Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he rose to fame in the 1970s and 80s, earning acclaim for his role as Benson DuBois on the TV series "Soap" and its spin-off "Benson," for which he won an Emmy. He was a trailblazer for African-American actors, with a career spanning stage, television, and film. He voiced Rafiki in Disney's "The Lion King" and starred in the TV series "Sports Night." Known for his powerful voice and charismatic presence, he left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.