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David Downing (actor) facts for kids

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David Downing
David Downing, 1986.jpg
Downing in 1986
Born 1942/1943
Died November 2017
Nationality American
Occupation Actor

David Downing was an American actor who performed on stage, in movies, and on television. He was one of the first members of a famous theater group called the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City.

David Downing's Early Life and Acting Start

David Downing was born in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. When he was young, he went to the High School of Performing Arts. This school helps students learn how to act, sing, and dance.

As a child, David started his acting career on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York. His first professional role was in a play called The Green Pastures. Later, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Okinawa.

Acting with the Negro Ensemble Company

In the 1960s and 1970s, David Downing was an important part of the Negro Ensemble Company. This group was known for its amazing plays and musicals.

He appeared in many of their shows, including the musical The Great MacDaddy, which won an Obie Award. He also acted in the popular play Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. Later, David was in Miss Evers' Boys, a play that was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

David Downing in Movies and TV Shows

David Downing also acted in several movies. One of his films was Gordon's War.

He was also a familiar face on many television shows. You might have seen him in popular series like The Jeffersons, Baretta, Backstairs at the White House, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

David Downing passed away in Los Angeles in November 2017. He was 74 years old.

David Downing's Acting Roles

David Downing had many roles throughout his career. Here are some of the movies and TV shows he appeared in.

Movies David Downing Acted In

Year Title Role Notes
1971 Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me Heff
1972 Up the Sandbox John
1973 Gordon's War Otis Russell
1978 Coming Attractions 'Dark Town' Singer
1989 Listen to Me Officer of the Court
2006 Circus Camp Jamaica Joe

TV Shows David Downing Appeared In

Year Title Role Notes
2005 The Bernie Mac Show Father Episode: Prison Break
1998 JAG Chaplain Episode: With Intent to Die
1992-1993 Roc Dr. Brown / Uncle Warren Two episodes
1991 Cast a Deadly Spell Thadius Pilgrim TV movie
1990-1991 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reverend White / Presenter Two episodes
1989 227 Father Gabbay / Walter Two episodes
1988 Meet the Raisins! Red Voice, TV special
1987 Designing Women Sam Episode: Anthony Jr.
1983 Hill Street Blues Chester David Episode: Moon Over Uranus: The Sequel
1982 Father Murphy Marcus Washington Episode: The Dream Day
1979-1982 The Jeffersons Edgar Thornton / Albert Fox Three episodes
1979 Backstairs at the White House Butler Dixon TV miniseries
1978 Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women Bert Williams TV Movie
1977 Little House on the Prairie Jackson Henry Episode: The Wisdom of Solomon
1977 What's Happening!! Mr. Barnes Episode: The Firing Squad
1976 All in the Family John Kasten Episode: Mike's Move
1976 Baretta Sully Episode: Count the Days I'm Gone
1975 That's My Mama Quincy Episode: Queen of the Ribs
1975 Movin' On Lee Andrews Episode: ...To Be in Carolina
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