Charles Weldon facts for kids

Charles Weldon (born June 1, 1940 – died December 7, 2018) was a talented American actor, director, and singer. He was also a teacher and songwriter. For 13 years, he served as the artistic director of the famous Negro Ensemble Company. He helped start the Alumni group for this company and directed many of their plays. During his career, he worked with well-known stars like Denzel Washington, James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, and Muhammad Ali.

Early Life and Music

Charles Weldon was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma. When he was seven, his family moved to Bakersfield, California. As a young boy, he worked in cotton fields. At 17, he joined a local doo-wop music group. He finished high school in 1959. Charles had three sisters: Ann Weldon, Maxine Weldon, and Mae Frances Weldon.

In 1960, Charles was the lead singer of a group called The Paradons. He helped write their hit song, "Diamonds and Pearls." The group even appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand TV show. They also toured with music legends like James Brown and Fats Domino. After The Paradons broke up, Charles joined another music group called Blues for Sale.

Acting and Directing Career

Charles Weldon started his acting journey in 1969. His first role was in a musical called Big-Time Buck White, where he played Muhammad Ali. In 1970, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC). This company is very important for Black theater. He later became its artistic director in 2005.

In 1973, Charles was part of the Broadway play The River Niger. He acted alongside Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones. This play, written by Joseph A. Walker (playwright), won a Tony Award for best play.

Charles also performed in the original San Francisco production of Hair. He directed and acted in many plays at different theaters. For example, he appeared in 12 productions at the Denver Theater Center. His last project was a short film called Paris Blues in Harlem. He helped produce it and also starred in it.

Movies and TV Shows

Charles Weldon appeared in several movies and TV shows.

• Stir Crazy
• Serpico
• Malcolm X
• The Wishing Tree

Plays with the Negro Ensemble Company

Charles Weldon was part of many plays produced by the Negro Ensemble Company:

• 2016: A Day of Absence by Douglas Turner Ward
• 1982: A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller, which won a Pulitzer Prize
• 1975: The Brownsville Raid
• 1973: The Great Mac Daddy by Paul Carter Harrison
• 1973: The River Niger by Joseph A. Walker (the Tony-winning Broadway show)
• 1970: Ododo by Joseph Walker

Directing for the Negro Ensemble Company

Charles Weldon also directed many plays for the Negro Ensemble Company:

• Colored People Time by Leslie Lee
• The Waiting Room by Samm-Art Williams
• Savanna Black and Blue by Raymond Jones
• Ceremonies in Dark Old Men by Lonnie Elder III
• Hercules Didn't Wade in the Water by Michael A. Jones
• The Negro Ensemble Theater Company's 50th Anniversary show of A Soldier's Play by Charles Fuller
• The Mire and With Aaron's Arms Around Me by Sophia Romma (2010)
• Cabaret Emigre by Sophia Romma (2012)

Awards for the Negro Ensemble Company

The Negro Ensemble Company received many awards for its work:

• 1982: A Pulitzer Prize for A Soldier's Play
• Two Tony Awards
• Eleven Obie Awards

Directing at Castillo Theater

Charles Weldon also directed plays at the Castillo Theater:

• 2011: Directed The Picture Box
• 2013: Directed Stealing Home, a play about baseball legend Jackie Robinson

Film and TV Roles

Charles Weldon acted in many films and television series throughout his career.

Awards and Recognition

Charles Weldon received awards for his acting:

• A Henry Award for Best Supporting Actor in Gem of the Ocean by August Wilson. This award recognizes excellence in regional theater.
• An AUDELCO Award for Best Supporting Actor in Seven Guitars by August Wilson.