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)
Previous obituaries: Johnnie Cochran, Ossie Davis, Johnny Carson, Shirley Chisholm, Rick James, Ronald Reagan and Superman.
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I remember watching Nipsey and laughing at his poems on the game shows I watched as a kid in the 70s…He was funny, intelligent and entertaining.
He’ll be missed. By Nipsey, God Bless and keep you.
Dan
I remember meeting Nipsey when I was an aspiring actress in NYC in the 80’s. What a nice man…he was such a warm person and so encouraging. He will be missed by a lot of people.
Ruth
I remember being a kid giggling at his antics on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In … geez … how old does that make me?-0
I liked the little tribute on The At Large Blog.
I don’t remember watching Mr. Russell perform, but I noticed the caption under his photo saying it was taken during the premier of ‘The Aviator’ which was only last year, and I just wanted to say Wow! He looked great! It says he was 80, but in the photo, he doesn’t even look a minute past 50.
I always enjoyed Nipsey’s work. He seemed like a really nice guy, too, and what I’ve been reading since his passing confirms that.
I remember Mr. Russell on a gameshow–”What’s My Line?” or was it something else? Could it have been “Match Game”?
I loved him in “The Wiz.”
A real loss.
Hh
Remember his game show whitty charm and The Wiz. He will be missed. I waited patiently whenever I heard him, just to listen to this poetic gem of the day.
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