David Downing (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Downing
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![]() Downing in 1986
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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.
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |