Lawrence Gilliard Jr The Wire Role and Character Details
Lawrence Gilliard Jr is an American actor best known for portraying D'Angelo Barksdale in the HBO crime drama The Wire. He joined the show for its first three seasons, appearing in 20 episodes between 2002 and 2004. His performance as the conflicted young drug dealer became one of the series' most discussed character arcs. The Wire aired from 2002 to 2008 and is widely cited by institutions such as the Peabody Awards as one of the most influential television series in history The Wire Peabody Award.
Gilliard's casting as D'Angelo Barksdale was based on his ability to convey internal conflict through subtle physicality and dialogue delivery. The character's storyline covers the tension between family loyalty and moral doubt within the Barksdale Organization. The Wire used fictionalized versions of Baltimore institutions to explore systemic issues in policing, education, and politics HBO The Wire Series Page.
Lawrence Gilliard Jr Career Timeline Beyond The Wire
Film and Television Work After The Wire
After The Wire, Gilliard appeared in films such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008) and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019). He took supporting roles in HBO miniseries including The Night Of (2016) and the Showtime drama The Looming Tower (2018). He has also performed extensively on stage, including Broadway and Off-Broadway productions in New York City IBDB Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
Voice and Guest Roles
Gilliard has taken voice roles in animated series and guest-starred in network dramas and procedurals. His credits include appearances in Law & Order and other long-running franchises. He has balanced screen work with theater, maintaining a presence in New York's performing arts scene.
Lawrence Gilliard Jr Net Worth and Financial Profile
Estimated Net Worth and Income Sources
Public estimates place Lawrence Gilliard Jr's net worth in the low millions of dollars, derived primarily from television and film acting fees. His earnings include per-episode compensation from The Wire and subsequent screen roles, along with stage work compensation. Exact salary figures for his individual projects are not publicly disclosed by studios or networks.
Comparisons and Industry Context
Compared with peers from ensemble dramas of the same era, Gilliard's career earnings reflect a steady, project-based trajectory rather than blockbuster franchise paydays. His financial profile is consistent with working actors who balance prestige television, independent film, and theater. Data on actor compensation is often sourced from industry reports and union filings SEC EDGAR Filings for Entertainment Companies.