Lee Weaver, the familiar character actor known for his work on The Bill Cosby Show, the Loni Anderson-starring Easy Street and the Coen brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou?, has died. He was 95.
Weaver died Sept. 22 at his home in Los Angeles, his family announced. He “wove joy, depth and representation into every role he played and everything he did,” they said.
Weaver played Brian Kincaid, the brother of Bill Cosby’s gym teacher, Chet Kincaid, on 1969-71’s The Bill Cosby Show, and he stole scenes as the exhibitionist Buck Naked on the Steven Bochco series Hill Street Blues in 1982-84 and NYPD Blue in 1994.
On the 1986-87 NBC comedy Easy Street, Weaver and Jack Elam portrayed a couple of down-on-their-luck roommates who move into a mansion recently inherited by a former Las Vegas showgirl (Anderson). That show, created by WKRP in Cincinnati’s Hugh Wilson, was canceled after one season.
In O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Weaver had a memorable scene as the blind man who gives three escaped convicts (George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson) a ride on a railroad handcar and some mysterious advice about their future.
Weaver, in fact, turned up in several other notable movies during his long career, among them Vanishing Point (1971), Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Onion Field (1979), Bulworth (1998), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Donnie Darko (2001) and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005).
The son of a chef, Lee Wellington Weaver was born on April 10, 1930, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was raised by his Aunt Mattie and Uncle Lee until he was 14, when he left home to attend high school in Tallahassee and then Florida A&M.
At 22, Weaver enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for four years, then headed to New York, where he worked as a linotype engineer for The New York Times and moonlighted as a promoter at the legendary Birdland jazz club. There, he booked such acts as Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughan, John Coltrane, Herb Ellis, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and the Heath Brothers.
(Cannonball Adderley, a childhood pal and the best man at his wedding, recorded a Yusef Lateef-written song called “The Weaver” in honor of him that was featured on the saxophonist’s 1964 album, Nippon Soul.)
In one of his first acting gigs, Weaver played assorted natives on the 1955-56 syndicated series Sheena: Queen of the Jungle and a reporter in Al Capone (1959).
In 1967 and ’68, he appeared on episodes of the Cosby-starring NBC series I Spy. And when Cosby was a guest host on The Tonight Show back then, Weaver, in a recurring bit, would be announced as a guest but fail to make it on the show because Cosby would run out of time. Weaver was then seen getting angry in his dressing room.
Years later, Weaver would show up on The Cosby Show and on the Cosby-created A Different World.
Weaver kept busy in the 1970s with work on such TV series as Adam-12, Kojak, Sanford and Son, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Soap and Starsky & Hutch and films including Cleopatra Jones (1973) and House Calls (1978).
He provided the voice of Alpine on the 1985-86 animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and in a pair of movies.
His résumé also included the features The Lost Man (1969), Kiss Me Goodbye (1982), The Buddy System (1984), Wildcats (1986), The Two Jakes (1990), The Scout (1994), The Thirteenth Floor (1999) and Max Rose (2013) and guest stints on 227, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Most recently, he played Mel Cordray on two episodes of Grace and Frankie.
With his wife, actress Ta-Tanisha (Room 222), he had a daughter, Leis La-Te.
Lee Weaver, actor in ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou,’ ‘The Bill Cosby Show’ and ‘Easy Street,’ Dies at 95
Remembering Lee Weaver: A Lifetime of Acting Excellence
Lee Weaver, the distinguished actor celebrated for his versatile performances on screen and television, passed away at the age of 95. Known for his memorable roles in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Bill Cosby Show, and Easy Street, Weaver’s career spanned decades and reflected his unique talent and charisma. His death marks the loss of a remarkable icon in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1930, Lee Weaver developed a passion for acting at a young age, eventually launching a career that would showcase his versatility as a character actor. From humble beginnings on the stage, Weaver transitioned smoothly into television and film roles that highlighted his ability to blend humor, drama, and authentic human emotion.
Key milestones in Weaver’s Early Career
- Stage performances in local theaters during the 1950s.
- Debut on television with guest roles that began to attract audience attention.
- Transition to film with supporting roles that leveraged his natural charisma.
Breakthrough Roles and Television Success
Lee weaver’s rise to prominence was fueled by his memorable television performances. His recurring role on The Bill Cosby Show remains one of his most beloved. The show, a popular sitcom during the 1970s, allowed Weaver to display his impeccable comedic timing and emotional depth. Additionally, his work on Easy Street further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor able to adapt to varied roles with ease.
Notable TV shows Featuring Lee Weaver
| TV Show | Role | Years Active |
|---|---|---|
| The Bill cosby Show | Multiple guest roles | 1970-1971 |
| Easy Street | Recurring character | 1986-1987 |
| Good Times | Guest appearances | 1970s |
Film Career Highlights: Iconic Role in ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’
Lee Weaver’s filmography includes diverse projects, but his role in the 2000 cult classic O brother, Where Art Thou? stands out as a high point. directed by the Coen Brothers, the film remains a fan favorite, blending comedy, adventure, and Americana folklore. Weaver’s portrayal added a layer of authenticity and charm, showcasing his ability to breathe life into unique characters.
Why “O Brother, Where art Thou?” Was Pivotal for Weaver
- Introduced him to a new generation of moviegoers.
- Afforded him a role in a critically acclaimed,award-winning film.
- Strengthened his legacy in both independent and mainstream cinema.
Other Memorable Performances and Guest appearances
Beyond his well-known works,Lee Weaver appeared in numerous television shows and films,often as a guest star or in supporting roles. His natural versatility made him a sought-after talent for episodic television during the golden age of sitcoms and dramas. Consumers of classic television will remember him fondly for his consistent presence and warmth on screen.
Noteworthy Appearances Include:
- Sanford and Son – Multiple episodes
- Hill Street Blues – Guest role
- Rhoda – Special guest star
- M*A*S*H – Cameo appearance
Legacy of Lee Weaver: Impact on the Acting Community
Lee Weaver’s long and prolific career is a testament to his dedication to the craft of acting. His ability to engage audiences across multiple generations and genres made him an unforgettable presence in television and film. Beyond just entertainment, Weaver’s roles often broke barriers and presented African american actors in diverse, dynamic roles during a period of significant social change.
Benefits and Practical Tips from Lee Weaver’s Career Journey
- Persistence Pays Off: Weaver’s steady work over decades shows the importance of perseverance in acting careers.
- Diversity in Roles: Embracing a broad range of characters helped Weaver remain relevant and respected.
- Professionalism Matters: Weaver was known for his reliability and positive attitude on set, crucial traits for longevity.
Firsthand Experience and Testimonials
Colleagues and co-stars have often spoken highly of Weaver’s kindness and professionalism. His peers remember him as a mentor figure who helped young actors navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry. Fans appreciate his genuine portrayals, which brought humanity and depth to every role.
“Lee brought warmth and humanity to every character he played. he was a consummate professional and a true artist.” – Former Co-star
Selected Filmography Table
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | O Brother,Where Art Thou? | Old Man | Coen Brothers Film |
| 1970-71 | The bill Cosby Show | Guest Roles | Classic Sitcom |
| 1986-87 | Easy Street | Recurring Character | TV Series |
| 1970s | good Times | Guest Appearances | Popular Sitcom |
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