Born in 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, he is a distinguished actor renowned for his roles in television and film. He gained fame as James Evans Sr. on the 1970s sitcom "Good Times" and appeared in the iconic miniseries "Roots" as Kunta Kinte's older self. His film credits include "Coming to America" and "Die Hard 2." A former athlete turned actor, he also has a rich theater background and remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry for his versatile performances.