Adolph Caesar was an American actor who is best known for A Soldier’s Story, The Color Purple, and Club Paradise. He was also a talented voice artist and theater performer.
Personal and Family Life
Born on December 5, 1933, in Harlem, New York City, Adolph Caesar grew up in a vibrant environment that nurtured his artistic talents. He enlisted in the Navy after high school, achieving the rank of chief petty officer before pursuing dramatic arts at New York University. Adolph married Diane and they had three children: two daughters, Tiffani and Alexandria, and a son, Jack. He is also survived by his brother, Herbie.
Career
Cesar’s career began in the theater, where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company in 1970, performing in notable productions like “The River Niger” and “The Brownsville Raid.” He made his film debut in Che! (1969) and, after a series of low-budget films in the late 1970s, he gained fame for his role in A Soldier’s Story (1984), a performance that earned him an Oscar nomination and two awards. He also appeared in other significant films, including The Color Purple (1985) and Club Paradise (1986).
Death and Legacy
Adolph Caesar passed away on March 6, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, due to a heart attack while working on the set of Tough Guys. He was only 52 years old at the time of his death. His contributions to theater and film, along with his powerful voice, left a lasting impact on the industry, and he is remembered for his significant roles and performances.
Filmography
Title | Release Date | Character |
---|---|---|
The Color Purple | 1985-12-18 | Old Mr. |
Club Paradise | 1986-07-11 | Prime Minister Solomon Grundy |
A Soldier’s Story | 1984-09-14 | Sergeant Waters |
The Hitter | 1979-02-01 | Nathan |
The Challenge | 1970-02-10 | Clarence Opano |
Fist of Fear, Touch of Death | 1980-09-01 | TV Anchorman |
Che! | 1969-06-27 | Juan Almeida |
Dawn of the Dead | 1978-09-02 | Narrator of Theatrical Trailer |
Fortune Dane | 1986-02-15 | Charles Dane |
Getting Even: A Wimp’s Revenge | 1986-03-19 | Dr. Rancid |
SilverHawks | 1986-09-08 | Seymour / Hotwing |
Tales from the Darkside | 1984-09-30 | Mars Gillis |
The Twilight Zone | 1985-09-27 | |
I Remember Harlem | 1981-02-01 | Narrator |
The Wild Wild West | 1965-09-17 | Vidoq |