Norman Matlock was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Taxi Driver, The Blues Brothers, and Ghostbusters. With a career that spanned multiple decades, he made significant contributions to film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Norman Matlock was born on August 8, 1925, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was married to Clementine Carroll, with whom he had three children: Norman G. Matlock, Elizabeth Matlock, and Yolanda Matlock. Matlock was a beloved family man and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, which highlights his lasting legacy.
Career
Matlock had a diverse acting career, portraying various characters such as police commissioners, detectives, and preachers. He worked with notable directors like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee, and gained fame for his role as Charlie T in Taxi Driver, where he delivered the memorable line, “Bye killer.” His appearances spanned different genres, from comedies like The Blues Brothers to dramas like The Long Walk Home.
Death and Legacy
Norman Matlock passed away on September 30, 2015, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 90. He left behind a remarkable body of work and is remembered as one of the finest black actors of his generation. His impact on film and television continues to be appreciated by audiences today.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ghostbusters | 1984-06-08 | Police Commissioner |
| Night Falls on Manhattan | 1997-03-21 | Detective |
| The Day the Ponies Come Back | 2001-03-21 | Cecil Perry |
| Murder in Coweta County | 1983-02-15 | Albert Brooks |
| Thieves | 1977-02-11 | Mr. Night |
| Wilma | 1977-12-19 | Dr. Gordon |
| In the Line of Duty: Street War | 1992-10-25 | Cecil Butler |
| Sweet Revenge | 1976-06-06 | John |
| Clockers | 1995-09-15 | Reverend Paul |
| Crooklyn | 1994-05-13 | Clem |
| Fort Apache, the Bronx | 1981-02-06 | Lincoln |
| The Long Walk Home | 1990-12-21 | Preacher |
| Taxi Driver | 1976-02-09 | Charlie T. |
| The Laser Man | 1988-09-25 | Bam |
| Kojak: The Price of Justice | 1987-02-21 | Judge |
| More Than Murder | 1984-01-26 | Leroy Applebaum III |
| The Blues Brothers | 1980-06-16 | Police Commissioner |
| Across 110th Street | 1972-12-19 | Numbers Leader |
| The Equalizer | 1985-09-18 | Judge |
| Chiefs | 1983-11-13 | Jesse Cole |
| Kojak | 1973-10-24 | Parsons |