Emerging from New Rochelle, New York, he left Southern Illinois University in the early 1960s to pursue modeling before joining the Negro Ensemble Company, where he debuted on stage as boxer Jack Johnson. After a brief appearance in a 1970 hidden-camera film, his breakthrough arrived with the iconic role of private detective John Shaft, first in the 1971 movie and subsequently in two sequels, a 19… Read more
Biography written by WatchMoods, based on public sources
Known for Se7en 1995 Grey's Anatomy 2005 The Mentalist 2008 Heroes 2006 Series ★ 7.9 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 1990
Dr. Mumford Series ★ 7.8 The Closer 2005
Col. D.B. Walter Series ★ 7.6 Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman 1993
'Barracuda' Jim Barnes Series ★ 8 Family Reunion 2019
Grandpa Series ★ 7.4 Roots 1977
Sam Bennett Series ★ 7.2 Touched by an Angel 1994
Murray Series ★ 8.7 Lincoln Heights 2007
★ 6.8 Brick 2006
Assistant V.P. Trueman ★ 6.8 Thelma 2024
Ben Series ★ 7.2 The Wayans Bros. 1995
Dr. Saunders Series ★ 6.8 CHiPs 1977
Sgt. Aikens Series ★ 6.8 Renegade 1992
Series ★ 7 L.A. Law 1986
Judge Ira Menday Series ★ 7 Being Mary Jane 2013
Paul Patterson, Sr. Series ★ 6.9 Dream On 1990
Dr. Charles ★ 6.5 Shaft 2019
John Shaft, Sr. ★ 6.9 Breakdown: 1975 2025
(archive footage) Series ★ 6.7 Hangin' with Mr. Cooper 1992
General (uncredited) ★ 6.7 Man Friday 1975
Friday Series ★ 6.6 Amen 1986
★ 6.4 Speed Racer 2008
Ben Burns ★ 6.4 Shaft 1971
John Shaft Series ★ 6.3 The Player 2015
Samuel Letts Series ★ 5.9 Close to Home 2005
Cyrus Carter Series ★ 6.3 The Love Boat 1977
Dave Wilbur ★ 6.2 Shaft in Africa 1973
John Shaft ★ 5.9 A Family Reunion Christmas 2019
Jebidiah McKellan ★ 6.1 Shaft's Big Score! 1972
John Shaft ★ 5.6 Original Gangstas 1996
Slick ★ 5.1 Final Approach 2008
Gary Markash ★ 5.2 Party Line 1988
Captain Barnes ★ 5.4 Angel III: The Final Chapter 1988
Lt. Doniger ★ 4.5 The Banker 1990
Lloyd ★ 4.9 Body of Influence 1994
Harry Reams ★ 4.8 Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight 1992
Samuel Stark ★ 6.1 Earthquake 1974
Miles Quade ★ 4.4 Wild Seven 2006
Lee Marvin / Cleetus Woods ★ 5.8 Moving On 2023
Ralph ★ 6.1 Maniac Cop 1988
Commissioner Pike ★ 4.4 Opposing Force 1986
Stafford ★ 4.2 Jocks 1986
Chip ★ 5.1 Haunting of the Mary Celeste 2020
Tulls ★ 4.7 Christmas in Connecticut 1992
Prescott ★ 4.3 Night Visitor 1989
Captain Crane ★ 5.7 Escape to Athena 1979
Nat Judson ★ 6 Antitrust 2001
Lyle Barton ★ 5.9 Undercover Brother 2002
John Shaft (archive footage) (uncredited) ★ 6 Shaft 2000
"Uncle" John Shaft ★ 5.8 Q 1982
Powell ★ 5.2 An Eye for an Eye 1981
Capt. Stevens ★ 5.5 City Heat 1984
Dehl Swift ★ 4.5 Corky Romano 2001
Howard Shuster ★ 5.2 Boat Trip 2002
Felicia's Dad ★ 3.6 Theodore Rex 1995
Commissioner Lynch ★ 4.2 Steel 1997
Uncle Joe Start from another title