Justin Cornwell was an American actor whose career began to gain serious momentum in early 2017, thanks to a major role that truly put him on the map. That role came in the form of a gripping CBS cop drama titled Training Day (CBS, 2017–), where Justin Cornwell delivered a standout performance that showcased his talent to a national audience. Born in Pennsylvania, Justin Cornwell spent his formative years splitting time between Cleveland and Louisville, where he first discovered his passion for performing.
Even as a middle school student, Justin Cornwell was drawn to the stage, taking part in local theater productions. By high school, he had become a regular lead in his school’s annual plays, building a solid foundation for what would become a promising acting journey. As his teenage years progressed, Justin Cornwell’s dedication to the craft only deepened, leading him to pursue formal training at the University of Louisville—a choice that kept him close to home while allowing him to grow artistically.
After earning his degree and accumulating valuable experience in theater, Justin Cornwell made the bold move to Chicago to chase his dream of becoming a professional actor. Almost immediately, he found himself immersed in the city’s vibrant arts scene, joining the prestigious Chicago Shakespeare Company. There, Justin Cornwell took on challenging roles in classic productions, including a memorable turn in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, further honing his skills and earning recognition for his dynamic stage presence.
Despite his success on stage, Justin Cornwell had his sights set on screen—specifically television and film. He began auditioning for on-camera roles and gradually started booking gigs, including appearances in regional commercials for major brands like Wal-Mart. His persistence paid off in 2014 when he landed a guest role on the popular NBC series Chicago P.D. (NBC, 2014–), marking his entry into mainstream television. The following year, Justin Cornwell appeared in the hit Fox music drama Empire (2015–) and even secured a small, uncredited part in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed film Chi-Raq (2015).
Then came the pivotal moment: in spring 2016, Justin Cornwell was cast in what would become his breakout role—the CBS drama Training Day. Based on the Oscar-winning 2001 film of the same name, the series starred Bill Paxton alongside Justin Cornwell and premiered in early 2017. With this role, Justin Cornwell proved he could hold his own in high-stakes, dramatic storytelling, cementing his place in the entertainment industry and opening doors for future opportunities.
So, when it comes to Justin Cornwell’s filmography, things really started to shine with Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey in 2020—that one definitely stands out as Justin Cornwell’s highest rated movie. It was a heartwarming holiday hit that earned a lot of praise and really showcased his talent on a bigger stage. On the other hand, going back a bit, there’s We Are Boats from 2018, which ended up being Justin Cornwell’s lowest rated film so far. While it had its moments, it just didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Still, every role adds to the journey, and Justin Cornwell continues to grow as an actor through each project he takes on. Overall, Justin Cornwell has shown range, and fans are definitely keeping an eye on what Justin Cornwell does next.