How 'Black Monday' Star, Don Cheadle, Became a Legend In Hollywood

Don Cheadle is an American producer, writer, director, and actor. He firmly established a name for himself in the 90s. Before that, he struggled with proving his skills to the world. He was quite famous for his role in the movie “Hamburger Hill,” which was released in the year 1987.

The 90s blessed Cheadle with a plethora of opportunities that he didn’t take for granted. He delivered stellar performances in movies like “Boogie Nights,” “Devil in a Blue Dress,” and “Rosewood.”

Other Cheadle films include "The Rat Pack," "Things Behind the Sun," "Swordfish," "Crash," "Ocean’s Twelve," "Iron Man 2" and "Iron Man 3." In 2004, he was the lead actor in the genocide drama "Hotel Rwanda." This earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

In 2007, he and fellow actor George Clooney were presented with the Summit Peace Award for their contribution to putting an end to genocide in Darfur. They also helped relieve the suffering of the people of Darfur.

After he appeared in the sitcom "House of Lies," he landed a Golden Globe Award. He was again nominated for the series in 2013 and 2014. According to CelebrityNetWorth, he’s estimated to own about $40 million.

Cheadle made his MCU debut with "Iron Man 2" in 2010, as a replacement for Terrance Howard.

Howard was supposed to get $8 million to reprise Rhodey, but things didn't work out and he left the project behind. Cheadle was then called in to play the character.

The first edition of Cheadle's Marvel movies did not get him much money. The actor made less money, even compared to Terrance Howard's debut MCU performance which got him around three to four million dollars.

Marvel Studios actors like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johannsson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and others reportedly got over $20 million just for one film. Downey Jr., who was considered a pioneer actor as he kickstarted the MCU, made the most. Although Cheadle was amongst the top cast members, his salary was reported to be very low.

Even after Cheadle's Marvel movies success, there was no extensive raise in his paycheck. He has appeared in big-budget films like "Iron Man 3," "Avengers: Age of Ultron," "Captain America: Civil War," "Avengers: Infinity War," and "Avengers: Endgame."

The actor's salary for each of them was close to only $6 or $7 million. Combined Don Cheadle's net worth from Marvel films would be around $40 million in 12 years. This is quite limited considering the pay his colleagues received, the status of his character, the time he spent, and the franchise’s name.

Nonetheless, the movies gave the Golden Globe winner worldwide recognition. His run in the MCU is still ongoing, while some of his contemporaries have retired. Cheadle bagged a solo Marvel series titled "Armor Wars'' and will soon be seen in a cameo in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier."

The actor was born in Kansas City, Missouri, with the name “Donald Frank Cheadle Jr.” He was born on November 29, 1964. He is the son of Bettye and Donald Frank Cheadle Sr. and his family moved from city to city throughout his childhood.

Cheadle was involved with the arts throughout his high school years. He also played saxophone for a jazz band in East High School, Denver. Furthermore, he actively participated in the events of the Theatre Department of the school.

Cheadle was associated with director Catherine Davis in his high school days. He graduated in the year 1982 and went on to acquire college-level education.

He obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the California Institute of the Arts.

The "Avengers: Endgame" star quietly tied the knot with actress Bridgid Coulter, his partner of 28 years, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Cheadle relayed how it happened. "Our accountant proposed to both of us and he showed us the numbers, and we said, 'Yeah, we should probably do it,'"

He said it did come up over the years, but the duo never really saw the point.

"It came up a lot of times," Cheadle added. "But every time, we were like, 'But we're already together?'"

Coulter, who was with Cheadle for the interview, joked "You've got to make sure. I wasn't sure. Now, I think I'm almost sure."

She also added in a jocular tone, "Wait 28 years before you get married. Do not rush into things. Be very careful!"

In the same interview, Cheadle narrated why they eventually got to do it. "Really, it's because our accountant proposed to us. I wish there were some big sweet romantic story, but the romance happened, you know, the first year."

Coulter was Cheadle's co-star in the 1997 film "Rosewood." They started dating in 1992, and are also parents to daughters Ayana and Imani.