Biography
One of the most charismatic actors of his generation, Blair Underwood is widely regarded as an acting chameleon. He commanded audiences as attorney "Jonathan Rollins" on the long-running legal drama “L.A. Law”; charmed them as one of "Miranda's" more serious love interests on the wildly popular HBO series “Sex and the City”; and captivated them with his turn as President of the United States on the NBC suspense-drama “The Event”. Accolades for his performances on stage and the silver screen, as well as directorial and producing credits, further cement him as a Hollywood force to be reckoned with. Always seeking a new challenge, Underwood served as director, executive producer, writer, and star of the dramatic short “The Second Coming”, in which he played Jesus Christ. He also produced the TLC series”Easy Money”; co-executive produced the reality competition “Stage Black”; directed five music videos; and workshopped and toured his own one-man show, "IM4: From the Mountaintop to Hip-Hop." He is set to star as "Robert T. Ironside," a police detective relegated to a wheelchair after a shooting, in NBC's reboot of the 1967 series “Ironside”. A versatile, sought-after actor, Underwood is the recipient of five NAACP Image Awards and numerous Golden Globe nominations. In 2000, he was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" and in 2004 he was named one of their "Sexiest Men Alive." Involved in numerous charitable organizations, Underwood's dedicated support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association won him the 1993 Humanitarian Award. After watching his mother battle multiple sclerosis, diabetes and depression, he became a champion of healthy living. He is also strongly involved with activism and philanthropic causes including organizations, and is co-founder of ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa), which supports a democratic South Africa with equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, AHF (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, weaving together personal betterment and giving back into his inspirational presentations.
Speech Topics
Defining Your Dream
Blair Underwood has distinguished himself as an award-winning actor/director/producer who continues to showcase his many talents in the world of film, television, theatre and literature. His success has been driven by the underlying belief that, in order to achieve longevity in the acting business, you must diversify yourself and become as flexible as possible. Sharing insights on how his own education influenced his life as well as noteworthy career, Underwood illustrates his experiences, many life challenges and journey to success to inspire audiences to pursue their dreams as they move forward to their career and life. He encourages people to seize the moment and recognize their accomplishments as a way to shape their futures — reminding them to always stay motivated to pursue their personal and professional goals, while constantly looking for even greater success.
Kids & Family
From The Mountaintop To Hip-Hop
Diversity
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Blair Underwood's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Blair Underwood's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Blair Underwood's speaking fee?
The typical range for Blair Underwood's speaking fee is $90,000–$150,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Blair Underwood to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Blair Underwood for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Blair Underwood's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Blair Underwood through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Blair Underwood
Jesse Williams
Jesse Williams is best known as 'Dr. Jackson Avery' on ABC's hit series Grey's Anatomy.Senior producer and correspondent for EPIX docuseries America Divided with Norman Lear. He executive produced the 2016 documentary Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement, Founder of the production company, farWord Inc. and the executive producer of Question Bridge: Black Males, a series of transmedia art installations, films, curriculum and website. Jesse is host of sports and culture-themed podcast Open Run, through a partnership with LeBron James' digital network, Uninterrupted, who gained international attention for his acceptance speech when presented with the 2016 BET Humanitarian Award as a champion of civil rights.
Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: CA
Bernice King
As a nationally renowned orator, Dr. Bernice A. King has inspired thousands from all walks of life. In 1980, at age 17, she spoke in her mother's stead to the United Nations on Apartheid, thus realizing her oratorical gift. The youngest child of Mrs. Coretta Scott King and the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bernice King is remembered by most as the five year old in the Pulitzer Prize photograph taken of her as she lay in her mother's lap during her father's funeral. She holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Spelman College and on the morning of her Ordination, she was not only awarded a Master of Divinity degree, but also a Doctorate of Law degree from Emory University. King is an advocate for the rehabilitation of at-risk youth, utilizing both her Divinity and Law degrees to keep teenagers from cycling through the legal system. Ms. King has received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Wesley College and is author of Hard Questions, Heart Answers and other books.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
Travels From: GA
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