Ruben most recently helmed the world premiere of John Lequizamo's The Other Americans at the Arena Stage in Washington DC and the Public Theatre in NYC. He will star opposite Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara in This World of Tomorrow, written by Hanks and James Glossman, at NYC’s The Shed in November 2025. His Broadway production of Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau, received 4 Tony nominations including Outstanding New Play. His own autobiographical Lackawanna Blues was awarded The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as well as a Tony Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor. With Lackawanna Blues, Ruben became the first person in the history of Broadway to write, direct and star in a play. His Broadway production of Jitney garnered several awards for Outstanding Revival including the Tony Award and six Tony nominations. Santiago-Hudson adapted August Wilson's play Ma Rainey's Black Bottom for Netflix. Produced by Denzel Washington, directed by George C. Wolfe, and starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.Santiago-Hudson received a Tony Award as featured actor for his performance in August Wilson's Seven Guitars and made his Broadway acting debut alongside Gregory Hines in Jelly's Last Jam; other Broadway credits include Stick Fly and Gem of The Ocean. Ruben wrote, executive produced and co-starred in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues based on his OBIE and Helen Hayes Award-winning play. The movie received many honors including Emmy, Golden Globe, NAACP Image Award, The Christopher Award and the Humanitas Prize. Film and Television credits include “East New York,” American Gangster, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Shaft, Devil's Advocate, and Domestic Disturbance, Forgotten Genius, The Red Sneakers, Selma, The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks, Solomon and Sheba (the first time a biblical movie starred actors of color), and Rear Window, The Quad, Public Morals, Low Winter Sun, David Makes Man, Billions, The West Wing, Law & Order and numerous other guest star appearances. Santiago-Hudson starred in the hit ABC series Castle for three seasons as Capt. Roy Montgomery. Ruben's other honors as writer, director or actor include- The Humanitas Prize, National Board Of Reviews, The Christopher Award, Clarence Derwent Award, Lucille Lortel Award, 4 Obie Awards, 6 Audelco Awards, Helen Hayes Award, NAACP Image Award, The Glen Bartle Distinguished Alumni Award, The SDCF Joseph Calloway Directing Award, The Lloyd Richards Directing Award, The Nederlander Apple Award and Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Wayne State University and Buffalo State University.
