Bill Duke (born William Henry Duke, Jr. on February 26, 1943 in Poughkeepsie, New York) is an American actor, director, producer, and humanitarian known for his commanding presence on screen and his groundbreaking work behind the camera.
He broke into acting in the 1970s — notable early roles include Car Wash (1976) — and has since appeared in high-profile action and crime films like Commando (1985), Predator (1987), Deep Cover (1992) and Action Jackson (1988).
As a director, he has been praised for films that explore Black American experiences, such as A Rage in Harlem (1991) and Hoodlum (1997).
Off screen, Duke has contributed significantly to education and mentoring, including via the Duke Media Foundation, which prepares young people for careers in media, film, and related fields.
New Venture: Bill Duke TV
Bill Duke is also launching a new TV channel called Bill Duke TV, which will be coming soon to eZWay TV.
The channel is expected to feature content aligned with his legacy — edutainment, culture, and storytelling rooted in his decades of experience.