Richard Cummings Jr.

Who is Richard Cummings Jr.?

Most recognized from his acting roles in the Emmy award-winning dramas “thirtysomething” and “Northern Exposure,” Richard Cummings Jr. is now finding success behind the camera. Partnering with Warner Bros television and Don Cornelius to produce a new series and with a film set up at Dimension Pictures, life is good for this filmmaker.

It all began in New York City where Cummings Jr. was born and raised. He played basketball in high school and thought he would continue in college. However, he landed his first acting gig, a Wheaties’ commercial, and it changed everything. While attending college at Stony Brook, he’d commute to the city for auditions. After two years, he left to pursue his acting career in Los Angeles.

Television commercials led to series work. He guest-starred on “Kojak,” “The White Shadow” and “Hill Street Blues” before landing the role of account executive Mark Harriton on “thirtysomething.” Then came “Northern Exposure” with John Corbett and voice work for the Korean automaker Hyndai cars.

While his acting career was taking off, Cummings Jr. teamed up with Robert Townsend to act in and produce the surprise hit feature, “Hollywood Shuffle.” At the same time, he partnered with fellow “Shuffle” producer Carl Craig to form Underdog Films to produce quality music videos showcasing emerging urban/r artists. At its height, Underdog Films worked with such prolific directors as Hype Williams and The Hughes Brothers and produced videos for platinum artists such as NWA, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg. They won the MTV music award for Best Rap Video in 1996 and also produced videos for the soundtracks to “Boyz N the Hood” and “House Party 3.” In addition, Underdog produced a number of commercial spots for Rock the Vote during the Clinton presidential campaign.

As a director, Cummings Jr. has helmed multiple videos for platinum recording artist Candyman and Jazz great George Howard, among others. He produced and directed the independent film “Thicker Than Water” with Cube, Fat Joe and Mack 10 and most recently produced another indie, “Playas Ball,” financed by NBA star Dale Davis of the Golden State Warriors.