From Rapper To Mogul: The 7 Most Shocking & Iconic Movie Roles 50 Cent Has Taken On

The question of "Did 50 Cent act in a movie?" is not just a simple yes or no; it’s an understatement of one of Hollywood’s biggest transformations. As of late 2024, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has become a formidable force in film and television, transitioning from a platinum-selling rapper to a prolific actor, producer, and media mogul with over 45 acting credits and a sprawling television empire. He has proven his acting chops across genres, from his critically noted body transformation for an independent film to his blockbuster roles in major franchises, cementing his status as a true entertainment heavyweight. The sheer volume of his work, particularly since his major film debut, highlights a calculated and successful pivot into the cinematic world. His current projects, including a major true-crime hosting gig and a highly-anticipated video game adaptation, ensure his presence on screen remains fresh and relevant.

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson: Actor & Producer Profile

The man behind the music and the cinematic empire is Curtis James Jackson III. His journey from the streets of Queens, New York, to the pinnacle of global entertainment is a story of relentless entrepreneurship and creative ambition. This profile outlines the essential facts of his acting and production career.

• Full Name: Curtis James Jackson III
• Known As: 50 Cent
• Born: July 6, 1975 (Queens, New York)
• Primary Professions: Rapper, Actor, Television Producer, Entrepreneur
• Production Company: G-Unit Films and Television Inc. (Founded 2003)
• Acting Debut (Film): Full Clip (2004, straight-to-video)
• Major Film Debut: Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005)
• Major TV Breakthrough: Power (2014–2020, as Kanan Stark, also Executive Producer)
• Total Film & TV Credits: Over 45 acting credits and dozens of producing credits.
• Current Focus (2024/2025): Expanding the "Power Universe," hosting a true-crime series, and major film roles.

The Cinematic Evolution: From Biopic to Blockbuster

50 Cent's acting career is best understood through the lens of his most impactful and diverse roles. He rarely takes on a minor part; each role is a deliberate step in his transition from a musical icon to a respected dramatic actor and action star.

1. The Biopic Debut: Marcus in Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005)

The first major cinematic answer to "Did 50 Cent act in a movie?" was his starring role in the semi-autobiographical film, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Directed by six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan, the film chronicled the life of Marcus, a character closely mirroring Jackson's own journey through drug dealing, prison, and surviving a near-fatal shooting. This role was his big-screen debut and instantly established him as an actor capable of carrying a feature film, leveraging his own life story for dramatic weight.

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2. The Shocking Transformation: Deon in All Things Fall Apart (2011)

Perhaps his most talked-about acting performance was in the independent film All Things Fall Apart. To portray Deon, a star football player diagnosed with cancer, Jackson underwent a shocking physical transformation, losing 54 pounds by subsisting on a liquid diet and running three hours a day. The dramatic weight loss was a clear signal to Hollywood that he was serious about his craft, willing to commit fully to a dramatic, non-action role, though the film itself was released straight-to-video.

3. The Crime TV King: Kanan Stark in the Power Universe (2014–Present)

While his film roles are notable, 50 Cent's most significant acting and producing achievement is the creation of the Power universe. He starred as Kanan Stark, a ruthless, complex, and manipulative drug dealer, in the original series Power. More importantly, he served as the Executive Producer, a role he has expanded across all subsequent spin-offs, including Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. This entire franchise, developed under his G-Unit Films and Television Inc., cemented his status as a television mogul, not just an actor.

4. The Action Ensemble: Easy Day in Expend4bles (2023)

Jackson re-entered the major blockbuster scene with a starring role alongside action legends like Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham in Expend4bles. His character, Easy Day, is a key member of the mercenary team, showcasing his ability to hold his own in a high-octane action franchise. This role marked a return to big-budget cinema, proving his commercial appeal as a reliable action star.

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The Latest and Upcoming Projects: 50 Cent in 2024 and Beyond

The year 2024 and the near future are packed with projects that continue to diversify 50 Cent’s portfolio, moving him deeper into the roles of host, producer, and video game adaptation star.

5. The True-Crime Host: 50 Ways to Catch a Killer (2024)

In a surprising and fresh pivot, 50 Cent has partnered with Fox Nation to host a new six-part true-crime series titled 50 Ways to Catch a Killer with 50 Cent. The series, which premiered in September 2024, sees him investigating and uncovering details of real-life crimes. This move into the non-fiction hosting space demonstrates his versatility and his ability to leverage his personal brand to explore new genres.

6. The Horror Role: Chief Carter in Boneyard (2024)

Further exploring his range, 50 Cent acted in the 2024 action-thriller-horror film Boneyard as Chief Carter. Co-starring Mel Gibson, the film is based on a true story and involves the discovery of human remains, positioning Jackson in a gritty, investigative role.

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7. The Video Game Icon: Balrog in Street Fighter (Upcoming)

One of his most-anticipated upcoming roles is his portrayal of the iconic character Balrog in a new live-action adaptation of the Street Fighter video game series. Balrog, a disgraced boxer and antagonist in the game, requires a significant physical presence, and 50 Cent has teased his physical transformation for the role. The casting has generated significant buzz, with Jackson even hinting at a potential on-screen reunion with his longtime collaborator, Eminem, in the film.

Beyond Acting: The G-Unit Empire and Topical Authority

Curtis Jackson’s success in Hollywood is not just about the roles he takes; it’s about the infrastructure he built. His production company, G-Unit Films and Television Inc., is a powerhouse that has created a topical authority in crime dramas.

The company is responsible for the entire *Power* franchise, which includes the original series and its numerous spin-offs, totaling a massive, interconnected universe of content. Furthermore, Jackson is actively developing other major projects, including a potential TV reboot of the classic crime film Paid in Full, further cementing his dominance in the urban crime drama space.

The sheer number of entities and projects he is involved in—from the television series BMF (Black Mafia Family) to the development of a new series based on the life of Moses "The Black"—demonstrates a strategic, high-volume approach to content creation. This strategy ensures that "50 Cent" is not just a name above the title, but the engine driving a major sector of premium television and film production.