Where Are They Now? The Post-Finale Careers of "The Wire's" Cast

Most Recent Projects: The Hour (2011-2012), John Carter (2012), Arthur Christmas (2011)

The Prognosis: Dominic West's BBC series The Hour, though it had serious critical acclaim, was just cancelled. No third season for what was frequently thought of as the UK's answer to Mad Men. With John Carter as his most recent feature, West hasn't found a lead role that holds a candle to Jimmy McNulty. Perhaps he can gain some ground playing Richard Burton opposite Helena Bonham Carter's Elizabeth Taylor in the upcoming Burton & Taylor. It's gotta be better than Liz & Dick.

Most Recent Projects: Fringe (2008-2013), Won't Back Down (2012), Remains (2011)

The Prognosis: Praise be to J.J. Abrams. In 2008, Reddick moved from The Wire to Abrams' sci-fi procedural Fringe, on Fox, leading to steady work on a show with a dedicated cult following. Fringe could have easily gone the way of Firefly, but it hung on, concluding just a few weeks ago after five beloved seasons. Now, Reddick has to make lightning strike for a third time. No pressure.

Most Recent Projects: Burn Notice (2012), Drop Dead Diva (2012), Body of Proof (2011-2012)

The Prognosis: Since the finale where Sonha Sohn's Kima Greggs becomes the new McNulty, Sohn has been in search of regular TV work. She's been on a number of shows, but nothing sticks for more than a season or two. Her longest consistent gig has been two seasons as a central character on ABC's Body of Proof, and that's cool that she was eating off that, but who watched it? Certainly not the same folks devouring new HBO content. Same goes for Drop Dead Diva and Burn Notice (that one hurts). Can someone please find Sohn a vehicle to demonstrate her range as an actor in the same way that the multifaceted Kima did?

Most Recent Projects: The Spectacular Now (2013), Bob's Burgers (2013), Key and Peele (2012), The Collection (2012), Hellbenders (2012), Freelancers (2012)

The Prognosis: Don't question Andre Royo's work ethic. Like Michael Cain circa Jaws: The Revenge, the actor is making movies, quality be damned. He's got a bad cop movie with Robert De Niro (Freelancers), D-grade horror movie (The Collection) that bites its opening from Ghost Ship, and whatever the fuck Hellbenders is. Still, there are bright spots like a cameo on Bob's Burgers and this year's The Spectacular Now, an indie comedy that's building buzz. But how many of these roles require the range necessary to play Bubbles? You think a walk-on for Key and Peele will punch viewers in the gut like Bubs' attempted suicide? Nope.

Most Recent Projects:: Banshee (2013), Blue Caprice (2013), Blue Bloods (2012)

The Prognosis: The young actors who appeared in the fourth season must look up to Leo Fitzpatrick, who got his start playing Telly in Larry Clark's Kids when he was still a teen. Managing to stay active as an adolescent and into adulthood, Fitzpatrick played Johnny Weeks, Bubbles' sidekick for the early seasons of The Wire. Most recently, he appeared on Alan Ball's quirky Pennsylvania Amish murder mystery, Banshee.

Most Recent Projects: Breakout Kings (2011-2012), How Do You Know (2010), Bored to Death (2010), Life's a Beach (2010)

The Prognosis: When you look and sound like Domenick Lobardozzi, there will always be cop and knucklehead roles available to you. Unfortunately, they won't have the same humor and moral murkiness as the character of Herc—that's what you get with David Simon and his crew of excellent writers. Hell, even HBO can't always provide dynamic fodder. Do you still remember Dom from Entourage?

Most Recent Projects: Homeland (2012), Teen Wolf (2011-2012), Person of Interest (2012), The Good Wife (2011)

The Prognosis: In many ways, Seth Gilliam's career since turning in his badge and gun is the prototypical post-Wire narrative: guest spots and a few multi-episode runs on a variety of TV shows, some good, some bad. You look at the shows above, and you want to grab Gilliam and say, "No! Teen Wolf can't save you. Try and stick around Homeland!" Surely, he must know that, too.

Most Recent Projects: Person of Interest (2012), Treme (2010-2012), Red Hook Summer (2012), Searching for Sonny (2011)

The Prognosis: A few projects aside, Cllarke Peters' career since The Wire has provided fans of Lester Freamon with moments of real brilliance. It comes as no surprise that David Simon is responsible. Say what you will about some of the didactic or dull storylines on Treme, Peters performance as Albert Lambreaux is astonishing, more than enough reason to watch the most human, empathetic show in recent TV. The stubborn leader of a Mardi Gras Indian tribe, Lambreaux embodied the scuffed grace of New Orleans. His first appearance in his Indian suit made for just as indelible scene as anything The Wire produced.

Most Recent Projects: 666 Park Avenue (2012), Treme (2010-2012), The Good Wife (2012), Blue Bloods (2011)

The Prognosis: A member of Chicago's impossible-to-overrate Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Jime True-Frost is a stage actor who did his best work on screen as part of The Wire. The character arc of Prezbo from cowardly (and unlucky) cop to commanding middle school teacher is one of the show's high points, setting the stage for the fourth (and best) season. No such transformation has occurred for him on TV since. His role as a record company suit on Treme felt awkward anytime he tried to glide into the scene—like, "Why is Mr. Prezbo in that suit talking about jazz? Where's his class? And his beard?" And don't even mention his decision to work on 666 Park Avenue, the DOA horror series that was cancelled before the first season had finished airing. Get back to the stage, True-Frost. It'd be better to see you in The Pillowman again.

Most Recent Projects: Banshee (2013), Grey's Anatomy (2009, 2013), Cowgirls 'n Angels (2012), One Life to Live (2009-2012)

The Prognosis: Good looking out, Faison. Cowgirls 'n Angels was the best children's movie about rodeos of 2012. Just kidding, of course. Faison deserves props for landing a role on Alan Ball's Banshee, Cinemax's mostly well received crime drama set in Pennsylvania Amish country. The series was just renewed for a second season that'll air in 2014. Please, Faison—no more children's movies.

Most Recent Projects: NYC 22 (2012), Rizzoli & Isles (2010-2012), A Gifted Man (2011), Law & Order: SVU (2000-2012), Borgia (2011)

The Prognosis: John Doman combines a craggy face, a gruff voice, and a bad attitude than most character actors, which explains the five appearance on SVU (as five different characters!). It turns out historical epics need tough guys, too: Doman took top billing in the German-French series about the hella corrupt Italian Borgia family, Borgia. It's been picked up for a second season, allowing you to enjoy William Rawls as the Pope. Since we hear that role is up for grabs in real life, let's start the petition to get John Doman appointed.

Most Recent Projects: Möbius (2013), Suits (2013), Parker (2013), Treme (2010-2012).

The Prognosis: What if Bunk Moreland had traded in his badge and gun for a trombone and moved to New Orleans? He'd be Antoine Batiste, of David Simon's Treme, and that's a good thing. Much of the success of Simon's look at New Orleans is owed to Wendell Pierce and Clarke Peters. Peters' Albert Lambreaux taps into pockets of talent that he didn't get to flex on The Wire, while Pierce's Batiste is Bunk 2.0 (now with extra tunes). But it works so damn well, that's not even a knock. Simon and Pierce knew what worked well, and they adapted it for a different environment. Kudos.

Most Recent Projects: Dredd (2012), The Babymakers (2012), Hawaii Five-0 (2010), Southland (2010)

The Prognosis: A Chicago native who did his graduate work in acting at NYU, Wood Harris will forever be remembered as Avon Barksdale—especially if his career continues to move in its current direction. Alternating between short stints on network cop 'n murder shows and lesser parts in forgettable movies (The Babymakers-anybody still got their ticket stub from that one?), Harris hasn't found a juicy role. Perhaps the upcoming Sweetwater, a biopic about Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African-American to play in the NBA, will change that. Unfortunately, the director Martin Guigui doesn't have much to indicate that it'll rise beyond cloying sentiment, but we can still hope.

Most Recent Projects: Luther (2010-2013), Prometheus (2012), Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011), Thor (2011)

The Prognosis: Stand up and applaud Idris Elba. The handsome Brit who played Stringer Bell, the character second only to Omar in terms of most adored/referenced, has done very well for himself since leaving DavidSimonLand. His BBC cop show Luther earned him a Golden Globe in 2011, and has been picked up for a third season. He had sizable roles in Thor and Prometheus, two of the more successful blockbusters of the last few years. And he's a great musician. Okay, that last part is a bald-faced lie, but beyond the world of TV and film, he does do a fantastic job of getting us to buy Tanqueray.

Most Recent Projects: Newlyweeds (2013), Person of Interest (2013), The Good Wife (2012)

The Prognosis: Wee-Bey was an fan favorite, even though he spent much of series locked up. Hassan Johnson's work since hasn't been remarkable, but the upcoming Newlyweeds could be the start of something good. This indie dramedy follows the trials and tribulations of a couple that likes to get high. Johnson plays Two For Three, and though it isn't the biggest role, it could get more eyes to appreciate his comedic range.

Most Recent Projects: N/A

The Prognosis: The Wire brought into the spotlight many Baltimore citizens with actual ties to the city's crime. Perhaps none was more captivating than Felecia Pearson, who played the hired killer Snoop in the fourth season. With a low, scratchy voice and a swinging gait, Pearson was unlike any woman you'd see on your TV screen. She was magnetic. Which makes watching that season all the more gut-wrenching now, in light of her recent arrest. In March 2011, she was arrested on drug charges in her hometown of Baltimore. Shortly after her arrest, David Simon wrote about working with her and reflected on the charges she faced. She eventually pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin and was given a seven-year suspended prison sentence and three years' probation.

Most Recent Projects: The Good Wife (2010-2012), Surviving Family (2012), Blue Bloods (2012), Happy New Year (2011)

The Prognosis: When Bodie's story wrapped, this writer was left shaking. Fewer deaths hurt more on the show, and J.D. Williams' deserves the credit, as he imbued the character with vitality and charisma. You wanted Bodie to make it. He deserved it. And so does J.D. Williams. His work on The Wire and Oz proved he's a capable, talented actor, making the scant reality of his filmography all the more frustrating. Three appearances on The Good Wife, including one as an unnamed gas station clerk? That's not right.

Most Recent Projects: Fruitvale (2013), Hotel Noir (2012), House (2012), Chronicle (2012)

The Prognosis: Though Wallace didn't live to see later seasons, Michael B. Jordan's performance lingers long in the viewers mind, as his death was one of the shows first moments of shattering drama. Thankfully, Jordan's career has demonstrated strength since his departure. Chronicle was an underrated genre gem, but it's the upcoming Fruitvale that could really make Jordan a household name. The film tells the true story of a Oscar Grant, a young man from the Bay who was killed by a police officer on January 1, 2009. If it lives up to the terrible source material, it should be a damning portrait of police brutality.

Most Recent Projects: Blue Bloods (2011), Unstoppable (2010), Past Life (2010)

The Prognosis: Since playing Detective Sydnor, Robinson has had little work. The requisite guest spots on crime shows are present and accounted for, and the super-small role in a Hollywood feature, but it looks like Robinson's career may have peaked with The Wire. The Internet provides little indication as to what he's doing in the future—he's just vanished from the spotlight.

Most Recent Projects: N/A

The Prognosis: On January 17, 2013, Robert F. Chew passed away at the age of 52. A legend in his native Baltimore as much for his roles on Homicide, The Corner, and The Wire, as his community outreach and teaching, Chew was, by all accounts, a great, compassionate man. Chew worked with Baltimore's Arena Players to mentor young actors, and was pivotal in coaching the actors who played the middle school students who made season four so damn compelling. R.I.P.

Most Recent Projects: Nashville (2012-2013), Freelancers (2012), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Burn Notice (2010-2011)

The Prognosis: Before playing Bunny Colvin, Robert Wisdom was getting work, and nothing about that has changed since "-30-." A D.C.-native and character actor, Wisdom has worked on a number of TV shows, including ER, NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, The District, The Agency—your regular round-up of prime time dramas. Most exciting for his career post-Bunny is his role on the critically-acclaimed Nashville, a new musical drama on ABC. Wisdom plays Coleman Carlisle, a mayoral candidate, something the The Wire surely prepared him for.

Most Recent Projects: Made in Jersey (2012), Periods. (2012), Weeds (2011-2012)

The Prognosis: Before and after The Wire, Pablo Schreiber has done most of his work on stage, including a Tony-nominated role in Awake and Sing!. On small screens, you would've seen him on recent seasons of Weeds and on the forgettable A Gifted Man. He has two indie features slated for 2013, The Call and Fort Bliss, but word neither have release dates.

Most Recent Projects: The Office (2008-2011), Win Win (2011), In Treatment (2010)

The Prognosis: From a critic's standpoint, Amy Ryan is one of the most successful people to come out of The Wire, if not the most successful. She's acted on one of the most popular and, for a time, acclaimed comedies on network TV, The Office; she's done the indie movie thing with guys like Paul Giamatti (Win Win) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (Jack Goes Boating); and she continued to work with HBO on In Treatment, a master's class in acting.

Most Recent Projects: True Blood (2008-2013), The Office (2012), Prime Suspect (2012), Hawaii Five-0 (2011)

The Prognosis: HBO looks after its own, so when it came time for the rugged blue-collar excellence of Chris Bauer to get all ham'n'cheese as a bumbling redneck, the network made it happen and now we have True Blood's Andy Bellefleur. Frank Sobotka was the elegy for the working class; Andy Bellefleur is the working class redneck slipping on a banana peel—with vampires, too. We'll take it.

Most Recent Projects: Broken City 2013, Treme (2011-2012), Starlet (2012)

The Prognosis: James Ransone must be an endearing dude, as he's worked into both David Simon's camp of regulars and Spike Lee's. He had a role on Treme, and has appeared in Inside Man and Red Hook Summer. Lee also cast him in his upcoming remake of the Korean thriller Oldboy. The weird, dangerous energy of Ziggy Sobotka made folks take notice.

Most Recent Projects: Game of Thrones (2011-2013), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Shadow Dancer (2012), The Good Man (2012)

The Prognosis: Like the big studios during the early days of Hollywood, HBO has a grip of regular actors the network uses to populate its shows. Irish actor Aidan Gillen has benefited from this, and landed a recurring role as Petyr Baelish, aka Littlefinger, aka the man with the keys to the brothel, on Game of Thrones. Wheeling and dealing in Baltimore, forging alliances in King's Landing—it's all the same.

Most Recent Projects: House of Lies (2012-2013), Revolution (2012), NCIS: Los Angeles (2012)

The Prognosis: Glynn Turman has a long history of working in front of and behind the camera, and performing on stage. He's won multiple NAACP Image Awards for his acting, directed episodes of A Different World, famously played Mayor Clarence Royce on The Wire, and most recently earned a key spot on Showtime's House of Life. For Turman, being part of David Simon's epic series was just another great decision in a career full of them.

Most Recent Projects: Common Law (2012), CSI: Miami (2011), Lie to Me (2010), Mercy (2010)

The Prognosis: Projecting calm menace and terrifying confidence, Jamie Hector, of Brooklyn, made Marlo Stanfield into one The Wire's most memorable antagonists. It's a pity that since then he hasn't found a role that's allowed him to demonstrate his talents. Since the series ended, Hector has worked small bits on numerous TV shows, with a run on Heroes in 2008 providing the only real regular work. Unless you count those two episodes of Mercy where he played "The Robber." Good to know that young black actors have access to such rich parts.

Most Recent Projects: Big Words (2013), Elementary (2012), Law & Order: SVU (2009, 2012), Damages (2012), Nurse Jackie (2011-2012)

The Prognosis: Gbenga Akinnagbe, a D.C. native, made his debut playing Christ Partlow on The Wire, and ever since, people have taken notice. Akinnagbe has worked on indie features like The Savages and landed rich, multi-episode appearances on The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie, and, most recently Damages. David Simon's series seems to have been a blessing for him.

Most Recent Projects: The Walking Dead (2012-2013), I Hate My Teenage Daughter (2011-2013), Burn Notice (2012), Criminal Minds (2012)

The Prognosis: Did you cheer when Chad Coleman made his appearance on the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead? You damn well should have. Cutty is on the of the most undervalued characters from The Wire, a brick wall of an ex-con who's trying to get right, and to watch the actor who played him show up on the zombie epic was cause for celebration. Glad he found an admirable show to stay working with.

Most Recent Projects: Person of Interest (2011), Damsels in Distress (2011), Past Life (2010), Twelve (2010)

The Prognosis: Despite being a source of real emotional weight and impact on The Wire, Jermain Crawford hasn't found much work since. Being a young adult actor, it must be difficult. An appearance in Whit Stillman's indie darling about a liberal arts college Damsels in Distress is a good look, as it woun't send him into the typecast territory of cop 'n murder shows. Keep your eyes open for Dukie showing up elsewhere, hopefully.

Most Recent Projects: Suburgatory (2011-2013), CSI: NY (2012), The Protector (2011)

The Prognosis: Playing Malik, the self-acknowledged token black kid at a white suburban school on Suburgatory, Maestro Harrel has regular work and for a young actor, that's the best thing you could hope for. If he stays on the radar of major projects, Harrel will continue to show up on our screens. As Randy fans, that's all any of us could ask for.

Most Recent Projects: The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete (2013), You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Kills You (2012), Law & Order (2010)

The Prognosis: Young actors both male and female often endure the horror movie gauntlet before breaking into the big time. Last year, Julito McCullum, who played Wee-Bey's son Namond, starred in You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Kills You about a serial killer with a taste for rappers (yes, it's as bad as it sounds). Late this year, he'll act opposite Anthony Mackie in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, definitely a step in the right direction.

Most Recent Projects: 90210 (2008-2013), Red Tails (2012), The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

The Prognosis: We're rooting for Tristan Wilds. Playing Michael, the character who matures to walk the path of Omar, Wilds made the arc believable, no small feat. When The Wire wrapped, he moved to the CW's reboot of teeny-bopper drama 90210, and that's cool; it makes clear another facet of his abilities. And you can't blame him starring in Red Tails, a movie that, unfortunately, was as bad as we feared it would be. Let's just hope it won't be his last shot at a blockbuster.

Most Recent Projects: Newlyweeds (2013), Veep (2013), Not Fade Away (2012), Louie (2012)

The Prognosis: Sheeeeeeeiiiit, you do not have to worry about Isiah Whitlock Jr. Since 1990, when he first shows up in GoodFellas, Whitlock has been getting steady, diverse work. He's a Spike Lee regular, has a preternatural gift for landing TV roles, and has a few indie features coming up, including Not Fade Away, from David Chase of The Sopranos. He's good.

Most Recent Projects: Santorini Blue (2013), 666 Park Avenue (2012), Unforgettable (2012)

The Prognosis: In the '80s and '90s, Clark Johnson worked all the damn time, culminating in an impressive 122-episode run on Homicide. Since then, including his role on the final season of The Wire, he appears to be more selective, not that that necessarily means he's only worked on quality programming (666 Park Avenue). Santorini Blue, an indie comedy about rekindling love, doesn't sound like it'll appeal to viewers who loved Gus' gruff style and sense of ethics. For the gruffness, you'll have to look to his behind the camera work, directing episodes of The Walking Dead.