---
name: "Regina King"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/regina-king"
fi1m_id: "regina-king"
imdb_id: "nm0005093"
tmdb_id: 9788
wikidata_id: "Q234544"
roles: ["Actor","Director"]
born: "15 January 1971"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 15
average_fi1m_score: 79
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-05T01:16:36.757391+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."
---

# Regina King

## Identity

Regina King

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/regina-king
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** regina-king
- **IMDb ID:** nm0005093
- **TMDB ID:** 9788
- **Wikidata ID:** Q234544
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina_King, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234544, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005093/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/9788

Actor and director. Born 15 January 1971 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Director
- **Born:** 15 January 1971, Los Angeles, California, USA
- **Active:** 1990–present
- **Also known as:**  Regina Rene King
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 15: 11 acting, 4 directing
- **Frequently works with:** [Carly Wray](https://film.one/person/carly-wray.md), [Christopher Chulack](https://film.one/person/christopher-chulack.md), [Craig Zisk](https://film.one/person/craig-zisk.md), [Cuba Gooding Jr.](https://film.one/person/cuba-gooding-jr.md), [Damon Lindelof](https://film.one/person/damon-lindelof.md), [Etan Frankel](https://film.one/person/etan-frankel.md), [Joe Lawson](https://film.one/person/joe-lawson.md), [John Wells](https://film.one/person/john-wells.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar (1 won)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 79, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1990s 80 (4), 2000s 75 (3), 2010s 80 (6), 2020s 76 (2)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 78 to 76 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 6 at 80+, 5 at 60–79, 0 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 2 of 9 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 10, Crime 4, Comedy 3, Sci-Fi & Fantasy 3, Romance 2, Thriller 2
- **Screen time:** 13 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $760m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina_King, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234544, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005093/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/9788

## Coming up

- *Children of Blood and Bone* (2027-01-13), as Queen Nehanda

## Streaming the US now

- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Boyz n the Hood*](https://film.one/film/boyz-n-the-hood.md) (86), [*One Night in Miami...*](https://film.one/film/one-night-in-miami.md) (84), [*If Beale Street Could Talk*](https://film.one/film/if-beale-street-could-talk.md) (81), [*Enemy of the State*](https://film.one/film/enemy-of-the-state.md) (73)
- **HBO Max:** [*The Leftovers*](https://film.one/tv/the-leftovers.md) (87), [*Watchmen*](https://film.one/tv/watchmen-2019.md) (84), [*Insecure*](https://film.one/tv/insecure.md) (81)
- **Netflix:** [*Southland*](https://film.one/tv/southland.md) (76), [*Shameless*](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md) (70), [*Caught Stealing*](https://film.one/film/caught-stealing.md) (68)
- **Disney+:** [*Jerry Maguire*](https://film.one/film/jerry-maguire.md) (81), [*This Is Us*](https://film.one/tv/this-is-us.md) (76)

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

## Fi1m on Regina King

> Regina King is especially good at making authority feel ordinary, whether through Marcee Tidwell's brisk confidence or Detective Roman's fatigue. We rate her highly for the choices that keep those capable women from becoming merely useful to everyone else.

In *Jerry Maguire* (1996), Regina King gives Marcee Tidwell enough confidence to keep the surrounding sentiment under control. Cameron Crowe's film makes time for the people around its sports agent, and King makes that generosity worthwhile, even in a crowded script. Alongside Cuba Gooding Jr.'s energetic Rod, her briskness gives the comedy another pace. We felt relieved by it: Crowe can take too long to explain feelings his actors have already made clear. There is good reason to watch her even when the film is busy with someone else.

Her early film work included John Singleton's *Boyz n the Hood* (1991), before *Jerry Maguire* brought wider notice. Supporting parts in film and television continued through the 2000s and 2010s, with *Ray* (2004) among the films. Wives and mothers recur, but the maternal feeling and physical restraint of *If Beale Street Could Talk* (2018) require something different from Marcee's brisk certainty. The distinction matters because confidence can be a dull quality when an actor treats it as sufficient in itself. *Watchmen* (2019), with King leading as Angela Abar, gave her a part requiring vulnerability as well as strength.

She began directing television episodes in 2015, then made her first feature with *One Night in Miami...* (2020), adapted from Kemp Powers' play. Her ability to handle a dialogue-driven ensemble is consistent with the attention she gives to supporting parts as an actor. It is a sensible use of her skills, though we would still send someone to the performances first.

In *Caught Stealing* (2025), her Detective Roman is tired where a less considered performance might simply be tough. Around Austin Butler's beleaguered Hank and the film's assorted criminals, she seems to be the only adult present. The chase is funny and companionable, but it does not linger, and King's presence cannot make it more substantial. Her choice is still worth noticing: fatigue gives Roman more character than another display of authority would. Start with *Jerry Maguire* for the comedy, and pay attention to what King does when Crowe threatens to get carried away.

## Biography

Regina King is an American actress and director. She was born on 15 January 1971 in Los Angeles, California.

She first gained attention for her role in the television series *227* (1985–1990). Subsequent film roles include *Boyz n the Hood* (1991), *Friday* (1995), *Jerry Maguire* (1996), *Enemy of the State* (1998), *Ray* (2004) and *If Beale Street Could Talk* (2018). On television she has appeared in *Southland* (2009–2013), *The Leftovers* (2015–2017), *The Big Bang Theory* (2013–2019) and *Watchmen* (2019). She has also directed episodes of several series.

King appears as Detective Roman in the 2025 film *Caught Stealing*.

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

## On Fi1m (15)

### Performed in (11) — the average rests on these

- *Caught Stealing* (2025), Fi1m 68, as Detective Roman — [page](https://film.one/film/caught-stealing.md)
- *Watchmen* (2019), Fi1m 84, as Angela Abar / Sister Night — [page](https://film.one/tv/watchmen-2019.md)
- *If Beale Street Could Talk* (2018), Fi1m 81, as Sharon Rivers — [page](https://film.one/film/if-beale-street-could-talk.md)
- *The Leftovers* (2014), Fi1m 87, as Erika Murphy — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-leftovers.md)
- *Southland* (2009), Fi1m 76, as Detective Lydia Adams — [page](https://film.one/tv/southland.md)
- *Ray* (2004), Fi1m 70, as Margie Hendricks — [page](https://film.one/film/ray.md)
- *24* (2001), Fi1m 78, as Sandra Palmer — [page](https://film.one/tv/24.md)
- *Enemy of the State* (1998), Fi1m 73, as Carla Dean — [page](https://film.one/film/enemy-of-the-state.md)
- *Jerry Maguire* (1996), Fi1m 81, as Marcee Tidwell — [page](https://film.one/film/jerry-maguire.md)
- *Boyz n the Hood* (1991), Fi1m 86, as Shalika — [page](https://film.one/film/boyz-n-the-hood.md)
- *Northern Exposure* (1990), Fi1m 82, as Mother Nature — [page](https://film.one/tv/northern-exposure.md)

### Directed (4)

- *One Night in Miami...* (2020), Fi1m 84, Executive Producer, Director — [page](https://film.one/film/one-night-in-miami.md)
- *Insecure* (2016), Fi1m 81, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/insecure.md)
- *This Is Us* (2016), Fi1m 76, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/this-is-us.md)
- *Shameless* (2011), Fi1m 70, Director — [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)

## Complete filmography (67)

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

- *Children of Blood and Bone* (2027), as Queen Nehanda
- *Caught Stealing* (2025), as Detective Roman — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/caught-stealing.md)
- *Escape Room* (2025), Actor
- *FOREVER* (2025), series, Executive Producer, Director
- *A Man in Full* (2024), series, Director, Executive Producer
- *Shirley* (2024), as Shirley Chisholm · Producer
- *The Harder They Fall* (2021), as Trudy Smith
- *Flag Day* (2021), as U.S. Marshal Blake
- *One Night in Miami...* (2020), Director, Executive Producer — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/one-night-in-miami.md)
- *Watchmen* (2019), series, as Angela Abar / Sister Night — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/watchmen-2019.md)
- *A Lifetime of Sundays* (2019), as Narrator
- *If Beale Street Could Talk* (2018), as Sharon Rivers — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/if-beale-street-could-talk.md)
- *Seven Seconds* (2018), series, as Latrice Butler
- *The Good Doctor* (2017), series, Director
- *The Snowy Day* (2016), as Mom (voice)
- *Insecure* (2016), series, Director — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/tv/insecure.md)
- *This Is Us* (2016), series, Director — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/this-is-us.md)
- *Animal Kingdom* (2016), series, Director
- *The Catch* (2016), series, Director
- *American Crime* (2015), series, as Aliyah Shadeed, Terri LaCroix, Kimara Walters
- *Planes: Fire & Rescue: Smoke Jumpers* (2014), as Dynamite (voice)
- *Planes: Fire & Rescue* (2014), as Dynamite (voice)
- *The Strain* (2014), series, as Ruby Wain
- *The Leftovers* (2014), series, as Erika Murphy — Fi1m 87, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-leftovers.md)
- *The Gabby Douglas Story* (2014), as Natalie Hawkins
- *Inside the Box* (2013), as Stephanie Miles
- *Let the Church Say Amen* (2013), Director
- *Scandal* (2012), series, Director
- *Shameless* (2011), series, as Gail Johnson · Director — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)
- *Our Family Wedding* (2010), as Angela
- *Southland* (2009), series, as Detective Lydia Adams — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/southland.md)
- *Living Proof* (2008), as Ellie Jackson
- *This Christmas* (2007), as Lisa Whitfield Moore
- *The Big Bang Theory* (2007), series, as Janine Davis — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-big-bang-theory.md)
- *Year of the Dog* (2007), as Layla
- *The Ant Bully* (2006), as Kreela (voice)
- *The Boondocks* (2005), series, as Huey Freeman / Riley Freeman (voice)
- *Weekends at the D.L.* (2005), series, Actor
- *Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous* (2005), as Sam Fuller
- *Ray* (2004), as Margie Hendricks — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/ray.md)
- *A Cinderella Story* (2004), as Rhonda
- *Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde* (2003), as Grace Rossiter
- *Daddy Day Care* (2003), as Kim Hinton
- *Damaged Care* (2002), as Cheryl Griffith
- *Leap of Faith* (2002), series, as Cynthia
- *Truth Be Told* (2002), as Rayne
- *24* (2001), series, as Sandra Palmer — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/24.md)
- *Down to Earth* (2001), as Sontee Jenkins
- *If These Walls Could Talk 2* (2000), as Allie
- *Love and Action in Chicago* (1999), as Lois Newton
- *Where the Truth Lies* (1999), as Lillian Rose-Martin
- *Mighty Joe Young* (1998), as Cecily Banks
- *Enemy of the State* (1998), as Carla Dean — Fi1m 73, [page](https://film.one/film/enemy-of-the-state.md)
- *How Stella Got Her Groove Back* (1998), as Vanessa
- *Rituals* (1998), as Iris
- *Jerry Maguire* (1996), as Marcee Tidwell — Fi1m 81, [page](https://film.one/film/jerry-maguire.md)
- *A Thin Line Between Love and Hate* (1996), as Mia
- *Friday* (1995), as Dana
- *Higher Learning* (1995), as Monet
- *New York Undercover* (1994), series, as Marah
- *Living Single* (1993), series, Actor
- *Poetic Justice* (1993), as Iesha
- *Boyz n the Hood* (1991), as Shalika — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/boyz-n-the-hood.md)
- *Northern Exposure* (1990), series, as Mother Nature — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/northern-exposure.md)
- *The NBC All Star Hour: Let's All Be There* (1985), Actor
- *227* (1985), series, as Brenda Jenkins
- *Story of a Village*, Director

## Gallery

- ![Regina King](https://film.one/media/person/8042/gallery-cbcf057cc7c6.jpg) Regina King — Image via TMDB
- ![Regina King](https://film.one/media/person/8042/gallery-985edbb04200.jpg) Regina King — Image via TMDB
- ![Regina King](https://film.one/media/person/8042/gallery-6faed1375593.jpg) Regina King — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 1 won

- 2019: Best Supporting Actress (won), for *If Beale Street Could Talk*

### Golden Globes — 1 won

- 2019: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (won), for *If Beale Street Could Talk*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 4 won

- 2020: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Watchmen*
- 2018: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *Seven Seconds*
- 2016: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *American Crime*
- 2015: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie (won), for *American Crime*

### Other awards — 3 won

- Critics' Choice Awards 2017: Critics' Choice Television Award (won), for *American Crime*
- BET Award for Best Actor & Actress 2005: BET Award for Best Actor & Actress (won), for *Ray*
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture 2005: NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture (won), for *Ray*

*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/regina-king