- Is portrayed by his son Mario Van Peebles in Baadasssss! (2003)
- Is the subject of How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It) (2005).
- Has been nominated for three Tony Awards: in 1972, as Best Book (Musical) and Best Score, as both Composer and Lyricist, for "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death;" and in 1973, as Best Book (Musical) for "Don't Play Us Cheap."
- He received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1953. He was also in Air Force ROTC, and after graduating, he spent three years as a flight navigator.
- Member of the 'Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' (AMPAS) since 2016.
- Studied astronomy at the University of Amsterdam and acting at the Dutch National Theater.
- Had stints as a postal worker and, in San Francisco, a cable-car grip - about which he wrote his first book, "The Big Heart," in 1957.
- Grandfather of Maya Van Peebles, Marley Van Peebles, Mandela Van Peebles, Morgana Van Peebles, Ronald Van, Jr., Roman Van, and Makaylo Van Peebles.
- He was honored in June 2016 by the New Federal Theater with Novella Nelson for "their exceptional commitment to African American theater and film".
- Made film shorts as an amateur in the late '50s and early '60s.
- He was the son of Edwin Griffin and Marion Peebles.
- Has eleven grandchildren.
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