Lucas Black is an American actor whose career spans over three decades, encompassing a diverse array of roles in both film and television. Born on November 29, 1982, in Decatur, Alabama, Black began his acting journey at a young age and quickly established himself as a compelling presence on screen.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Black’s film debut came in 1994 with The War, where he starred alongside Kevin Costner. However, his role as Frank Wheatley in the critically acclaimed Sling Blade (1996) garnered significant attention. His performance earned him several awards, including the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.
In television, Black made an impact with his portrayal of Caleb Temple in the CBS series American Gothic (1995–1996). This role showcased his ability to handle complex characters at a young age.
Notable Film Roles
Throughout his career, Black has taken on a variety of roles that highlight his range as an actor:
- Friday Night Lights (2004): Black played Mike Winchell, a high school quarterback facing immense pressure, in this sports drama that delves into the cultural significance of football in Texas.
- Jarhead (2005): In this Gulf War drama, he portrayed Chris Kruger, a young Marine grappling with the psychological challenges of warfare.
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006): Black took on the role of Sean Boswell, a teenager introduced to the world of drift racing in Tokyo. This role became one of his most recognizable, leading to appearances in Furious 7 (2015) and F9 (2021).
- Get Low (2009): He played Buddy Robinson, assisting a hermit in planning his funeral party, in this period drama alongside Robert Duvall and Bill Murray.
- 42 (2013): Black portrayed Pee Wee Reese, the Brooklyn Dodgers shortstop who supported Jackie Robinson during his integration into Major League Baseball.
Television Success
Black’s television career includes significant roles that have contributed to his reputation as a dependable actor:
- NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2019): He starred as Special Agent Christopher LaSalle, bringing depth and authenticity to the character over six seasons. His departure from the series was to focus more on his family and personal life.
Recent Projects
After a brief hiatus, Black returned to acting with roles in faith-based and family-oriented films:
- Legacy Peak (2022): He played Jason, a father embarking on an adventurous journey to bond with his stepchildren.
- Birthright Outlaw (2023): In this Western, Black took on the role of Jeremiah Jacobs, navigating themes of redemption and justice.
- Unsung Hero (2024): He portrayed Jed Albright in this inspirational drama about overcoming adversity through faith and music.
Personal Life
Lucas Black is known for his strong family values and faith outside of acting. He is married to Maggie O’Brien, and together they have three children. Black has also expressed a passion for outdoor activities, particularly fishing, which he shares on his YouTube channel, “Real Life Lucas Black.”
Conclusion
Lucas Black’s career reflects a dedication to portraying authentic, relatable characters across various genres. From his early days as a child actor to his recent roles in inspirational films, Black continues to engage audiences with performances that resonate on a personal level.
FAQ
What TV series does Lucas Black play in?
Lucas Black has built a notable television career, beginning with his early role as Caleb Temple in the CBS supernatural drama American Gothic (1995–1996). This series, created by Shaun Cassidy and produced by Sam Raimi, showcased Black’s talent as he portrayed a young boy entangled in the dark mysteries of his hometown, Trinity, South Carolina .
In 1997, Black starred as Conner Strong in the television film Flash, part of The Wonderful World of Disney series. The story follows a teenager’s bond with a horse, highlighting themes of perseverance and friendship.
Black’s most prominent television role came with the CBS series NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2019), where he played Special Agent Christopher LaSalle. As a key member of the NCIS team in New Orleans, LaSalle was known for his dedication and Southern charm. Black’s performance contributed significantly to the show’s success over its six-season run .
Additionally, Black made guest appearances in the original NCIS series, further expanding his presence within the franchise. His portrayal of LaSalle in crossover episodes helped establish a cohesive universe between the two series .
Throughout his television career, Lucas Black has demonstrated versatility and depth in his performances, leaving a lasting impression on audiences through his compelling portrayals of complex characters.
Why is Lucas Black famous?
Lucas Black is famous for his standout roles in both film and television, earning recognition for his authentic Southern charm, strong screen presence, and versatility as an actor. He gained early acclaim as a child star in Sling Blade (1996), where his emotionally rich performance set him apart at a young age. He later became widely known for his role as Sean Boswell in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), a part he reprised in later entries of the franchise. Additionally, Black is celebrated for his portrayal of Special Agent Christopher LaSalle on the hit series NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2019), which cemented his place as a household name. His combination of talent, relatability, and dedication to family-friendly, values-driven projects has contributed to a career that resonates with a wide audience.
What is Lucas Black doing now?
As of 2025, Lucas Black is actively engaged in projects that reflect his dedication to faith, family, and wholesome storytelling. After departing from NCIS: New Orleans in 2019 to prioritize his personal life, Black has focused on roles that align with his Christian values.
In 2024, he starred in Unsung Hero, portraying Jed Albright in a film that emphasizes themes of faith and perseverance. Black expressed that the story resonated with his personal beliefs and desire to create uplifting content.
Beyond acting, Black maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where he shares insights into his life, including family moments, outdoor adventures, and reflections on faith.
Additionally, he manages a YouTube channel titled “Real Life Lucas Black,” focusing on topics such as hunting, fishing, and discussions on traditional masculinity and Christian living.
Through these endeavors, Lucas Black continues to engage with audiences by promoting content that aligns with his values and lifestyle.
Why did Lucas Black quit NCIS?
Lucas Black Movies and Tv Shows
In television, Black starred as Caleb Temple in the CBS series American Gothic (1995–1996), showcasing his ability to handle complex characters at a young age. He later took on the role of Special Agent Christopher LaSalle in NCIS: New Orleans (2014–2019), appearing in 125 episodes and becoming a fan favorite for his dedication and Southern charm.
Black’s filmography includes notable roles such as Mike Winchell in Friday Night Lights (2004), Chris Kruger in Jarhead (2005), and Sean Boswell in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), a role he reprised in Furious 7 (2015) and F9 (2021). He also portrayed Pee Wee Reese in 42 (2013), highlighting his versatility in both dramatic and action-packed roles.
In recent years, Black has focused on projects that align with his personal values, starring in faith-based films such as Legacy Peak (2022), Birthright Outlaw (2023), and Unsung Hero (2024). These roles reflect his commitment to producing content that resonates with his beliefs and family-oriented lifestyle.
Beyond acting, Black maintains an active presence on social media and his YouTube channel, “Real Life Lucas Black,” where he shares insights into his life, including family moments, outdoor adventures, and reflections on faith.