The movie “Len Bias” is a 2009 biography film that talks about the life of former University of Maryland basketball superstar and Boston Celtics draft pick, Len Bias. The film was directed by Kirk Fraser and it stands as a comprehensive account of Bias’ life including his swift rise to fame and his tragic fall. It showcases numerous interviews with Len’s closest mates, family members and also individuals who were with him during his final hours.
Where it Filmed?
“Len Bias” was shot at multiple locations in the United States. The filming occurred in the cities of Boston, Massachusetts; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and, Washington, District of Columbia. The filming spanned for almost a year, starting from Aug 25, 2007, and ending on Aug 21, 2008.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Len Bias | Self – #2 Draft Pick for the Boston Celtics 1986 (archiveFootage) |
| James Brown | Self – Sports Journalist |
| Bob Wagner | Self – Fmr. High School Coach |
| Lefty Driesell | Self – University of Maryland Head Coach 1969-86 |
| Michael Wilbon | Self – Sports Journalist |
| Johnny Dawkins | Self – Fmr. Duke University Player |
| Keith Gatlin | Self – University of Maryland fmr. Teammate |
| Kevin Blackistone | Self – Sports Journalist |
| Bob Ryan | Self – Sports Journalist |
| James Bias | Self – Len’s Father |
| Dan Shaughnessy | Self – Sports Journalist |
| John Thompson | Self – Basketball Hall of Famer |
| Georgetown Coach 1972-99 | |
| Dean Smith | Self – Basketball Hall of Famer |
| North Carolina 1958-97 | |
| Jan Volk | Self – Fmr. Boston Celtics GM |
| Reginald Gaskins | Self – Fmr. High School Teammate |
| Michelle Bias | Self – Len’s Sister |
| Eric Bias | Self – Len’s Brother |
| Brian Tribble | Self – Classmate / Friend |
| University of Maryland | |
| Sherry Hursey | Self – Tribble’s Friend |
| David Gregg | Self – University of Maryland fmr. Teammate |
| Jeff Baxter | Self – University of Maryland fmr. Teammate |
| Derrick Lewis | Self – University of Maryland fmr. Teammate |
| Tony Massenburg | Self – University of Maryland fmr. Teammate |
| Myriam Leger | Self – Classmate / Friend |
| University of Maryland | |
| Jim Vance | Self – News Anchor WRC-TV NBC4 |
| Bruce Johnson | Self – News Anchor / Reporter WUSA-TV CBS |
| Harry Thomas Jr. | Self – D.C. City Council Member |
| Cornell Jones | Self – Fmr. DC Drug Kingpin |
| Curt Savage | Self – Fmr. Nightclub Promoter |
| Marion Barry Jr. | Self – Fmr. Mayor of Washington D.C. |
| Robert Thompson | Self – Washington D.C. Native |
| Brian Waller | Self – Fmr. High School Teammate & Friend |
| Sia Rose | Self – Len’s Girlfriend |
| Steve Buckhantz | Self – Sports Journalist |
| Jeffrey Harding | Self – Fmr. Assistant State Attorney |
| Jackie MacMullan | Self – Sports Broadcaster |
| Johnny Holliday | Self – University of Maryland Sports Announcer |
| Julie Stewart | Self – President & Founder |
| Families Against Mandatory Minimums | |
| Red Auerbach | Self – President |
| Boston Celtics (archiveFootage) | |
| Jay Bias | Self – Len’s Brother (archiveFootage) |
| Mike Cogburn | Self – Town Hall Bar & Liquor (archiveFootage) |
| Pat Collins | Self – WRC NBC 4 News Reporter |
| Derrick Curry | Self – Victim of Mandatory Minimums |
| Michael Eric Dyson | Self – Author / Professor |
| Glen Harris | Self – Sports Journalist |
| Chick Hernandez | Self – Sports Journalist |
| Jeffrey Paul Johnson | Self – Fmr. Maryland Police Officer |
| Thomas Morrow | Self – Brian Tribble’s Fmr. Criminal Attorney |
| Tip O’Neill | Self – Former Speaker of the House (archiveFootage) |
| John Salley | Self – Fmr. NBA Player (archiveFootage) |
| Darin S. Satterthwaite | Self – Teammate |
| Northwestern HS 1980-82 | |
| Deborah Simmons | Self – Washington Times Columnist |
| Donnie Simpson | Self – Radio Host |
| WPGC | |
| David Singelton | Self – Classmate |
| Northwestern HS 1979-82 | |
| Kemba Smith | Self – Victim of Mandatory Minimums |
| Jim Spiro | Self – Team Manager |
| Maryland 1984-86 | |
| Dave Statter | Self – WUSA Eyewitness News Reporter |
| Walt Williams | Self – Maryland 1988-92 |
Trivia and Facts
- The movie was released under the production company, May 3rd Films, and it was also distributed by the same company in the United States.
- ESPN Films were in charge of the movie’s worldwide distribution.
- Not only did Kirk Fraser direct the movie, but he also played a role in writing and producing it.
- The movie received positive reviews collecting 2 wins and 1 nomination in award categories.
- Apart from Len Bias, other cast members include James Brown, Bob Wagner and several other well-known stars.
- The movie contains references to Super Bowl XX held in 1986.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Latitude: 42.3600825
- Longitude: -71.0588801
- Place ID: ChIJGzE9DS1l44kRoOhiASS_fHg
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Boston, MA, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Location Name: Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Latitude: 35.9131996
- Longitude: -79.0558445
- Place ID: ChIJp35uIRzDrIkRy-RDBOC6A38
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
- Location Name: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Latitude: 38.9071923
- Longitude: -77.0368707
- Place ID: ChIJW-T2Wt7Gt4kRKl2I1CJFUsI
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: Washington, DC, USA
- Timezone: America/New_York
