Leon Bibb was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Young One, For Love of Ivy, and Dead Wrong. He was also a Canadian folk singer and civil rights activist.
Personal and Family Life
Leon Bibb was born on February 7, 1922, in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, as Charles Leon Aurthello Bibb. He was married to Marylyn Duncan from 1947 until their divorce in 1967. Bibb was a dedicated civil rights activist and actively participated in key protests during the civil rights movement. He was also the father of Eric Bibb, a well-known acoustic blues singer/songwriter based in Helsinki, Finland.
Career
Bibb became notable for his appearances on several television shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show.” However, he was banned from the show in the mid-1960s due to his support for blacklisted artists Pete Seeger and Paul Robeson. He engaged with other prominent folk singers, such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, during significant events like the March on Washington in 1963 and the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965.
Death and Legacy
Leon Bibb passed away on October 23, 2015, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His contributions to music and activism left a lasting impact, particularly in the realms of civil rights and folk music. Bibb’s legacy continues through his son, Eric Bibb, who carries on the tradition of folk music.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| For Love of Ivy | 1968-07-17 | Billy Talbot |
| The Lost Man | 1969-07-11 | Eddie Moxie |
| Isn’t This a Time! A Tribute Concert for Harold Leventhal | 2004-09-17 | Himself |
| Made in Cleveland | 2013-06-21 | Thomas |
| Uptight | 1968-12-28 | Mr. Oakley (uncredited) |
| The Merv Griffin Show | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |