John Legend to Play Harry Belafonte in 'The Road Home'
The EGOT-winning musician takes a starring role in the apartheid-era drama, which is shooting in South Africa and follows the Graceland controversy.
- EGOT-Winner John Legend has joined director Bill Condon's music drama The Road Home, portraying civil rights activist and singer Harry Belafonte; production is currently underway in South Africa.
- The drama explores the political fallout surrounding Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland, as the Anti-Apartheid Movement accused Simon of violating the United Nations' cultural boycott by recording in South Africa.
- Legend called playing Belafonte 'a privilege,' noting he was a 'mentor and collaborator in the struggle for justice,' while the film also follows South African jazz legends Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.
- News of Legend's casting follows the release of a first image of Thabo Rametsi as Masekela earlier this week; the film, which features Cynthia Erivo and Guy Pearce, is currently shooting on location.
- This project marks a significant acting role for Legend, who recently produced the Tony-winning Cats: The Jellicle Ball and wrapped his coaching role on NBC's The Voice earlier this year; a release date remains unannounced.
26 Articles
26 Articles
John Legend to play Harry Belafonte in ‘The Road Home’ - Regional Media News
You may be more used to John Legend onstage behind his piano, but in the new film The Road Home, he takes on the role of civil rights activist Harry Belafonte. "I was honored to know Mr. Belafonte as my friend, mentor and collaborator in the struggle for justice," he tells Variety. "He was an incredible human being who lived a monumental, revolutionary life. He was the epitome of an artist and activist who set a standard for me and so many other…
John Legend Lands Unexpected Role in His First Major Live-Action Movie in 10 Years
Photo Credit: Lionsgate John Legend lands a major role in an upcoming Bill Condon directorial. The musician will make his live-action appearance for the first time in the last decade. He will play one of the iconic civil rights activists in the movie based on true events. Condon’s The Road Home is currently in production and has recently cast Legend as one of the leads. The EGOT winner will portray the late Harry Belafonte, an entertainer and ci…
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John Legend to play Harry Belafonte in 'The Road Home'
John Legend attends The Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction 2026 at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 19, 2026, in New York City. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for The Gordon Parks Foundation) You may be more used to John Legend onstage behind his piano, but in the new film The Road Home, he takes on the role of civil rights activist Harry Belafonte. “I was honored to know Mr. Belafonte as my friend, mentor and collaborator in the struggle …
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