He studied engineering at City College of New York, but left to pursue a career in the performing arts. He joined the American Negro Theatre, where fellow members included Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier.
Black American actor who became a director at the National Film Board
of Canada before returning to the United States.
Has three children: David, Taiyi, and Maiya, three grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great child.