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He died at his home in Las Vegas from complications of a stroke he had on May 6, 2009. He previously had received diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Founded the Black Actors Theater in San Francisco with actor Danny Glover in 1980.

Was jailed several times as a young man in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the corrosive times of racial separatism in his country.

In 2005, he and his wife returned to the States from Cape Town, South Africa, and settled in Las Vegas in order to seek better medical care for his Parkinson's disease.

Took up acting after meeting white playwright Athol Fugard and they worked together creating plays.

Had no previous acting experience before forming a professional bond with playwright Athol Fugard, who was white.

Divorced wife Madelyn in 1978 after 12 years of marriage. They remarried in 1985. They have one daughter, Santlo Chontay Mokae, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Directed a production of August Wilson's "Fences" in 1999.

Started out as a saxophonist with Trevor Huddleston's Huddleston Jazz Band.

Won Broadway's 1982 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for his role as Sam in Athol Fugard's "'Master Harold'... and the Boys," a portrayal he recreated in the television version of the same title, 'Master Harold'... and the Boys (1985). He was also Tony-nominated in the same category in 1993 for "The Song of Jacob Zulu."

First went to London in 1961 when his country blocked his acting career.

Has two sisters, two brothers and three grandchildren.

Twice played a character who makes a statement to which the other character's response is, "I like that": Dad (1989) then later in Mr. Monk and the Marathon Man (2002).

Suffered from nightmares years after playing his role in The Serpent and the Rainbow. After going deep into his voodoo doctor character, becoming one of his hardest roles to play in his career.