Blair Underwood, born August 25, 1964, is an American actor with a career spanning film and television. He gained significant recognition for his role as attorney Jonathan Rollins in the legal drama L.A. Law from 1987 to 1994. His extensive filmography includes appearances in movies such as Just Cause, Set It Off, Deep Impact, and Rules of Engagement. On television, Underwood has held leading or regular roles in series like City of Angels, Dirty Sexy Money, In Treatment, and Quantico. He has been recognized with multiple awards and nominations, including Golden Globe and NAACP Image Awards.

Beyond acting, Underwood has explored other creative avenues. In 2007, he co-authored the novel Casanegra: A Tennyson Hardwick Novel with Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due. He has also lent his voice to dramatic audio Bible productions and has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including co-founding Artists for a New South Africa and supporting the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. His personal life includes a marriage to Desiree DaCosta, from whom he separated in 2021, and a subsequent marriage to Josie Hart in 2023.

Blair Underwood's acting career began with his debut in the 1985 musical film Krush Groove. He quickly rose to prominence with his role as attorney Jonathan Rollins in the NBC legal drama L.A. Law, which aired from 1987 to 1994 and earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he appeared in a variety of films, including the legal thriller Just Cause (1995), the heist film Set It Off (1996), the science fiction drama Gattaca (1997), and the disaster film Deep Impact (1998). Underwood also made a notable appearance in the 1996 issue of Playgirl magazine. His television work continued with lead roles in the medical drama City of Angels (2000) and the series High Incident (1996–97), LAX (2004–05), and Dirty Sexy Money (2007–09). He received further acclaim for his role in the HBO drama In Treatment (2008), earning another Golden Globe nomination.

In addition to his extensive acting career, Blair Underwood has ventured into writing. In 2007, he co-authored the novel Casanegra: A Tennyson Hardwick Novel with Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due. This marked his entry into the literary world, expanding his creative output beyond performance. Underwood has also participated in significant audio projects, lending his voice to dramatized audio versions of the Bible, including Inspired By... The Bible Experience and The Truth & Life Dramatized Audio New Testament. His involvement extends to theatrical productions, such as starring in the Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire in 2012 and A Soldier's Play in 2020. He has also been a frequent guest narrator for Disney's Candlelight Processional.

Blair Underwood has been actively involved in charitable work. In 1989, he co-founded Artists for a New South Africa (ANSA) with fellow actors. He has also been recognized for his humanitarian efforts, receiving an award for his work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and serving as a spokesperson for YouthAIDS. Underwood is associated with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation's clinic in Washington, D.C. He supported President Barack Obama's political campaigns and reportedly met Obama while researching his role on L.A. Law at Harvard Law School. Underwood was married to Desiree DaCosta for 27 years before their separation in 2021 and married Josie Hart in 2023.