-weaving.md), [Jada Pinkett Smith](https://film.one/person/jada-pinkett-smith.md), [Joel Silver](https://film.one/person/joel-silver.md), [Keanu Reeves](https://film.one/person/keanu-reeves.md), [Lana Wachowski](https://film.one/person/lana-wachowski.md), [Laurence Fishburne](https://film.one/person/laurence-fishburne.md), [Lilly Wachowski](https://film.one/person/lilly-wachowski.md)
- **SAG Awards:** 1 SAG Award (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 71, as actor, over 9 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 77 (3), 2000s 65 (4), 2010s 80 (1), 2020s 65 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 67 across 9 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 2 of 6 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 5, Thriller 5, Science Fiction 3, Action 2, Adventure 2, Crime 2
- **Screen time:** 12 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,519m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Perrineau, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310551, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0674782/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/6195

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*28 Weeks Later*](https://film.one/film/28-weeks-later.md) (72), [*The Matrix Reloaded*](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-reloaded.md) (60), [*The Matrix Revolutions*](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-revolutions.md) (46)
- **Disney+:** [*Romeo + Juliet*](https://film.one/film/romeo-juliet.md) (82)
- **HBO Max:** [*Oz*](https://film.one/tv/oz.md) (80)
- **Apple TV:** [*FROM*](https://film.one/tv/from.md) (65)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Harold Perrineau

> Harold Perrineau holds our attention without crowding out the actors beside him. We value his ability to make difficult men worth understanding, particularly when the programme around him is hard to bear.

As Augustus Hill in *Oz* (1997), Harold Perrineau addresses us directly while remaining part of a crowded ensemble. His distinction is how firmly he holds our attention without needing the other actors to fade away. Beside Lee Tergesen’s vulnerable Tobias Beecher and Eamonn Walker’s Kareem Saïd, he makes Hill someone we want to understand, even when sympathy is difficult. We found *Oz* disturbing because its cruelty fell on men these performances had made us care about. Tom Fontana’s prison drama grows harder to defend as its taste for excess increases, but Perrineau keeps giving us a reason to watch.

His breakthrough in *Smoke* (1995) was followed by Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann’s *Romeo + Juliet* (1996), where his physical expressiveness has an obvious home. Perrineau uses his whole body, and the flamboyance makes him a natural fit for Luhrmann’s noisy approach to Shakespeare. We rate the film highly, though its editing sometimes gives Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes too little room to make the romance felt. That reservation matters when considering Perrineau too: enjoying an energetic actor does not oblige us to applaud every interruption around him. His presence belongs in this film, even when we wish the film would settle down.

Television has since given him sustained work as men under pressure, including Michael Dawson in *Lost* (2004) and the lead role of Boyd Stevens in *From* (2022). Perrineau has expressed disappointment with Michael’s limited development, a useful caution against treating every intense role as a gift to an actor. There is only so much a performance can do if the writing will not let a character develop. The move to leading *From* is a sensible one for someone whose ensemble work already gives us people worth following. Start with *Oz* for that quality, provided its mounting excess is a price worth paying for the performances.

## Biography

Harold Perrineau is an American actor. Born on 7 August 1963 in Brooklyn, New York City, he studied music and theatre at Shenandoah Conservatory. He began his career as a dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater before moving into stage work, including a revival of *Godspell*.

Perrineau's screen breakthrough came with the role of Rashid Cole in the 1995 film *Smoke*, for which he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. He played Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann's *Romeo + Juliet* (1996) and Augustus Hill in the HBO series *Oz* (1997–2003). Other notable roles include Link in *The Matrix Reloaded* (2003) and *The Matrix Revolutions* (2003), and Michael Dawson in *Lost* (2004–2010).

He has appeared in films such as *28 Weeks Later* (2007) and *Zero Dark Thirty* (2012), and stars as Boyd Stevens in the series *From* (2022–present). Perrineau is married to former actress and model Brittany Perrineau.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (9)

- *FROM* (2022), Fi1m 65, as Boyd Stevens — [page](https://film.one/tv/from.md)
- *Zero Dark Thirty* (2012), Fi1m 80, as Jack — [page](https://film.one/film/zero-dark-thirty.md)
- *28 Weeks Later* (2007), Fi1m 72, as Flynn — [page](https://film.one/film/28-weeks-later.md)
- *Lost* (2004), Fi1m 81, as Michael Dawson — [page](https://film.one/tv/lost.md)
- *The Matrix Reloaded* (2003), Fi1m 60, as Link — [page](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-reloaded.md)
- *The Matrix Revolutions* (2003), Fi1m 46, as Link — [page](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-revolutions.md)
- *Oz* (1997), Fi1m 80, as Augustus Hill — [page](https://film.one/tv/oz.md)
- *Romeo + Juliet* (1996), Fi1m 82, as Mercutio — [page](https://film.one/film/romeo-juliet.md)
- *King of New York* (1990), Fi1m 70, as Thug Leader — [page](https://film.one/film/king-of-new-york.md)

## Complete filmography (75)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *...And Out Comes the Wolf* (2026), Actor
- *LOST: Circle* (2023), series, as Michael Dawson
- *Unicorn Boy* (2023), as Guard Pantius (voice)
- *The Best Man: The Final Chapters* (2022), series, as Julian Murch
- *Without Ward* (2022), Actor
- *FROM* (2022), series, as Boyd Stevens — Fi1m 65, [page](https://film.one/tv/from.md)
- *Cold Brook* (2019), as Gil Le Deux
- *Dumplin'* (2018), as Lee Wayne / Rhea Ranged
- *The Rookie* (2018), series, as Det. Nick Armstrong
- *I'm Not Here* (2017), as Santana
- *The Bachelors* (2017), as Dr. Rollens
- *The Good Doctor* (2017), series, as Wes Keller
- *Claws* (2017), series, as Dean Simms
- *Stephanie* (2017), as Leader (uncredited)
- *Star* (2016), series, as Bobby Brooks
- *Goliath* (2016), series, as Judge Keller
- *Constantine* (2014), series, as Manny
- *The Mysteries of Laura* (2014), series, as Charles Baptiste
- *Z Nation* (2014), series, as Hammond
- *Sabotage* (2014), as Jackson
- *Growing Up Fisher* (2014), series, as Fred
- *The Best Man Holiday* (2013), as Julian Murch
- *Go for Sisters* (2013), as Wiley
- *Sexy Evil Genius* (2013), as Marvin Coolidge
- *Snitch* (2013), as Jeffrey Steele
- *Zero Dark Thirty* (2012), as Jack — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/zero-dark-thirty.md)
- *Wedding Band* (2012), series, as Stevie
- *Taking the Edge Off* (2012), Actor
- *Georgia* (2012), series, as Michael
- *Transit* (2012), as Losada
- *Sunset Stories* (2012), as Harold
- *Seeking Justice* (2011), as Jimmy
- *30 Days of Night: Dark Days* (2010), as Todd
- *Case 219* (2010), as Franklyn Bonner
- *The Killing Jar* (2010), as Dixon
- *The Unusuals* (2009), series, as Detective Leo Banks
- *Gardens of the Night* (2008), as Orlando
- *Sons of Anarchy* (2008), series, as Damon Pope — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/tv/sons-of-anarchy.md)
- *Felon* (2008), as Lt. Jackson
- *Your Name Here* (2008), as Rich
- *Ball Don't Lie* (2008), as Jimmy
- *Garfield Gets Real* (2007), as Husband (voice)
- *28 Weeks Later* (2007), as Flynn — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/28-weeks-later.md)
- *Criminal Minds* (2005), series, as Calvin Shaw — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/tv/criminal-minds.md)
- *Lost* (2004), series, as Michael Dawson — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/lost.md)
- *The Matrix Revolutions* (2003), as Link — Fi1m 46, [page](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-revolutions.md)
- *Spider-Man: The New Animated Series* (2003), series, as Louis Wyler / Turbo Jet (voice)
- *Dead Like Me* (2003), series, as Aroun Levert
- *The Matrix Reloaded* (2003), as Link — Fi1m 60, [page](https://film.one/film/the-matrix-reloaded.md)
- *On_Line* (2002), as Moe Curly
- *A Day in Black and White* (2001), Actor
- *Prison Song* (2001), as Uncle Cee
- *Starwater* (2001), Actor
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Rev. Rhodes
- *Woman on Top* (2000), as Monica Jones
- *Overnight Sensation* (2000), as Experienced PA
- *The Best Man* (1999), as Julian Murch
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Brian Traymor
- *The Tempest* (1998), as Ariel
- *Lulu on the Bridge* (1998), as Bobby Perez
- *The Edge* (1997), as Stephen
- *Oz* (1997), series, as Augustus Hill — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/tv/oz.md)
- *Romeo + Juliet* (1996), as Mercutio — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/romeo-juliet.md)
- *Blood and Wine* (1996), as Henry
- *Flirt* (1996), as Men's Room Man #1
- *New York News* (1995), series, as Benny
- *Smoke* (1995), as Thomas 'Rashid' Cole
- *ER* (1994), series, as Isaac Price — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Flirt* (1993), as Men's Room Man
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Jordan Hill, Kenny Rinker — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *King of New York* (1990), as Thug Leader — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/king-of-new-york.md)
- *Shakedown* (1988), as Tommie
- *The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd* (1987), series, as Singer
- *The Cosby Show* (1984), series, as Scott
- *Slay the Dreamer*, Producer

## Gallery

- ![Harold Perrineau at the 2014 Comic Con presentation for the TV show Constantine.](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-f50c8d2427d5.jpg) Harold Perrineau at the 2014 Comic Con presentation for the TV show Constantine. — Derek Hofmann, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Harold_Perrineau%2C_Constantine%2C_2014_Comic_Con.jpg/1280px-Harold_Perrineau%2C_Constantine%2C_2014_Comic_Con.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Harold Perrineau](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-73f2236efab0.jpg) Harold Perrineau — Derek Hofmann, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Harold_Perrineau%2C_Constantine%2C_2014_Comic_Con_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Harold Perrineau, Jr. at the Comic-Con LOST Panel.Harold Looks Serious! (2007)](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-552de29fff11.jpg) Harold Perrineau, Jr. at the Comic-Con LOST Panel.Harold Looks Serious! (2007) — Ewen Roberts (ewen and donabel), CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Harold_Perrineau%2C_Jr.jpg/1280px-Harold_Perrineau%2C_Jr.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Harold Perrineau, Jr. at the Comic-Con LOST Panel.Harold Perrineau came down to make up for his return being spoiled (2007)](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-819693088123.jpg) Harold Perrineau, Jr. at the Comic-Con LOST Panel.Harold Perrineau came down to make up for his return being spoiled (2007) — Ewen Roberts, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Harold_Perrineau_came_down_to_make_up_for_his_return_being_spoiled.jpg/1280px-Harold_Perrineau_came_down_to_make_up_for_his_return_being_spoiled.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Harold Perrineau](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-fe89b983e98d.jpg) Harold Perrineau — Image via TMDB
- ![Harold Perrineau](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-db1cfeb3f9a7.jpg) Harold Perrineau — Image via TMDB
- ![Harold Perrineau](https://film.one/media/person/86838/gallery-788b612d4e2b.jpg) Harold Perrineau — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### SAG Awards — 1 won

- 2006: Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series (won), for *Lost*

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/harold-perrineau