The Five Heartbeats Cast: Where Are They Now? Shocking Sequel & Broadway News (2025 Update)

The enduring legacy of *The Five Heartbeats* continues to resonate with fans decades after its 1991 release, and as of December 2025, the story is far from over. Directed, co-written, and starring Robert Townsend, the film offers a powerful, emotional, and often heartbreaking look at the rise and fall of a fictional 1960s/70s R&B vocal group, drawing parallels to real-life legends like The Temptations and The Jackson 5. The film’s success is a testament to its unforgettable soundtrack and, most importantly, the chemistry and talent of its iconic cast, whose careers have flourished in the years since they first graced the screen as "The Heartbeats."

The biggest news lighting up the world of *Five Heartbeats* fans is the confirmed development of both a sequel and a Broadway musical adaptation. Robert Townsend himself has been vocal about these exciting new projects, promising a major announcement in the coming year that will provide a fresh chapter for the beloved characters and their story. Before those projects hit the stage and screen, let’s take a deep dive into the lives and careers of the legendary cast, detailing who they are and what they've been doing most recently in 2024 and 2025.

The Complete Cast & Core Biographies of The Heartbeats

The film’s critical and commercial success rests on the shoulders of the five actors who portrayed the fictional R&B group, plus the key supporting players who shaped their destiny. Here is a detailed look at the core cast, their roles, and their essential biographical information.

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• Robert Townsend (Duck)
  • Full Name: Robert Townsend
  • Born: February 6, 1957 (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Role: Donald "Duck" Matthews, the group's manager, songwriter, and lead guitarist.
  • Key Films (Pre-Heartbeats): A Soldier's Story (1984), Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987 - Director).
• Leon Robinson (J.T.)
  • Full Name: Leon Preston Robinson IV
  • Born: March 8, 1962 (New York City, New York)
  • Role: J.T. Matthews, the handsome, smooth lead singer and Duck's older brother.
  • Key Films: The Five Heartbeats (1991), Cool Runnings (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Waiting to Exhale (1995).
• Michael Wright (Eddie)
  • Full Name: Michael Wright
  • Born: April 30, 1956 (New York City, New York)
  • Role: Eddie Kane Jr., the charismatic, troubled lead singer whose descent into drug addiction is a central plot point.
  • Key Films: Streamers (1983), The Five Heartbeats (1991), Sugar Hill (1993), Oz (TV Series).
• Tico Wells (Choir Boy)
  • Full Name: Tico Wells
  • Born: November 13, 1961 (Houston, Texas)
  • Role: Anthony "Choir Boy" Stone, the devout, youngest member who later becomes a successful producer.
  • Key Films: The Five Heartbeats (1991), Wayne's World (1992), 24 (TV Series).
• Harry J. Lennix (Dresser)
  • Full Name: Harold Joseph Lennix III
  • Born: November 16, 1964 (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Role: Terrence "Dresser" Williams, the quiet, loyal, and level-headed bass singer.
  • Key Films: The Five Heartbeats (1991), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), The Matrix Revolutions (2003), Man of Steel (2013).
• Hawthorne James (Big Red)
  • Full Name: Hawthorne James
  • Role: Big Red Davis, the ruthless, predatory record label owner who exploits the group.
  • Key Films: The Five Heartbeats (1991), Speed (1994), Se7en (1995).
• John Canada Terrell (Michael)
  • Full Name: John Canada Terrell
  • Role: Michael "Flash" Turner, the original lead singer who is replaced by J.T. Matthews.
  • Key Films: She's Gotta Have It (1986), The Five Heartbeats (1991).

The Heartbeats: Where Are They Now? (2024-2025 Career Updates)

Unlike many ensembles from classic films, the cast of *The Five Heartbeats* has remained active in the entertainment industry, with several members taking on high-profile roles in film, television, and theater right into 2025. Their ongoing success is a testament to the talent Robert Townsend assembled.

Robert Townsend (Duck Matthews)

Robert Townsend, the visionary behind the film, remains a powerhouse in Hollywood. Beyond his directorial and writing duties, Townsend has been touring with his critically acclaimed one-man stage show, Living the Shuffle. This autobiographical work details his journey from Chicago to becoming a major industry figure, with performances scheduled into 2025. He has also been honored with tributes, including one at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in August 2024, celebrating his extensive career which includes directing films like Hollywood Shuffle and B*A*P*S. His focus is now split between his stage career and the massive undertaking of the *Five Heartbeats* sequel and the Broadway adaptation, solidifying his role as a cultural icon.

Harry J. Lennix (Dresser Williams)

Harry J. Lennix has arguably maintained the most visible mainstream career in recent years. Known to millions as Harold Cooper on the long-running NBC series *The Blacklist*, Lennix's television work has kept him consistently in the public eye. His 2024-2025 schedule includes a return to his theatrical roots, as he has been cast in the Goodman Theatre's production of *Inherit the Wind* in Chicago, demonstrating his dedication to the stage. Lennix's deep commitment to the arts has led to him being recognized as a "Chicagoan of the Year" in 2024, highlighting his influence beyond acting and into cultural leadership.

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Leon Robinson (J.T. Matthews)

Leon Robinson, simply credited as Leon, has kept his career diverse, moving seamlessly between film, television, and music. In 2023, he garnered critical attention for his role in the Amazon series *Swarm*. His ability to portray complex characters, from the smooth J.T. Matthews to his roles in classics like The Temptations miniseries, keeps him in high demand. Leon was also seen attending the 2025 Tribeca Festival, maintaining a strong presence on the major entertainment circuit. He remains an active musician, fronting the band Leon and the Peoples, blending reggae and soul music in his performances.

Michael Wright (Eddie Kane Jr.)

Michael Wright’s powerful portrayal of the tragic Eddie Kane Jr. is one of the film’s most memorable performances. While he maintains a lower public profile than some of his co-stars, Wright continues to act, building on an impressive resume that includes notable roles in films like Sugar Hill and the HBO series Oz. The enduring impact of his performance as Eddie Kane Jr. is frequently revisited in "then and now" features, cementing his legacy as a critical figure in Black cinema.

Tico Wells (Choir Boy)

Tico Wells, who played the earnest Anthony "Choir Boy" Stone, remains an active character actor. In 2024, he made an appearance on *The Able Show* in July, discussing his long and varied career. His recent acting credits include the 2023 film *Sasha Lanes* and the 2022 project *Jacob, Broken by God*, showing his continued work in independent and feature films. Wells’s career highlights also include roles in Wayne's World and the television series *24*, proving his versatility across genres.

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Hawthorne James (Big Red Davis)

Hawthorne James, whose chilling performance as the villainous record executive Big Red Davis is unforgettable, has been busy in 2024. His recent work includes the feature film *Mister Gates*, which had its premiere in June 2024. James's distinctive presence and ability to play powerful, often menacing, figures have made him a reliable character actor in dozens of films and television shows since *The Five Heartbeats*.

John Canada Terrell (Michael "Flash" Turner)

John Canada Terrell, who played the original Heartbeat, Michael "Flash" Turner, before his brief but critical appearance, continues to work as a professional actor, producer, and director. In 2024, he was involved in the film project *Kingdom Reign* and appeared as a special guest on the *All About You* show in May 2024. Terrell is also a notable figure in Spike Lee's early filmography, having starred in She's Gotta Have It (1986).

Will We See a Sequel? Robert Townsend’s Big Plans

The question that has dominated fan discussions for years is finally being answered: Yes, a sequel to *The Five Heartbeats* is in development. Robert Townsend has confirmed that he is actively working on a follow-up story, which he has stated will see a major announcement in 2025. This news has generated immense excitement, as fans are eager to see the next chapter in the lives of Duck, J.T., Choir Boy, and Dresser.

Townsend’s vision for the franchise extends beyond a film sequel. He is also developing a *Five Heartbeats* Broadway musical adaptation. The film's incredible soundtrack, featuring original songs like "Nights Like This," "A Heart is a House for Love," and "We Haven’t Finished Yet," makes it a natural fit for the stage. This Broadway project is expected to bring a new generation of fans to the classic story of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the music industry's dark side.

The original movie is a beloved piece of Black cinema, chronicling the journey of the group from humble beginnings in a church choir to international stardom. The themes of fame, fortune, betrayal, and redemption are timeless. The current push for a sequel and a stage show highlights the film's enduring cultural relevance and its status as a must-see musical drama. As the cast members continue their individual careers into 2025, the prospect of them reuniting for a new project under the direction of Robert Townsend is the most anticipated event for fans of 90s cinema.