Posted a 16-3 professional boxing record and held the Light-Heavyweight
Championship of Arizona.
Before he became an actor, he had once served three years in prison for armed robbery. He became interested in acting while in prison, and pursued that career after he got out.
Had four children: sons, Jomo and Martin (1971-2014); and daughters, Juanita and Christal.
Inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 1993.