He studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and had various roles in the Royal National Theater.
His first major role on the big screen was for the movie “Secrets and Lies”(1996) by the director Mike leight, and thanks to his participation in this film, he rose to worldwide fame, as he received a nomination for the Oscar and another for Golden globes.
His other film credits include the films “City of Ember“, next to Tim robbins Y Bill murray, “Jam“,”Welcome to california“,”Don´t Explain“,”28 days“, next to Sandra Bullock Y Viggo Mortensen, “The Cell“, next to Jennifer Lopez Y “The Wedding“, next to Halle berry Y Eric Thal.
Collaborated with the director Mike leigh Produced by “It’s a Great Big Shame”And is also a writer and composer.
Jean-Baptiste he recorded his own blues album and even composed the music for the film “Career Girls”.
She can currently be seen on the television series “Without a Trace“, Where he gives life to the FBI agent Vivian Johnson, who suffers from serious heart disease and raises a son while facing his hard work.
In regards to her personal life, she is married to the ballet dancer Evan williams, with whom he has a daughter.
It is worth mentioning that Jean-Baptiste has protested against racism after being excluded from the group of actors promoting English talent at the Cannes Film Festival.