See the ‘Blade’ Cast Then and Now

Wesley Snipes as Eric Brooks / Blade

Snipes had already worked on prominent films — including White Men Can’t Jump (1992), The Waterdance (1992) and One Night Stand (1997) — when he starred as the hero Blade. He continued playing the superhero in Blade II, Blade: Trinity and Deadpool & Wolverine.

Snipes continued working on films, starring in Brooklyn’s Finest (2009), The Expendables 3 (2014) and Coming 2 America (2021). He also worked on the television shows The Player (2015) and True Story (2021). In addition to acting, Snipes founded the production company, Amen-Ra Films, in 1991 and co-wrote the 2017 fantasy novel Talon of God.

As for his personal life, Snipes has a son, Jelani Asar Snipes, with his ex-wife, April Snipes, and four children — sons Akhenaten Kihwa-T Snipes, Alaafia Jehu-T Snipes and Alimayu Moa-T Snipes and daughter Iset Jua-T Snipes — with his wife, painter Nakyung “Nikki” Park, whom he married in 2003.

In 2008, Snipes was convicted on three counts of failing to file a tax return and was sentenced to three years in prison. After a denied appeal, he served 28 months in prison and was released in April 2013.

Stephen Dorff as Deacon Frost

Dorff had already worked on several films as a childhood actor before he played Deacon Frost in Blade. After skyrocketing to fame with the Marvel film, Dorff went on to act in Cecil B. DeMented (2000), Public Enemies (2009), Somewhere (2010), Immortals (2011) and The Iceman (2012).

In addition to movies, Dorff is also known for his role as Roland West in season 3 of True Detective (2019) and Vance Simkins in The Righteous Gemstones (2023-2025). Most recently, Dorff acted in 2025’s Bride Hard and Gunslingers.

Kris Kristofferson as Abraham Whistler

Kris Kristofferson, who played Abraham Whistler, was a successful outlaw country music star before Blade. He wrote several hits, including “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Morning’ Comin’ Down” and “For the Good Times.”

At the same time, Kristofferson launched his acting career with films including The Last Movie (1971), A Star Is Born (1976) and Heaven’s Gate (1980).

After acting in Blade, Kristofferson continued writing and singing country music and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2014, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kristofferson, who suffered from memory loss, officially retired from music in acting in 2021 and died in his home in Hana, Hawaii, on Sept. 28, 2024. He was 88 years old.

At the time of his death, he was married to Lisa Meyers, whom he wed in 1983. The couple were parents to five children: daughter Kelly Marie and sons Jesse, Jody, Johnny and Blake. Kristofferson also welcomed daughters Casey and Tracy and son Kris Jr. in previous relationships.

N’Bushe Wright as Dr. Karen Jenson

Wright became a mainstream actor with her supporting role in Blade, but she is primarily a dancer. Wright trained as a dancer and attended several dance programs and schools before joining the cast of Blade.

Wright went on to act in the films 3 Strikes (2000) and Civil Brand (2002). She also starred in the television shows Widows (2002), Platinum (2003) and Chappelle’s Show (2004).

Wright frequently reflects on her work in film by posting video edits that fans have made and expressing her gratitude for the opportunities. She spends her time dancing and traveling.

Donal Logue as Quinn

Donal Logue became a breakout actor in Hollywood with the help of Blade. Logue continued acting in movies and had roles in The Patriot (2000), The Tao of Steve (2000), American Splendor (2003) and Zodiac (2007).

Logue also found success in the television industry and starred in the hit sitcom Grounded for Life (2001-2005), ER (2003-2005), Sons of Anarchy (2012-2013), Vikings (2013-2014), Gotham (2014-2019) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2014-2022). In 2021, Logue spoofed his Blade character by becoming a different version of Quinn in FX’s What We Do in the Shadows.

Logue shares two children, Finn and Jade, with ex-wife Kasey Walker. The actor is currently dating drummer Lauren Brown.

Tim Guinee as Dr. Curtis Webb

Tim Guinee, who played Dr. Curtis Webb, is also known for his roles as Tomin in Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007) and Collis Huntington in Hell on Wheels (2011-2016).

After Blade, Guinee continued acting in Marvel films, starring in Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010). He also starred in HBO Max’s 2022 limited series The Staircase as Bill Peterson.

Guinee has been married to fellow actor Daisy Foote since 1997. In June 2024, the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary, with Guinee writing on Instagram, “27 years ago we got married. I’ll never know how I conned her into it, but I’m profoundly aware of how lucky I am.”

Sanaa Lathan as Vanessa Brooks

Sanaa Lathan, who played Vanessa Brooks, rose to prominence with her role in Blade. She’s continued acting and scored roles in The Best Man (1999), Love & Basketball (2000), Disappearing Acts (2000) and Alien vs. Predator (2004).

In addition to acting in films, Lathan has also starred in several Broadway shows — including the 2004 revival of A Raisin in the Sun, which earned her a Tony nomination. She also began acting in television and received an Emmy nomination for her role on Succession in 2022.

Lathan appears to be single and frequently posts about motivational quotes, her travels and her loved ones.