Kirk Franklin

Acting

Kirk Franklin

Born

1970-01-26 (56)

Place of birth

Dallas, Texas, USA

Known for

Acting

Credits

42 titles

Kirk Dewayne Franklin is an American gospel musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Franklin's accolades include 20 Grammy Awards. Variety has called Franklin a "Reigning King of Urban Gospel", and Franklin is one of the inaugural inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

Known for

Saturday Night Live poster
6.9

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.

Saturday Night Live

1975

The View poster
4.3

ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment are all part of The View.

The View

1997

The Jennifer Hudson Show poster
5.6

Talented entertainer and newly-minted EGOT Jennifer Hudson takes on the daytime talk show landscape.

The Jennifer Hudson Show

2022

Sherri poster
2.6

Sherri Shepherd, actress, comic, and Emmy Award-winning longtime co-host of "The View", appears before a live audience with a daily dose of pop culture, comedy, conversations, and daytime talk staples, including celebrity and human interest interviews.

Sherri

2022

LIVE with Kelly and Mark poster
5.6

A morning talk show with A-list celebrity guests, top-notch performances and one-of-a-kind segments that are unrivaled on daytime television, plus spontaneous, hilarious and unpredictable talk.

LIVE with Kelly and Mark

1988

The Tamron Hall Show poster
4.7

Former news host and journalist Tamron Hall discusses all things topical and engages those she interviews in thorough meaningful and entertaining conversations.

The Tamron Hall Show

2019

Film credits

2020s · 8 titles

Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues poster
4.6

The Queen of Christmas returns with a blast of holiday cheer in this special. Mariah performs her enchanting original song "Fall in Love at Christmas" with Khalid and Kirk Franklin, chats with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, and signs off with a festive classic.

Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues

2021

We Want the Funk! poster
6.3

Stanley Nelson's syncopated voyage through the history of funk music, from early roots to 1970s urban funk and beyond.

We Want the Funk!

2025

K-Pops! poster
6.7

A washed-up musician travels to Korea to write for K-pop stars, discovering that his long-lost son is set to front one of the country’s hottest new groups. He then jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on his son’s stardom for his own renaissance, but learns that fatherhood is much more fulfilling and meaningful than stardom.

K-Pops!

2026

Little Big Town's Christmas at the Opry poster
5.0

NBC's holiday special showcases the acclaimed band Little Big Town alongside a lineup of talented guest performers, all set against the iconic backdrop of the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

Little Big Town's Christmas at the Opry

2024

The Jesus Music poster
7.3

A political documentary that tells the stories of over 25 artists who give depictions of the controversy surrounding Christian Rock in the 70's.

The Jesus Music

2021

Kirk Franklin's The Night Before Christmas poster
7.5

It follows an estranged mother and her daughter as they get caught in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve and are forced to take refuge inside a church. They meet a handsome pastor and a music teacher who motivate them to reconnect.

Kirk Franklin's The Night Before Christmas

2022

Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas poster
6.3

When Olivia, a young assistant pastor, gets assigned to be a lead pastor at a new church a month before Christmas, she's fearful she can't manage the transition, including getting the choir ready to open the town's annual Winter Jamboree. Banding together with her new congregation, Olivia discovers a new home for herself, and even finds a little Christmas romance along the way!

Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas

2021

No artwork available
NR

"Saving OurSelves: BET COVID-19 Relief Effort" is a fundraiser event co-hosted by Anthony Anderson, Terrence Jenkins, Regina Hall and Kelly Rowland to help communities of color impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The television special airs April 22, 2020 on the Black Entertainment Television network and includes many musical performances and special appearances.

Saving OurSelves: BET COVID-19 Relief Effort

2020

2010s · 2 titles

2000s · 9 titles

Something to Sing About poster
5.8

Tommy is a troubled young man with a history of crime. When he meets Memaw, an elderly lady, the two form a special bond with Memaw encouraging Charlie to sing in the local church choir, a talent he has ignored until now. While Charlie excels in church, his old friend G. Smooth remains skeptical and stays on the streets.

Something to Sing About

2000

The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin: Live poster
10.0

Recorded live at Houston's Lakewood Church, this collection of live performances and video clips features guest appearances by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Shirley Caesar, Crystal Lewis, Donnie McClurkin and more

The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin: Live

2002

WOW Gospel 2009 poster
NR

WOW Gospel 2009 delivers a high‑energy collection of standout performances from some of the most influential gospel artists of the late 2000s. Blending contemporary praise, choir power, and heartfelt worship, this installment showcases memorable moments such as “Stand Out” by Tye Tribbett & G.A., “Declaration (This Is It!)” from Kirk Franklin, “Get Up” by Mary Mary, and Marvin Sapp’s chart‑topping “Never Would Have Made It.”

WOW Gospel 2009

2009

Whatcha Lookin' 4 poster
NR

As you view this project, it is our prayer that you experience the outpouring of the Spirit that fell over the crowd during this recording. From beginning to end - Kirk and the family continuously express their love for the Lord and introduce a fresh, new sound that will definitely deliver what you are looking 4.

Whatcha Lookin' 4

2003

The WOW Gospel 2002: 12 Top Videos poster
NR

Verity Records is back with another annual compilation which showcases the amazing gospel talent on the label's roster. WOW GOSPEL 2002 includes 12 music videos from top musical talents including Beverly Crawford, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Richard Smallwood, and several others.

The WOW Gospel 2002: 12 Top Videos

2002

M2K Video Gospel 2000 poster
NR

M2K Video Gospel 2000 is a 1999/2000 VHS collection featuring music videos from Gospo Centric and Brite Music artists. It features artists like Kirk Franklin, Trin-i-tee 5:7, and Gospel Gangstaz. It is a rare collection often found on secondary markets, highlighting contemporary gospel music of that era.

M2K Video Gospel 2000

2000

Hopeville poster
NR

A story of friendship and commitment between three childhood friends from the make-believe remote town of Hopeville.

Hopeville

2008

WOW Gospel 2006 poster
NR

A vibrant showcase of mid‑2000s gospel excellence, WOW Gospel 2006 brings together some of the era’s most influential voices in a powerful collection of worship, praise, and contemporary inspirational music. Featuring standout performances such as “You Are God Alone” by Marvin Sapp, “Work On Me” by Tonéx & The Peculiar People, “Ooh Child” by Donnie McClurkin with Kirk Franklin, and “Looking For You” by Kirk Franklin, the DVD blends soulful ballads, urban gospel, and high‑energy praise.

WOW Gospel 2006

2006

No artwork available
8.0

It's foot-stomping, soul-searching music that has raised the roof (in a spiritual sense, anyway) more than once: gospel. Now, you can learn about the people who give voice to this thrilling contemporary sound in this packed video that includes the candid stories -- and music -- of such artists as Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Dr. Bobby Jones, Karen Clark Sheard, Vickie Winans, T-Bone and many others.

Higher Ground: Voices of Contemporary Gospel Music

2004

1990s · 4 titles

Kirk Franklin and the Family: Live poster
NR

A collection of eight rousing spiritual hits recorded at the Grace Temple in Fort Worth Texas in 1994. Selections include He's Able, Real Love and Silver and Gold among others.

Kirk Franklin and the Family: Live

1998

WOW Gospel 1998 poster
NR

Initiated in 1998, the WOW Gospel series has been a huge success, providing a thrilling retrospective on the highlights of the gospel calendar for each succeeding year. This video from 1998 marks the beginning of the series and boasts a collection of incredible artists. Performers include Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ and many others. Your spirit will soar!

WOW Gospel 1998

1998

Kirk Franklin & The Family: Whatcha Lookin' 4 poster
NR

A high‑energy gospel concert film capturing Kirk Franklin and his groundbreaking ensemble, The Family, during the peak of their 1990s influence. Blending choir‑driven praise, contemporary gospel grooves, and Franklin’s signature call‑and‑response leadership, the performance showcases the music that helped redefine modern gospel for a new generation. The VHS release highlights the group’s dynamic stage presence, heartfelt worship moments, and the joyful, community‑centered spirit that made the album a cultural landmark.

Kirk Franklin & The Family: Whatcha Lookin' 4

1996

Kirk Franklin: The Nu Nation Tour poster
NR

The first gospel artist to go platinum, Kirk Franklin is one of the America's few successful crossover acts. This 1999 concert video was filmed live at the Baltimore Arena and directed by the capable hands of famous dancer-Oscar choreographer Debbie Allen.

Kirk Franklin: The Nu Nation Tour

1999

Series credits

Saturday Night Live poster
6.9

A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.

Saturday Night Live

1975

The View poster
4.3

ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment are all part of The View.

The View

1997

The View poster
4.3

ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment are all part of The View.

The View

1997

The Jennifer Hudson Show poster
5.6

Talented entertainer and newly-minted EGOT Jennifer Hudson takes on the daytime talk show landscape.

The Jennifer Hudson Show

2022

Sherri poster
2.6

Sherri Shepherd, actress, comic, and Emmy Award-winning longtime co-host of "The View", appears before a live audience with a daily dose of pop culture, comedy, conversations, and daytime talk staples, including celebrity and human interest interviews.

Sherri

2022

LIVE with Kelly and Mark poster
5.6

A morning talk show with A-list celebrity guests, top-notch performances and one-of-a-kind segments that are unrivaled on daytime television, plus spontaneous, hilarious and unpredictable talk.

LIVE with Kelly and Mark

1988

The Tamron Hall Show poster
4.7

Former news host and journalist Tamron Hall discusses all things topical and engages those she interviews in thorough meaningful and entertaining conversations.

The Tamron Hall Show

2019

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno poster
5.3

Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

1992

Today poster
5.6

Today is a daily American morning television show that airs on NBC. The program debuted on January 14, 1952. It was the first of its genre on American television and in the world, and is the fifth-longest running American television series. Originally a two-hour program on weekdays, it expanded to Sundays in 1987 and Saturdays in 1992. The weekday broadcast expanded to three hours in 2000, and to four hours in 2007. Today's dominance was virtually unchallenged by the other networks until the late 1980s, when it was overtaken by ABC's Good Morning America. Today retook the Nielsen ratings lead the week of December 11, 1995, and held onto that position for 852 consecutive weeks until the week of April 9, 2012, when it was beaten by Good Morning America yet again. In 2002, Today was ranked #17 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest Television Shows of All Time.

Today

1952

Sister, Sister poster
7.0

Twins Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell were separated and adopted at birth. Fourteen years later, they encounter each other by chance at the mall. After the families meet, Tia's widowed father agrees to let Tamera and her single mother move in with them.

Sister, Sister

1994

Greenleaf poster
7.1

The unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family and their sprawling Memphis megachurch, where scandalous secrets and lies are as numerous as the faithful. Born of the church, the Greenleaf family love and care for each other, but beneath the surface lies a den of iniquity—greed, adultery, sibling rivalry and conflicting values—that threatens to tear apart the very core of their faith that holds them together.

Greenleaf

2016

VERZUZ poster
10.0

VERZUZ was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a virtual DJ battle, with Timbaland and Swizz Beatz facing off in its first iteration through an Instagram Live broadcast in March 2020. VERZUZ was created by Grammy Award-winning record producers and entrepreneurs Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, that airs on Verzuz TV. It started as an American webcast series and the show was bought by Triller Network, and has became more than just hip-hop and R&B battles.

VERZUZ

2020

BET Awards poster
7.5

An annual event concert celebrating African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.

BET Awards

2001

BET Awards poster
7.5

An annual event concert celebrating African Americans and other American minorities in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment over the past year.

BET Awards

2001

Sunday Best poster
NR

Sunday Best is a reality television Gospel singing competition series which airs on BET. Each season the show and its judges set out to find the best undiscovered gospel talent in America. Finalist compete each week until a winner is crowned. Current judges of the competition are Gospel singers Yolanda Adams CeCe Winans and Donnie McClurkin, former host include Mary Mary & Bebe Winans. Gospel singer Kim Burrell serves as the contestants mentor, and the program is hosted by Kirk Franklin. The Sunday Best winner receives a national recording contract, a new automobile, and an undisclosed cash prize benefiting his or her community as well as the title of 'Sunday Best'. Season one runner up Shari Addison also scored a recording contract, as well as season two runner up Jessica Reedy although her contract was not rewarded from the show. On the season 4 finale, host Kirk Franklin announced that the series would be returning for a 5th season next year. The 5th season premiered Sunday, July 8, 2012. Season 5 ended with a 2 hour special on September 2, 2012. The winner of the 5th season is Joshua Rogers from Greeleyville, South Carolina. He made history as the first male contestant to win the Sunday Best title. Kirk Franklin announced at the close of Sunday Best 6 that there will be a season 7. Season 7 will premier on July 2014.

Sunday Best

2007

Uncensored poster
7.3

Explore the intimate lives of some of today's most notable personalities. The 10-episode semi-autobiographical series gives unprecedented access to stars including Tiffany Haddish, LaLa Anthony, Tamar Braxton, Charlemagne Da God, Le'Andria Johnson, NeNe Leakes, Nia Long, Rick Ross and Snoop Dogg as they personally reveal their own stories, in their own words, in the places where their stories unfolded.

Uncensored

2018

The Grammys poster
8.6

An awards show honoring the achievements of the members of the professional music recording industry. The members of the Recording Academy vote on who they think is most deserving of an award in 108 categories as specified by the academy.

The Grammys

1959

Behind the camera