Mekhi Phifer has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike with performances that cross all cinematic genres. Phifer is perhaps best known to television audiences for his portrayal of “Dr. Gregory Pratt” on the long-running NBC series ER, for which he received two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He is also well known for his memorable role of “Future” in the iconic film, 8 MILE. 

Born and raised in New York, Phifer’s acting career began when he auditioned at an open casting call for Spike Lee’s CLOCKERS and was selected for the leading role.  Working alongside Harvey Keitel, John Turturro and Delroy Lindo, Phifer garnered critical acclaim for his compelling performance as “Strike,” a young New Jersey drug dealer involved in a murder cover-up.

On television, Phifer currently stars as “Markus Knox” opposite Octavia Spencer, Lizzy Caplan and Aaron Paul in Apple’s series TRUTH BE TOLD. Phifer also appeared opposite Laurence Fishburne and Forest Whitaker in History Channel’s mini-series ROOTS. Other TV credits include starring roles in the Showtime series HOUSE OF LIES, the Starz series TORCHWOOD, the hit FOX series LIE TO ME as FBI Agent “Ben Reynolds,” the Australian TV series, SECRET CITY, and the CW series FREQUENCY, as well as a notable guest starring role in NBC’s CHICAGO PD. Phifer also appeared in MTV’s highly rated film CARMEN: A HIP-HOPERA, in which he did all of his own rap work and starred opposite Beyonce Knowles. Phifer also appeared in the Emmy Award-winning HBO Original Movie, A LESSON BEFORE DYING along with Don Cheadle and Cicely Tyson. 

Phifer’s film resume includes a starring role in the remake of the top grossing 1978 horror classic, DAWN OF THE DEAD, opposite Sarah Polley and directed by Zach Snyder. Phifer also appeared as ‘Max’ in all three installments of the Lionsgate feature film series of DIVERGENT. Most recently, Phifer was seen in the independent feature CANAL STREET. Additional film credits include O, where he starred in the titular role opposite Julia Stiles, PAID IN FULL, RUTHLESS, SOUL FOOD, I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, HELL’S KITCHEN, NYC, and AN INVITED GUEST. 

Phifer made his Broadway debut alongside Dule Hill, Tracie Thoms, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Condola Rashad in Lydia R. Diamond’s critically acclaimed play STICK FLY, produced by Alicia Keys and directed by Kenny Leon.