Today In Black History: Adolph Caesar
Multiple award-winning actor and voice over actor
Issue #770 Today In Black History, Wednesday, November 20, 2024
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Born on December 5, 1933, in Harlem, New York, Adolph Caesar left an indelible mark on American theater and film. Known for his signature deep voice, Caesar was a staple of off-Broadway as a member of the Negro Ensemble Company and as a voiceover artist for numerous film trailers.
After serving in the United States Navy, Caesar began working in theater, honing his craft and developing a strong stage presence that would later define his career.
Caesar's breakthrough came with his role in Charles Fuller's "A Soldier's Play," performed by the Negro Ensemble Company. His portrayal of Sergeant Vernon C. Waters was powerful and nuanced, earning him critical acclaim. This role showcased his exceptional talent and brought to the fore the complexities and internal struggles of African American soldiers.
His performance in "A Soldier's Play" led to its film adaptation, "A Soldier's Story," directed by Norman Jewison in 1984. Caesar reprised his role as Sergeant Waters, a performance that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and won him an NAACP Image Award.
Caesar also played “Old Mister” in the 1985 film, “The Color Purple.”
His contributions were not limited to his roles; he also broke down barriers for future generations of African American actors by consistently challenging the typecasting and limited roles available during his time.
Adolph Caesar had three children with his wife Diane, whom he was married to until his death. He was working on the Los Angeles set of the 1986 film Tough Guys (with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas) when he suffered a heart attack and died a short time later. He was interred at the Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.
Today In Black History
In 1861, a secession ordinance was filed by Kentucky’s Confederate government.
In 1867, Howard University (originally Howard Theological Seminary) was founded in Washington, D.C.
In 1923, Black inventor Garrett Morgan patented the 3-light traffic signal; the yellow “caution” light was considered an important development in automobile safety. The patent was eventually sold to General Electric for $40,000 ($738,395 today).
In 1938, Morgan State College (now Morgan State University) was established in Baltimore, Maryland.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order barring racial discrimination in federally financed housing.
In 1981, the African nation of Burundi adopted its constitution.
In 2013, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to famed civil rights activist Bayard Rustin.
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Amazing Actor!!! We need to speak of him more !!!❤️