Born on December 13, 1957, in Minneapolis, he is an American musician, composer, and actor best known for his role as the flamboyant lead singer of The Time, a band associated with Prince. He gained fame for his dynamic stage presence and comedic talents, which translated into a successful film career. He appeared in "Purple Rain" (1984), where his charismatic performance stood out. Beyond acting, he continued to release music and perform, maintaining a significant influence on the funk and R&B scenes.