A Soldier's Story Cast

Howard Rollins plays Captain Davenport, a determined and ambitious military lawyer tasked with solving the murder of Sergeant Waters.

Adolph Caesar portrays Sergeant Waters, a strict and controversial non-commissioned officer who has a complicated relationship with his fellow soldiers.

Art Evans takes on the role of Private Wilkie, a member of the regiment who becomes involved in the unfolding investigation.

Robert Townsend plays Corporal Ellis, a soldier under Sergeant Waters' command who becomes entangled in the events surrounding the murder.

Denzel Washington portrays Private First Class Peterson, a young and promising soldier who finds himself caught up in the turmoil of the investigation.

David Alan Grier embodies the character of Corporal Cobb, another soldier in the regiment whose allegiances are tested during the investigation.

David Harris plays Private Smalls, a member of the unit who becomes a key figure in the unfolding mystery surrounding the murder.

Dennis Lipscomb portrays Captain Taylor, a senior officer in the regiment who oversees the investigation led by Captain Davenport.

Patti LaBelle takes on the role of Big Mary, a character with connections to the soldiers in the regiment and the events surrounding the murder.

Wings Hauser plays Lieutenant Byrd, an officer in the unit who becomes involved in the investigation alongside Captain Davenport.

Larry Riley portrays C.J. Memphis, a soldier in the company who has his own insights and suspicions about the events leading up to the murder.

William Allen Young plays Private Henson, a member of the regiment whose actions and whereabouts are called into question during the investigation.