Trivia

Did not start acting until he was 32 years old.

At one time he taught speech and drama at Grambling College in Louisiana in order to save money to be able to go to New York and act on stage.

A formidable Obie-winning stage player, he co-founded "The Negro Ensemble Company" in the 1960s.

Studied in the speech and drama graduate program at The University of Kansas from 1959 to 1961, though did not receive his M.A. from KU until returning in 1989 to complete his graduate degree work. In 2008, his widow, Gwen, donated much of his career memorabilia to KU, where it is now displayed.

Was a graduate of Tennessee State University.

Was to play Judge Richard Farris in The Stand (1994), but was replaced by Ossie Davis when he died.

The eldest of seven children of a laborer.

He died from complications of asthma in Guilford, Connecticut on December 16, 1993.

Was friends with Esther Rolle, and Carl Gordon.

Appeared in two separate series with John Amos, Good Times and Roots. However, he never shared a scene with Amos in either of them.

Father of Justin Moses Gunn, guitarist in the band Reverend Shine Snakeoil Co. (2016).