8 Kid Cudi Roles That Show Him As More Than a Musician
Grammy-winning artist Kid Cudi has made just as much of an impact on screen as he has in music. The Insano rapper launched his acting career in HBO’s "How to Make It in America" in 2010 before expanding his creative repertoire to include producing and composing. Over the years, his acting résumé has grown significantly, featuring roles in the indie drama "Meadowland," the crime thriller "Vincent N Roxxy," the sci-fi hit "Westworld," and even the animated musical "Trolls Band Together."
To honor Cudi's 41nd birthday, we look back on eight of his most memorable roles.
“How to Make It In America”
Playing Domingo in the millennial-friendly HBO comedy-drama “How to Make It In America” might’ve been Kid Cudi’s start in acting, but the role showed that he was a natural talent. As a close friend to protagonists Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam (Victor Rasuk), Domingo stays in the know of parties around New York City but offers meaningful anecdotes when needed.
“Don't Look Up”
In the 2021 Netflix apocalyptic and existential comedy-drama “Don’t Look Up,” Cudi’s role as DJ Chello was similar to his on-stage persona. While he plays a famous rapper in the flick, Chello shows his soft side when he emotionally proposes to fellow artist Riley Bina (Ariana Grande) on the news. Proven on their “Just Look Up” collaboration, Chello and Bina’s love stands the test of time, even at the end of the world.
“X”
2022 slasher movie “X” is where Cudi showed his range in the horror genre. In the film, he plays Marine Corps veteran and adult film entertainer Jackson Hollis, also known as ‘Jackson Hole,’ who recklessly endangers himself as part of a young group trying to shoot an X-rated movie on an isolated Texas farm.
“We Are Who We Are”
Cudi took on the headstrong role of military father Richard Poythress in the short-lived HBO drama “We Are Who We Are.” As the father to Cailtin (Jordan Kristine Seamón) and Danny (Spence Moore II), Poythress is tough-as-nails, which often intimidates his children, particularly Cailtin, who’s nonbinary.
“Entergalactic”
2022 animated Netflix love story “Entergalactic” brought Cudi into focus as Manhattan resident Jabari, who falls deeply for his neighbor Meadow (Jessica Williams). Jabari’s fickle ex, Carmen (Laura Harrier), threatens to tear them apart. The special received widespread acclaim for its fantastical animation and imaginative storytelling, earning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.
“Young Love”
HBO animated family sitcom “Young Love” centered on the hardworking and loving Black Chicago family, with Cudi playing the patriarch, Stephen Love. With Love as a struggling producer, he takes his budding career one day at a time while supporting his longtime partner Angela Young (Issa Rae), who’s in cancer remission, and their sweet adolescent daughter, Zuri Young Love (Brooke Monroe Conaway).
“House Party”
The 2023 “House Party” remake put a wild spin on the Cudi that we know and love. After housekeepers Kevin (Jacob Latimore) and Damon (Tosin Cole) wreak havoc on LeBron James’ mansion by throwing a party, Cudi, as himself, hilariously initiates them into the Illuminati, sacrificing himself in the process.
“Trap”
Like “Don’t Look Up,” Cudi returns to the character of an artist, this time playing The Thinker, in the 2024 suspense-thriller “Trap.” While he performs with pop star Lady Raven (Saleka Night Shyamalan), in the crowd is serial killer Cooper (Josh Harnett), who terrorizes the concert after bringing his daughter, Riley (Ariel Donoghue).