Remembering Lee Weaver: A Life of Joy, Depth, and Endless Roles
Lee Weaver, the beloved character actor whose career stretched across six decades and more than 140 screen credits, has passed away at the age of 95. He died on September 22 at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones. His family shared that he “wove joy, depth, and representation into every role he played and everything he did,” — a tribute that perfectly captures his remarkable legacy.
Born on April 10, 1930, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lee Wellington Weaver’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t a typical one. Raised by his Aunt Mattie and Uncle Lee, he showed an early passion for performance but also had a strong technical side. Before acting became his life’s work, he served four years in the U.S. Army and later worked as a linotype engineer for The New York Times . He even spent time as a promoter at the iconic Birdland jazz club in New York, booking musical legends like Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Coltrane. It was a time when he was quietly weaving his way into the creative world — just in a different rhythm.
Also Read:- “Luckiest Man Alive”: Air India Crash Survivor Shares His Heartbreaking Story
- Hilary Duff Confirms New Music Is Coming “Really Soon” After a Decade
Weaver’s acting career began in the 1950s, when he appeared on Sheena: Queen of the Jungle . From there, he built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most dependable and expressive character actors. Audiences came to recognize him through television staples like The Bill Cosby Show , I Spy , Sanford and Son , Good Times , Kojak , and The Jeffersons . His versatility shone through every role — whether he was bringing humor, sincerity, or an unexpected emotional punch.
One of his most memorable roles came in the Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), where he played the blind man who mysteriously guides George Clooney and his band of convicts on their strange journey. He also made lasting impressions in films like How Stella Got Her Groove Back , Donnie Darko , and The 40-Year-Old Virgin . Even late in his career, he appeared in Netflix’s Grace and Frankie , proving his talent never dimmed with time.
Off-screen, Weaver was deeply respected as a mentor and advocate for better representation of Black actors in Hollywood. He used his platform to encourage younger artists and to open doors that had long been closed.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, actress Ta-Tanisha, known for Room 222 , and their daughter, Leis La-Te. Private funeral arrangements have been made, with a public memorial planned later in Los Angeles.
Lee Weaver’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in entertainment history — but the warmth, humor, and dignity he brought to every role will continue to echo through the stories he helped tell.
Read More:
0 Comments