Actor Nipsey Russell was probably best known for playing the Tin Man in The Wiz. He most recently appeared on the game show Hollywood Squares.
Born in Atlanta, Russell launched his television career as Officer Anderson in the 1961 television series “Car 54, Where are You?” He also appeared in the 1994 film version.
He became a fixture on popular television game and talk shows, where he was welcomed for his poetic delivery that earned him the moniker the “poet laureate of television.” He also took his signature four-line poetry on the road for readings and performances….
Russell never married. “He always said, ‘I have trouble living with myself, how could I live with anyone else,’” Rapp said. “But he was a wonderful guy, very quiet, never bragged.” (Source)
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