Godfrey Cambridge was an American actor best known for his roles in Watermelon Man, Purlie Victorious, and Cotton Comes to Harlem. He was recognized for both his comedic and serious performances on stage and screen.
Personal and Family Life
Born on February 26, 1933, in New York City, Godfrey Cambridge was the son of Alexander and Sarah Cambridge. He had two children, Stephanie and Gillian, with his second wife, Audriano Meyers, whom he married in 1975. Cambridge was also previously married to Barbara Ann Teer from 1962 to 1965. He had a sibling named Sandine and a cousin named Ed Cambridge.
Career Highlights
Cambridge started his career in the theater, winning an Obie Award and receiving a Tony nomination for his role in “Purlie Victorious.” He transitioned into television, appearing on popular shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar and later in films during the late 1960s. He gained fame for his memorable character in Watermelon Man, where he portrayed a white man who turns black overnight, reflecting on race and identity.
Death and Legacy
Godfrey Cambridge passed away from a heart attack on November 29, 1976, while on the set of the TV movie Victory at Entebbe, where he was cast to play Idi Amin. His unexpected death at the age of 43 shocked many in the industry, and Amin controversially claimed it was “punishment from God.” Cambridge is remembered for his groundbreaking work and contributions to racial equality in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The President’s Analyst | 1967-12-21 | Don Masters |
| Beware! The Blob | 1972-06-21 | Chester Hargis |
| The Busy Body | 1967-03-12 | Mike |
| Watermelon Man | 1970-05-27 | Jefferson Washington ‘Jeff’ Gerber |
| Friday Foster | 1975-12-25 | Ford Malotte |
| Cotton Comes to Harlem | 1970-05-27 | Gravedigger Jones |
| The Biggest Bundle of Them All | 1968-01-17 | Benjamin ‘Benny’ Brownstead |
| Scott Joplin | 1977-02-11 | Tom Turpin |
| Come Back, Charleston Blue | 1972-06-29 | Gravedigger Jones |
| The Troublemaker | 1964-06-22 | Fire Inspector |
| Gone Are the Days! | 1963-08-09 | Gitlow Judson |
| Whiffs | 1975-10-15 | Dusty |
| Bye Bye Braverman | 1968-02-21 | Taxi Driver |
| The Biscuit Eater | 1972-03-22 | Willie Dorsey |
| But… Seriously | 1994-03-25 | Self (archive footage) |
| Dead Is Dead | 1974-07-26 | Host – Himself |
| Five on the Black Hand Side | 1973-10-25 | Godfrey Cambridge |
| Ceremonies in Dark Old Men | 1975-01-06 | Mr. Jenkins |
| Splendor in the Grass | 1961-10-10 | Chauffeur (uncredited) |
| Naked City | 1958-09-30 | George |
| Police Story | 1973-03-20 | |
| Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In | 1967-09-09 | Self |
| The Hollywood Palace | 1964-01-04 | Self – Comedian |
| ABC Stage 67 | 1966-09-14 | Self – Husband |
| Tony Awards | 1956-04-01 | Self – Presenter |
| The Danny Kaye Show | 1963-09-25 | Self |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Night Gallery | 1970-12-16 | Jackie Slater (segment “Make Me Laugh”) |
| Naked City | 1958-09-30 | Detective Carlisle |
| The Ed Sullivan Show | 1948-06-20 | Self – Comedian |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |