Nipsey Russell (1924 c. -2005)
By Keith Boykin, in pop culture
Monday, October 3 2005, 10:52PM
Nipsey Russell, reported to be the first black man to host a TV game show, passed away yesterday in New York. Russell, known as "the poet laureate of television," appeared frequently on television. Best known for his role as the Tin Man in the 1978 film "The Wiz," Russell was also a frequent contestant on the "Match Game" television series and on "The Tonight Show."
Official bios indicated Russell was born in Atlanta on October 13, 1924, but Russell's manager said the actor was actually born in 1923. There is no indication from bios on the Internet that Russell was ever married. Russell died of cancer. He was in his early 80s.
Comments conceal
Nyah Molneaux
October 3 2005, 11:18PM
Damn, why are all the great people dying.
Kenneth Winfrey
October 3 2005, 11:25PM
He gave us his infectious smile, enchanted voice, and a sense of humor that was all is own, and without viciousness or judgement. He actually reminds me a lot of my dad who, by the way, has passed on. These are the men of the South.
I am reminded of his trademark weeping from the Wiz...
phd2b11
October 3 2005, 11:45PM
I agree withu Nyah.... I was thinking the same thing. I guess it's time for new legends to be made!
Ron
October 4 2005, 1:58AM
Death is a part of life. Its sad but when its your time its your time and both he and Wilson had cancer. A tragic loss of a great man though.
avi
October 4 2005, 4:52AM
hope game show network does a huge tribute to him right away. ironically don adams was on match game today in nipsey's regular seat. r.i.p. nipsey.
Bernie
October 4 2005, 9:31AM
While younger generations know him only from game shows or that mistake of a movie, "The Wiz", Nipsey had a long career as a nightclub performer and comic back when his contemporaries Redd Foxx, Slappy White, Moms Mabley and others could only play certain rooms. Nipsey was fortunate enough to be able to make the transition to television and appeared on the early '60's show "Car 54, Where Are You?" which was shot in the Bronx of all places.
savvy101
October 4 2005, 11:10AM
Ozzie Davis,Constance Baker Motley, August Wilson, now Nipsey Russell. Hush, hush, somebody is calling there names, oh, my Lord what shall we do?
The old guard is standing down.
Hush,hush,somebody is calling OUR names, oh, my Lord, oh my Lord what shall we do?
michaeliv
October 4 2005, 3:16PM
I think I remember him on Sesame Street.
janet
October 10 2005, 1:08AM
i loved him on match game & pryamid.he had a beautiful smile!