Badja Djola was an American actor known for his roles in The Last Boy Scout, Mississippi Burning, and The Serpent and the Rainbow. Born on April 9, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, he was often cast in tough or villainous parts and was also a former dancer. He passed away on January 8, 2005, in Los Angeles, California.
Personal and Family Life
Badja Djola was born to a family with African-American heritage in New York City. His early life and family background are not widely documented, but he had a passion for the performing arts from a young age, which led him to dance and eventually to acting.
Career
Djola’s acting career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in many films and television shows. He was notable for his ability to portray complex characters, often in supporting roles. His most recognized work includes powerful performances in films such as The Last Boy Scout and Mississippi Burning, as well as memorable guest appearances in popular TV series like The X-Files and ER.
Death and Legacy
Badja Djola died from a heart attack on January 8, 2005. His contributions to film and television are remembered through his diverse roles, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Djola is recognized as a significant figure in African-American cinema, particularly for his portrayal of strong and often challenging characters.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Burning | 1988-12-08 | Agent Monk |
| The Serpent and the Rainbow | 1988-02-05 | Gaston |
| Deterrence | 2000-03-10 | Harvey |
| The Last Boy Scout | 1991-12-13 | Alley Thug |
| Heaven’s Prisoners | 1996-05-17 | Batist |
| The Waterdance | 1992-05-13 | Decton |
| Knight Rider 2010 | 1994-02-03 | Zeke |
| Penitentiary | 1979-12-01 | ‘Half Dead’ Johnson |
| Butter | 1998-10-13 | Roscoe |
| Christmas on Division Street | 1991-12-15 | Scorpio |
| The Hurricane | 1999-09-17 | Mobutu |
| Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel | 2000-01-01 | Fast Eddie |
| Rosewood | 1997-02-21 | John Bradley |
| Gunshy | 1998-03-06 | Abel |
| The Brave | 1997-07-30 | Rider |
| Back in the Day | 2005-05-24 | Grant Brown |
| The Lightship | 1985-12-14 | |
| Who’s the Man? | 1993-04-23 | Lionel Douglas |
| Night at the Golden Eagle | 2002-05-17 | Gabriel |
| The Players Club | 1998-04-08 | The Doctor |
| An Innocent Man | 1989-10-06 | John Fitzgerald |
| A Rage in Harlem | 1991-05-03 | Slim |
| The Lonely Guy | 1984-01-27 | Native |
| The Main Event | 1979-06-22 | Heavyweight In Gym |
| The Price of Air | 2000-09-29 | Sugar |
| The Lone Gunmen | 2001-03-04 | |
| Chicago Hope | 1994-09-18 | |
| ER | 1994-09-19 | Mike Lembreaux |
| The X-Files | 1993-09-10 | Napoleon ‘Neech’ Manley |
| Roc | 1991-08-25 | William Long |
| Brooklyn South | 1997-09-22 | Clude Miller |