Michael Jai White's first major starring role and breakout performance was in the 1995 HBO film Tyson, as heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson. He portrayed the titular character in the 1997 movie Spawn, making him the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture. His work in Spawn earned him a nomination for the Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Best Male Newcomer. White starred opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme in Universal Soldier: The Return. In 2001 he also starred opposite fellow martial artist Steven Seagal in Exit Wounds. He also appeared in Busta Rhymes' and Mariah Carey's music video "I Know What You Want".
Since 2003, in addition to his on screen roles, White has been doing voice work, including Static Shock, Justice League, and the upcoming Spawn series. White showcases his martial arts skills in the direct-to-DVD film Undisputed II: Last Man Standing. He also appeared in Michelle Yeoh's Silver Hawk in 2004. His film, Why Did I Get Married? opened at number one at the box office on October 12, 2007. White played the role of the mob boss Gambol in the Batman Begins sequel The Dark Knight. He is also starring in the film Blood and Bone and the blaxploitation homage Black Dynamite, which are both slated for a 2009 release. In Black Dynamite and his upcoming 3 Bullets with Bokeem Woodbine, White is writing the scripts as well. This isn't the first time he's written material, but this is the first time the movies have been realized.

White will be appearing in Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too this spring. You can watch the trailer here.