Comedian Nipsy Russell dies
Star worked in movies, stage and TV
NEW YORK (AP) - - (10/04/05)-- The man who was once known as the poet laureate of TV has died.
Comedian and actor Nipsey Russell has died of cancer, less than two weeks shy of his 81st birthday.
His longtime manager says Russell had cancer and passed away Sunday at a New York City hospital. Russell started his career as a child song and dance artist. But eventually he made his mark in TV, movies and the stage.
He starred in the TV sitcom "Car 54, Where Are You?" as the police dispatcher and did the role again -- complete with a promotion -- in a 1993 movie remake.
He also starred as the "Tinman" in "The Wiz," a black-cast version of The Wizard of Oz, starring alongside Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor.
He was a frequent guest on game shows such as "The Match Game" and the various "Pyramid" shows. When introduced to the audience, he would usually recite a brief poem, his trademark.
Star worked in movies, stage and TV
NEW YORK (AP) - - (10/04/05)-- The man who was once known as the poet laureate of TV has died.
Comedian and actor Nipsey Russell has died of cancer, less than two weeks shy of his 81st birthday.
His longtime manager says Russell had cancer and passed away Sunday at a New York City hospital. Russell started his career as a child song and dance artist. But eventually he made his mark in TV, movies and the stage.
He starred in the TV sitcom "Car 54, Where Are You?" as the police dispatcher and did the role again -- complete with a promotion -- in a 1993 movie remake.
He also starred as the "Tinman" in "The Wiz," a black-cast version of The Wizard of Oz, starring alongside Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor.
He was a frequent guest on game shows such as "The Match Game" and the various "Pyramid" shows. When introduced to the audience, he would usually recite a brief poem, his trademark.
