Posted on 10/03/2005 10:22:29 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
NEW YORK - Nipsey Russell, who played the Tin Man alongside Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in "The Wiz" as part of a decades-long career in stage, television and film, has died. He was 80.
The actor, who had been suffering from cancer, died Sunday afternoon at Lenox Hill Hospital, said his longtime manager Joseph Rapp.
Born in Atlanta, Russell launched his television career as Officer Anderson in the 1961 television series "Car 54, Where are You?" He also appeared in the 1994 film version.
He became a fixture on popular television game and talk shows, where he was welcomed for his poetic delivery that earned him the moniker the "poet laureate of television." He also took his signature four-line poetry on the road for readings and performances.
Russell also appeared in the films "Nemo" in 1984, "Wildcats" in 1986 and "Posse" in 1993.
He settled in New York after graduating from the University of Cincinnati and serving as an Army captain in Europe during World War II, Rapp said.
Russell never married. "He always said, 'I have trouble living with myself, how could I live with anyone else,'" Rapp said. "But he was a wonderful guy, very quiet, never bragged."
Nipsey Russell poses for photographers at the New York premiere of the film 'The Aviator' Tuesday Dec. 14, 2004. Russell, who played the Tin Man alongside Diana Ross and Michael Jackson in 'The Wiz,' as part of a decades-long career in stage, television and film, Sunday afternoon Oct. 2, 2005 at Lenox Hill Hospital, said his longtime manager Joseph Rapp. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
RIP, Nipsy.
RIP Nipsey
Thanks for your service to your country and all the laughs.
But The Wiz was a terrible movie.
God Bless you Nipsey... You will be missed.... may have to go look up some of his old movies again.
I hope I look as good as Nipsey when I'm 80.
(Ah, except I'd like to stay white, thanks. I'm sure Nipsey would understand. RIP.)
He was awesome in Wildcats with Goldie Hawn.
"Those are the puppies....riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight"
Awww... RIP Nipsey...
R.I.P. He lives forever on GSN's "The Match Game."
The original rapper.
He would improvise poetic ditties on the match game show in the mid-1970's. Add a background beat and he was rappin'.
Anybody have the clip of him on Rush's TV program? His putdown of liberals was classic. Definitely a man who made his own way through life.
The guy was a hoot. Seems to me like he was a regular on the Dean Martin show. He should have had his own show. He was every bit as good as Flip Wilson.
Who is that guy in the middle? Wasn't he a child performer at on time. I wonder what ever happened to him Wait.
So long, Mr. Russell. We will miss you. But...I'll bet you're making 'em laugh in paradise. Rest in peace. :(
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