Don Cheadle has already played some very memorable roles in his 20+ years as a professional actor.

He played a sociopathic gang leader in "Colors". He played a fashion sensitive and lovable long stroker in "Boogie Nights". He played a surly British demolitions expert in "Ocean's Eleven" (and Twelve). He also recently earned critical acclaim for playing an altruistic hotel manager in "Hotel Rwanda".

However, the latest role that he is rumored to be landing might be the one that catapults him once and for all into the elite category of Hollywood actors. Cheadle is reportedly the front runner to land the role of Miles Davis in an upcoming film about the iconic Jazz legend.

Davis' Nephew, Vince Wilburn, recently intimated the news to reporters at this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony (Miles was inducted this year). He told reports that Cheadle's name came up over and over again regarding the lead role for biographical film covering the trumpet virtuoso's illustrious career and somewhat tempestuous life.

If these rumors become reality Cheadle could be in line for an Oscar nomination, and if history is any indication, he will likely go home with some hardware. The last two major musician biographies, "Ray" and "Walk the Line", netted Oscar wins for Jamie Foxx and Reese Witherspoon.