The Great Debaters - Cast

Denzel Whitaker

James Farmer Jr.
Actor

Denzel Washington

Melvin B. Tolson
Actor

Nate Parker

Henry Lowe
Actor

Jurnee Smollett

Samantha Booke
Actor

Forest Whitaker

Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Actor

Kimberly Elise

Pearl Farmer
Actor

Jermaine Williams

Hamilton Burgess
Actor

Gina Ravera

Ruth Tolson
Actor

John Heard

Sheriff Dozier
Actor

Devyn A. Tyler

Helen Farmer
Actor

Ritchie Montgomery

Deputy
Actor

Jackson Walker

Pig Owner
Actor

Tim Parati

Pig Farmer
Actor

Robert X. Golphin

Dunbar Reed
Actor

Justice Leak

Harland Osbourne
Actor

Glen Powell

Harvard Debater #1
Actor

Brian Smiar

Harvard Dean
Actor

Damien Leake

Wilson
Actor

Stephen Rider

Paul Quinn Debater #2
Actor

Gordon Danniels

Paul Quinn Debate Judge
Actor

Donny Boaz

Oklahoma City College Debater #1
Actor

Bonnie Johnson

Dr. Jennings
Actor

Charissa Allen

Benita
Actor

Michael Beasley

Trudell
Actor

George Wilson

Samuel
Actor

Fahnlohnee R. Harris

Clementine
Actor

Harold Evans

William Taylor
Actor

J.D. Evermore

Captain Wainwright
Actor

Sharon Jones

Lila
Actor

Frank Ridley

Security Guard
Actor

Jack Radosta

White Man at Lynching
Actor

Dom Flemons

Juke Joint Musician #2
Actor

Rhiannon Giddens

Juke Joint Musician #4
Actor

Marcus Lyle Brown

Howard Debater #1
Actor

Kevin Beard

Klansman at Lynching (uncredited)
Actor