If you’ve spent any time watching TV in the last two decades, you’ve definitely seen Pooch Hall. Most people immediately go, "Oh, that’s Derwin from The Game!" And honestly? That’s fair. He played that role so well for so long that it’s hard not to associate him with the San Diego Sabers. But if you think that’s the peak of his career, you’re missing out on some of the best Pooch Hall movies and tv shows that actually prove he’s one of the most versatile actors working today.
He didn't just stumble into acting either. The guy was a champion boxer first—winning the Southern New England Golden Gloves in ’94. You can see that physical discipline in how he carries himself on screen, whether he's playing a wide receiver or a gritty fixer's brother. He’s got this weirdly perfect mix of "guy you want to grab a beer with" and "guy who could probably knock you out if he had to."
The Breakdown: Essential Pooch Hall Movies and TV Shows
Let’s be real. Most actors get stuck in a box. If you’re the "sitcom guy," you stay the sitcom guy. Pooch didn't play that. He jumped from a lighthearted (though eventually dramatic) sports comedy to one of the darkest, most intense prestige dramas on Showtime.
Why Ray Donovan Changed Everything
When Pooch Hall joined the cast of Ray Donovan as Daryll Donovan, it shocked a lot of people. Daryll is the biracial half-brother to Ray, Terry, and Bunchy—the product of one of Mickey Donovan’s many "extracurricular" activities.
Watching him navigate that family dynamic was fascinating. He was always trying to prove he was a "real" Donovan while dealing with the casual racism and dismissal of his own father. It wasn't just a supporting role; it was a masterclass in subtlety. He went from the flashy, charismatic energy of Derwin Davis to this restrained, often wounded character who just wanted to belong. He stayed with the show for its entire seven-season run and returned for Ray Donovan: The Movie in 2022 to wrap up the story.
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The Big Screen: From Jumping the Broom to Murder Company
In the world of film, he’s been just as busy. You probably remember him in Jumping the Broom (2011). He played Ricky, and that movie is basically a staple in Black cinema history at this point. It showed he could hold his own in a massive ensemble cast featuring legends like Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine.
But have you seen his more recent stuff?
In 2024, he starred in a gritty WWII thriller called Murder Company. It’s a complete 180 from his usual roles. He plays a soldier behind enemy lines on a mission to assassinate a high-value Nazi target. It’s dirty, it’s violent, and it shows that even in his late 40s, Pooch still has that action-hero energy. He also popped up in the Russo Brothers’ movie Cherry with Tom Holland, playing Sgt. Whomever. It was a smaller role, but being in a Russo project is a pretty big stamp of approval in Hollywood.
Beyond the Highlights: The Stuff You Might Have Missed
If you’re a real fan, you know his filmography goes deep. He’s the king of the "Wait, was that him?" guest spot.
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- Suits: He had a recurring role as Jimmy Kirkwood. If you blinked, you might have missed him, but he was a key part of Mike Ross’s backstory.
- Law & Order: Organized Crime: More recently, he’s been playing Dante Scott, showing he can still handle the high-stakes procedural world.
- Chuck: No, not the spy show. The 2016 biopic about Chuck Wepner. Pooch actually played Muhammad Ali. Think about that for a second. Playing Ali is like the ultimate test for an actor, and given his real-life boxing background, he actually looked like he knew what he was doing in the ring.
Honestly, the range is kind of insane. He’s done the "Hallmark" thing with A Nashville Legacy and the high-concept sci-fi thing with Warehouse 13. He even did a stint on Accidentally on Purpose with Jenna Elfman back in the day.
What’s Happening Now?
As of 2026, he’s not slowing down. He’s currently a series regular on The Family Business: New Orleans, playing Floyd. It’s a spin-off of the popular BET series, and it’s exactly the kind of juicy, dramatic role that fits him perfectly.
What People Get Wrong About His Career
There’s this misconception that he left The Game because of some huge beef. He’s cleared this up a million times in interviews, like on Uncensored. It was basically just a scheduling and contract nightmare. He booked Ray Donovan right when The Game was transitioning, and he couldn't be in two places at once.
It wasn't drama; it was just business.
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And looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened for his career. If he had stayed as Derwin forever, we might never have seen what he could do in a heavy drama. He proved he wasn't just a "pretty face" or an "athlete-turned-actor." He’s a craftsman.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to do a proper deep dive into his work, don't just stick to the hits.
- Watch the Ray Donovan series finale and the movie back-to-back. It’s the most complete arc he’s ever had as an actor.
- Check out Carter High. It’s a sports drama based on a true story from Texas, and he plays Coach Vonner. It’s a great example of his "mentor" energy.
- Find the Muhammad Ali clips from Chuck. Even if you don't watch the whole movie, seeing a real boxer play Ali is a treat for any sports fan.
Pooch Hall is one of those actors who has managed to stay relevant for over 20 years without ever feeling like he's "chasing" fame. He just works. Whether it's a guest spot on Criminal Minds or a lead in a WWII movie, he brings a certain level of authenticity that’s hard to fake. He’s a Brockton kid who worked his way up, and his filmography reflects that blue-collar work ethic.
Keep an eye on The Family Business: New Orleans because if history tells us anything, Pooch is going to find a way to make that character the one everyone is talking about by the end of the season.
Start your binge-watch with the early seasons of The Game to see where the magic started, but don't stop there. Jump into the gritty streets of Ray Donovan to see who he really became. You'll see a completely different side of an actor who is finally getting the respect he deserves as a dramatic heavyweight.