Duane Jones was an American actor who is best known for his role as Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1968), as well as his performances in Ganja & Hess (1973) and Vampires (1986).
Personal and Family Life
Duane L. Jones was born on April 11, 1937, in New York City, New York. He was raised by his mother, Mildred Gordon Jones, and had siblings Marva Jones Brooks and Henry Jones. Jones had a career as an English professor and was deeply involved in theater, directing at the Maguire Theater at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
Career
Jones made history with his iconic performance in Night of the Living Dead, marking the first time an African-American actor held the lead role in a mainstream horror film without the script requiring the character to be black. He also made an impact as a professor, sharing his experience in film with his theater students, who were often surprised to see him on screen. His legacy includes being honored in popular media, as seen with the character Duane Jones in The Walking Dead, named in his honor.
Death and Legacy
Duane Jones passed away on July 22, 1988, at the age of 51 due to cardiopulmonary arrest. His contributions to film and education left a lasting mark, particularly in the horror genre, where he became a cult figure. His role as Ben in Night of the Living Dead continues to be celebrated in horror cinema, ensuring that his legacy endures in popular culture.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Night of the Living Dead | 1968-10-04 | Ben |
| Ganja & Hess | 1973-04-20 | Dr. Hess Green |
| Losing Ground | 1982-06-02 | Duke |
| Fright House | 1989-10-16 | Charles Harmon |
| To Die For | 1988-10-28 | Simon Little |
| Vampires | 1986-06-15 | Dr. Charles Harmon |
| Beat Street | 1984-06-08 | Robert |
| Another Night of the Living Dead | 2011-01-01 | (archive footage) |
| Autopsy of the Dead | 2009-09-22 | Self (archival footage) |
| Noite de Terror no Planalto | 2023-03-11 | Ben (archive footage) |
| Horrible Horror | 1986-01-01 | Ben in ‘Night of the Living Dead’ |
| The American Nightmare | 2000-09-11 | Self |
| Creepy Classics | 1987-10-01 | Ben – (archive footage) |
| Night of the Living Dead: 30th Anniversary Edition | 1999-08-24 | Ben |
| Route 66 | 1960-10-07 |