From Agent Carter To Director: 7 Shocking New Roles That Define Blair Underwood’s Unconventional Career Evolution
Blair Underwood has consistently redefined his career for four decades, but the current period—extending into late 2024 and the start of 2025—marks one of his most transformative and surprising eras to date. The veteran actor, director, and producer is not just taking on new roles; he is deliberately choosing projects that shatter the image of the polished, heroic characters he made famous on shows like L.A. Law and Quantico.
This new chapter sees Underwood embracing the darker side of human nature, stepping behind the camera for a major psychological thriller, and engaging in provocative, unconventional storytelling on premium television. From a chilling horror debut to a complex directorial effort, the landscape of his work is fresher and more challenging than ever before, ensuring his continued relevance as a true Hollywood multi-hyphenate.
Blair Underwood: Complete Career Profile and Biography
Blair Erwin Underwood is an American actor, director, and producer known for his versatility across film, television, and theater. His career is distinguished by a commitment to complex, often groundbreaking roles that have earned him a reputation as one of the industry's most respected performers. He is a multi-award winner, including a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album, and nominations for a Golden Globe and multiple Emmy Awards.
- Full Name: Blair Erwin Underwood
- Born: August 25, 1964
- Birth Place: Tacoma, Washington, United States
- Profession: Actor, Producer, Director
- Notable Early Works: Krush Groove (1985 debut film), L.A. Law (as Jonathan Rollins, 1987–1994), Set It Off (1996)
- Major TV Roles: Jonathan Rollins on L.A. Law, Agent Lee on Sex and the City (a role he famously turned down a larger part in), Alex Parrish's mentor on Quantico, and the complex role of Richard in Three Women.
- Directorial Debut: The upcoming psychological thriller film Viral.
- Awards & Recognition: Grammy Award, multiple NAACP Image Awards, Golden Globe nomination, and Emmy nominations.
The Dark Side: Unpacking Underwood’s Recent Shocking Film Roles
The veteran actor’s recent film choices demonstrate a clear intention to move away from his traditional heroic persona and explore deeply unsettling characters. This shift has been lauded by critics and fans who appreciate his willingness to take risks, particularly in the horror and thriller genres.
1. The Demonic Adversary in Longlegs (2024)
Underwood made a chilling and memorable horror debut in the 2024 mystery horror film Longlegs, directed by Osgood Perkins and starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage.
His role as Agent Carter was a pivotal and shocking turn. Carter is initially presented as a stand-up, protective American boss, but the character undergoes a terrifying transformation. Underwood's portrayal of Agent Carter shifts from a figure of authority to a "demonic adversary," requiring a dramatic and intense performance that surprised audiences accustomed to his polished demeanor.
The film’s success and his commitment to the dark, atmospheric tone of Longlegs cemented his status as an actor who can thrive in any genre, even without seeing a finished script before signing on.
2. Directing and Starring in the Psychological Thriller Viral (Upcoming)
Perhaps the most significant development in his career is his dual role as director and star in the upcoming psychological thriller Viral. This project marks a major milestone as a director and showcases his commitment to producing his own challenging content.
In Viral, Underwood plays the lead character, Andrew, a man whose life spirals into intense paranoia after his wife mysteriously goes missing. The film explores the self-destructive cycle of Andrew’s mind, where the only path to salvation seems to be through confronting his deepest fears.
The film’s cast is equally impressive, featuring powerhouse talents like Sarah Silverman and Alfre Woodard, adding immense topical authority and anticipation to the project. Written by Joe McClean, Viral is poised to be a high-stakes, character-driven thriller that will further establish Underwood’s capabilities behind the camera.
Provocative Storytelling: The Starz Drama and Public Engagements
Beyond the big screen, Underwood has chosen television roles that delve into complex and often controversial aspects of modern relationships, while also maintaining a strong presence in public and professional forums.
3. The Unconventional Marriage in Three Women (Starz Series)
In the provocative Starz drama series Three Women, based on the bestselling book by Lisa Taddeo, Underwood plays Richard, the husband of Sloane (played by DeWanda Wise).
Richard is a successful, loving husband, but his marriage to Sloane is far from traditional—it is an open marriage. Underwood candidly discussed the role, calling it one of the most challenging of his nearly 40-year career due to its unconventional nature and the deep emotional complexity required to portray a character navigating polyamory and non-monogamy on screen.
The series, which also stars Shailene Woodley and Betty Gilpin, is a deep exploration of female desire, trauma, and identity, and Underwood's role as Richard is central to the narrative surrounding Sloane's seemingly perfect but deeply complicated life.
4. Broadway and the Theatrical Stage
Underwood remains a dedicated "Broadway thespian," consistently returning to the stage to challenge himself. His work in theater provides a grounding contrast to his high-profile film and television roles, demonstrating his commitment to the craft of acting in its purest form. This dedication to the stage is a key aspect of his multi-hyphenate career profile.
5. Honoring Black Excellence in Hollywood (2025)
Looking ahead to 2025, Underwood continues to be recognized and celebrated for his contributions to the industry. He was honored at the Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood Awards, an event dedicated to recognizing outstanding Black Men in Hollywood.
Sharing the stage with other respected figures like Clifford "Method Man" Smith, Jr. and Omar J. Dorsey, this honor underscores his status as an influential figure who has paved the way for future generations of Black actors, producers, and directors.
6. Keynote Speaker and Thought Leader (2025)
Underwood’s influence extends beyond entertainment and into the realm of thought leadership and motivational speaking. In 2025, he is scheduled to participate in several major events, including the XCEL Summit For Men in Orlando and serving as a keynote speaker for Hillsborough College's National BBCB Summit.
His involvement in these events highlights his commitment to mentoring and sharing his experiences as a successful Black man in a demanding industry, further cementing his legacy not just as an actor, but as a community leader and inspirational figure.
7. The Festival Circuit: Youngblood Premiere (2025)
Blair Underwood’s presence remains strong on the film festival circuit. He was noted for attending the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for the premiere of the film Youngblood. While specific details of his involvement in this project are still emerging, his attendance at such a high-profile event confirms his active and central role in the current Hollywood landscape as both a celebrated figure and a working professional.
In conclusion, Blair Underwood's career evolution is marked by a bold willingness to embrace the unconventional. By taking on the challenging role of Agent Carter in the horror flick Longlegs, directing and starring in the psychological thriller Viral, and navigating the complexities of an open marriage in the Starz drama Three Women, he is proving that his four-decade career is still in its most exciting, boundary-pushing phase. His choice of roles and his work as a director and producer signal a fresh, new era for the multi-talented artist.
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