Served in the US Army just after the Korean War

Started acting at age 35 while working as a used car salesman in his native Cleveland OH

Performed in community theater

Moved to NYC where he began working with the Negro Ensemble Company

Broadway debut, "The First Breeze of Summer"

First notable film credit, "Greased Lightning"

TV debut, "King", an NBC biopic mini-series

Appeared in the Broadway production of "Master Harold...and the Boys"

First substantial TV role, "The Member of the Wedding", a presentation of "NBC Live Theater"

Starred opposite Ruby Dee in "My Man Bovanne", a segment of "Ossie and Ruby" directed by Ossie Davis

First recurring role in a TV series, the Dutchman on "The 'Slap' Maxwell Story", a highly regarded ABC sitcom

Appeared as a regular on "Homeroom", a short-lived ABC sitcom

Co-starred with James Garner in "Decoration Day", a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation

Appeared as a regular on "I'll Fly Away", the acclaimed NBC drama series

Returned to series TV as regular on the CBS sitcom "The Gregory Hines Show"

Had regular role on the NBC sic-fi drama "The Others"

Appeared regularly on the short-lived "The Michael Richards Show" (NBC)

Had a recurring role as Chaplain Matthew Turner on "JAG" (CBS)

Had a recurring role on the ABC series "The Drew Carey Show"

Cast opposite Ben Stiller in the action-adventure-comedy "Night at the Museum"