About Ro

Ro Boddie is a distinguished actor, educator, and presentation specialist whose commanding stage presence and nuanced performances have made him one of the most sought-after interpreters of Martin Luther King Jr. in contemporary American theatre. Standing the same height as the civil rights icon with similar physical attributes and vocal timbre, Boddie has portrayed Dr. King five times across three different productions, earning critical acclaim for his approach that emphasizes "revelation, not imitation."

Boddie serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Acting at American University and is a proud Resident Artist at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland. His theatrical career spans Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and television, with notable credits including appearances on The Good Wife, Person of Interest, Elementary, and Godfather of Harlem.

Born and raised in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Boddie discovered his passion for acting through an unexpected enrollment in a high school drama class. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the prestigious University of North Carolina School of the Arts, launching a career that would take him from regional stages to national recognition.

Boddie's extensive regional theatre credits include acclaimed performances at Studio Theatre, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Public Theater, Center Theatre Group, American Players Theatre, and Cleveland Playhouse, among others. His range encompasses classical works like Hamlet (Horatio), The Tempest (Ferdinand), and Richard III (title role), as well as contemporary dramas including August Wilson's Seven Guitars, Radio Golf, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

As Dr. Martin Luther King King, Boddie brings what critics describe as "grounded integrity" and remarkable layers to his performances. His portrayals in Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin, The Mountaintop, and the current world premiere of The American Five at Ford's Theatre have established him as the definitive stage interpreter of the civil rights leader for a new generation.

Beyond acting, Boddie is a certified presentation skills consultant specializing in professional presence and speaker development training. His unique background combines theatrical expertise with practical communication skills, making him a valuable resource for corporate clients and individuals seeking to enhance their public speaking abilities.

Boddie lives in Washington D.C. with his wife, American University performing arts lecturer Tara Giordano, and their daughter, embracing the nation's capital as their creative home. He is a proud member of both Actors' Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.