Valentin Narcisse

Dr. Valentin Narcisse is a fictional character from the HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. He is a prominent and highly educated underworld figure based in Harlem, New York, and a Black nationalist orator, active in Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association.

Inspiration

Narcisse was based on Casper Holstein, a prominent New York City African-American organized crime figure from the Danish West Indies, who ultimately became the biggest and first massive numbers-runner in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance.

Reception

Narcisse was the driving force behind the downfall of the few sympathetic characters on Boardwalk Empire, particularly Albert "Chalky" White and Daughter Maitland. His motivations often stem from the need to be right or the thrill of antagonizing people, and he is one of the few characters to never be shown in a good light. Although Wright joined the cast during the show's penultimate season, his character is often cited as one of the series' best villains.