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Born: June 1, 1939 – Died: October 22, 1992
Cleavon Little, a dynamic and versatile actor, was born on June 1, 1939, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, and raised in California. He was the son of Malachi Little, and his sibling, DeEtta Little, also shared a connection to the entertainment industry. Cleavon's journey began at San Diego College, followed by a scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School, which led him to New York City. He further honed his skills at the American Academy of Dramatic Art, marking the start of his off-Broadway appearances.
Early Life and Career
Little's early life was defined by a classical theater education, featuring roles in productions like "Hamlet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." His breakthrough came with the Tony Award-winning performance in the musical "Purlie," propelling him to the Hollywood spotlight. Cleavon's first significant professional role was in "Purlie," but it was his portrayal of Sheriff Bart in the 1974 film "Blazing Saddles" that cemented his status as a star. This role showcased his comedic brilliance and won him widespread acclaim.
Little's career was adorned with notable performances in both film and television. He starred in movies like "Vanishing Point" (1971) and "Once Bitten" (1985), and TV series such as "True Colors." His talents weren't limited to acting alone; he also had a foray into music, releasing a single with Novella Nelson titled "Down Home."
In his personal life, Little married Valerie Wiggins in 1972, though they later divorced in 1974. The couple had one child. Despite his successful career, Little struggled with health issues, including ulcers and stomach disorders, and ultimately succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 53.
Cleavon Little's legacy in the entertainment industry is marked by his range and versatility. From classical theater to comedic film roles, he demonstrated a unique ability to captivate and entertain audiences. His role in "Blazing Saddles" remains iconic, highlighting his exceptional talent and making him a memorable figure in Hollywood history.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Tales from the Crypt (TV Series) | Pack Brightman |
| 1991–1992 | True Colors (TV Series) | Ron Freeman |
| 1991 | 5 Up, 2 Down (TV Movie) | Sam Tyler |
| 1991 | In the Nick of Time (TV Movie) | Freddy |
| 1989–1991 | MacGyver (TV Series) | Frank Colton |
| 1990–1991 | Bagdad Cafe (TV Series) | Sal |
| 1991 | Separate But Equal (TV Mini Series) | Robert L. 'Bob' Carter |
| 1991 | Perfect Harmony (TV Movie) | Pastor Clarence Johnson |
| 1990 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Nate Shaw |
| 1990 | Goin' to Chicago | Edward Sr. |
| 1990 | Midnight Caller (TV Series) | Reverend James Allen |
| 1989 | Murder by Numbers | David Shelby |
| 1989 | Fletch Lives | Calculus |
| 1989 | 227 (TV Series) | Abner Neff |
| 1989 | Dear John (TV Series) | Tony Larkin |
| 1988 | CBS Summer Playhouse (TV Series) | 'Bake' Baker |
| 1988 | Tanner '88 (TV Mini Series) | Reverend Billy Crier |
| 1988 | Lincoln (TV Mini Series) | Frederick Douglass |
| 1987 | ALF (TV Series) | George Foley |
| 1985 | The Gig | Marshall Wilson |
| 1985 | *Once Bitten* | Sebastian |
| 1984 | E. Nick: A Legend in His Own Mind | Edmundo |
| 1984 | Toy Soldiers | Buck |
| 1983 | Surf II | Daddy O |
| 1983 | Now We're Cookin' (TV Movie) | Rawlley Hudson |
| 1983 | The Fall Guy (TV Series) | Max Downey |
| 1983 | Simon & Simon (TV Series) | Bookkeeper Jared Swope |
| 1982 | Jimmy the Kid | Herb |
| 1982 | Double Exposure | Police Chief |
| 1982 | One of the Boys (TV Series) | Jimmy |
| 1982 | Another World (TV Series) | Captain Hancock |
| 1982 | A House Divided: Denmark Vessey's Rebellion | Unknown |
| 1981 | The Salamander | Major Carl Malinowski, USMC |
| 1981 | ABC Afterschool Specials (TV Series) | Community Leader |
| 1981 | High Risk | Rockney |
| 1981 | Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy 'Satchel' Paige (TV Movie) | Rabbit |
| 1981 | Fantasy Island (TV Series) | Charlie Raines |
| 1980 | The Sky Is Gray (TV Movie) | Monsieur Bayonne |
| 1980 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Andrew Hopkins |
| 1979 | Mr. Dugan (TV Series) | Rep. Dugan |
| 1979 | Uptown Saturday Night (TV Movie) | Wardell Washington |
| 1979 | Scavenger Hunt | Jackson |
| 1979 | Supertrain (TV Series) | Preacher Ross |
| 1978 | FM | Prince |
| 1977 | Once Upon a Brothers Grimm (TV Movie) | Wolf (segment "Little Red Riding Hood") |
| 1977 | The Tony Randall Show (TV Series) | Willie Alexander |
| 1977 | Greased Lightning | Peewee |
| 1977 | The Rockford Files (TV Series) | Billy Merrihew |
| 1975 | The Rookies (TV Series) | Cully Ames |
| 1975 | The Waltons (TV Series) | James Trevis Clark |
| 1975 | Police Story (TV Series) | Marshall Priest |
| 1974 | The Day the Earth Moved (TV Movie) | Harley Copeland |
| 1972–1974 | The New Temperatures Rising Show (TV Series) | Dr. Jerry Noland |
| 1974 | *Blazing Saddles* | Bart |
| 1973 | Money to Burn (TV Movie) | Calvin Baker |
| 1972 | Mod Squad (TV Series) | Bolo |
| 1971 | The Homecoming: A Christmas Story (TV Movie) | Hawthorne Dooley |
| 1971 | All in the Family (TV Series) | Coke |
| 1971 | Vanishing Point | Super Soul |
| 1970 | Cotton Comes to Harlem | Lo Boy |
| 1969 | John and Mary | The Film Director |
| 1968 | The Felony Squad (TV Series) | Jesse Hawkins |
| 1968 | What's So Bad About Feeling Good? | Phil (uncredited) |
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