ट्रिविया

A former schoolteacher, he taught at New York City's PS 71.

Received his Bachelor of Music degree from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana (1958).

Was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live (1975).

Raised by his grandfather, a Baptist minister, and began singing in the church choir.

First professional work was as a soloist and arranger with the Harry Belafonte singers.

Trained in voice at the Juilliard School of Music, he appeared on stage in many musicals in his pre-SNL days, including "Porgy and Bess", "Hallelujah, Baby", "Show Boat", and others.

The first African-American cast member on Saturday Night Live (1975).

One of the original, albeit least heralded, Not Ready for Prime Time Players of Saturday Night Live (1975), he is best recalled for his characterizations, especially retired Latino baseball player Chico ("baseball been berry berry good to me!") Escuela, and his impressions of Sammy Davis Jr. and Richard Pryor.

The oldest former cast member of Saturday Night Live (1975), living or dead.

He studied drama at HB Studio in Greenwich Village, New York City.

Wrote plays on the side: "The Secret Place" and "Daddy Picou".

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6411 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on February 1, 2024 (his 87th birthday). Actress Tichina Arnold and director Oz Scott were guest speakers at the ceremony.

Wrote the play "Stagger Lee" for Brooklyn school children as part of a New York City program that asked playwrights from each borough to write a play for their borough.

Has played the Superhero Ant-Man in Margot Kidder/The Chieftains (1979).

Is portrayed by Dean Bernard in Gilda Radner: It's Always Something (2002).

He was shot in the chest and arm by would-be robbers on 2/1/94.