Lee Weaver, known for his work on The Bill Cosby Show and Easy Street, has passed away. He was 95
According to his family, Weaver passed away on Sept. 22 at his home in Los Angeles. He “wove joy, depth and representation into every role he played and everything he did,” the family rep said.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1930, Weaver graduated from Florida A&M University.
When he was 22, Weaver enlisted in the Army, serving for four years. After his time in the service ended, Weaver headed to New York. He landed a job as a linotype engineer for The New York Times. Weaver also was a promoter at the reknowned Birdland jazz club. He booked legendary acts such as Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughan, and John Coltrane. Cannonball Adderley was the best man at his wedding.
During the 1950s, Weaver made his television debut in the recurring role of Lagi on the adventure series Sheena: Queen of the Jungle. His television credits include a starring role as Ricardo Williams on the sitcom Easy Street (1986–1987), played Brian Kincaid on The Bill Cosby Show (1969–1971), and recurring appearances on Hill Street Blues as “Buck Naked.”
Weaver also had guest spots on numerous popular shows such as The Jeffersons, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and provided the voice for the character Alpine in the animated series G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1985–1986). In film, he is known for supporting parts in several notable productions, including the role of a blind seer in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). Also he appeared in Donnie Darko (2001) and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005).
Most recently, Weaver played Mel Cordray on two episodes of Grace and Frankie.
Weaver is survived by his wife, actress Ta-Tanisha (Room 222) and his daughter, Leis La-Te.