Common, an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Grammy-winning artist, actor, and activist, has achieved remarkable success in various roles within the entertainment industry. His latest book, Let Love Have the Last Word, represents a personal reflection on his life and the experiences that have molded him into the individual he is today. The book delves into his journey as a father, son, and man, exploring his career, parenting, relationships, and the challenges of caring for ageing parents. Let Love Have the Last Word offers an intimate glimpse into Common's life, including his poignant moments with his father and his interactions with influential figures like Dr. Maya Angelou.
Divided into four parts and written in a stream-of-consciousness style, this book offers a unique perspective on the ever-evolving mind of a genius. Common is widely recognized for his roles in films such as Selma, Barbershop, and John Wick 2, as well as his impact on hip-hop culture. He is also known for his involvement in The Chi, a Showtime series that he produces alongside Lena Waithe. In 2018, he appeared in several films, including Warner Bros' Smallfoot and the critically acclaimed Fox film, The Hate U Give.
Common's upcoming projects include the action film The Informer, The Kitchen with Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elizabeth Moss, and Eve opposite Jessica Chastain. Born as Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr., Common was raised in Chicago by his mother, who was a teacher, and his stepfather. He gained a following with his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar? in 1992 and achieved mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians.
Throughout his career, Common has received numerous Grammy nominations, winning three and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role in Selma. He won a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his song "Glory" from Selma. Common was nominated for an Oscar, a Grammy, and an NAACP Image Award for his song "Stand Up For Something."
In addition to his artistic endeavours, Common has been actively involved in social justice and advocacy work, focusing on issues such as mass incarceration, mental health, and voting. In 2018, he established the nonprofit organization Imagine Justice, which utilizes art as a platform to fight for justice, equality, and address social injustices.