YONKERS, NY (June 15, 2026) It was an unscripted surprise when actor and Academy Award nominee, Don Cheadle tiptoed onto a darkened set at Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television.  Students were recreating a scene from Ocean’s Thirteen between Cheadle and Al Pacino.  Cheadle declared, “Nailed It,” then asked if he could take a shot at the scene.  The veteran actor proceeded to deliver a master class in professionalism as he quickly ran his lines, took a few deep breaths, shook off his nerves and hit his mark.  Students roared their approval.

Cheadle, who is currently making his Broadway debut in a revival of  Proof is probably best known to the students as James Rhodes (War Machine) from the Marvel superhero movies, but many nodded when he mentioned  Hotel Rwanda,   for which he received a Best Actor, Oscar nomination.  Cheadle explained how that movie changed his life.  After learning about the Rwandan genocide, he committed himself to humanitarian activism. 

There was no Hollywood glitz during this visit.  Cheadle dressed casually in blue jeans and a baseball cap.  He engaged students at their work stations as they edited mini-documentaries on brand new Apple computers.  He fielded questions about the early days of his career, before he became a big screen superhero.  His advice for anyone interested in becoming a film maker- read, write and practice the craft of storytelling.  He told students, at the heart of any film there must be a compelling story.

Cheadle offered a glimpse into the world behind the camera, with a reminder about the army of creative people who contribute to the final product that makes the performers on screen look good.  He encouraged students to dabble, to spend time learning each discipline, among them, production, post-production, set design, costume, photography, cinematography, lighting, sound and directing.

Cheadle’s personal philosophy is, collaboration is everything.  He encouraged students to be prepared, stay curious, learn from mistakes and be polite. He closed by saying, “One day when you’re making films of your own, hire me.”