Duane Jones facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Duane Jones
Jones in Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Born	(1937-04-11)April 11, 1937 New York City, U.S.
Died	July 22, 1988(1988-07-22) (aged 51) Mineola, New York, U.S.
Other names	Duane L. Jones
Alma mater	University of Pittsburgh (B.A.) New York University (M.A.)
Occupation	Actor theatre director teacher
Years active	1968–1988

Duane L. Jones (born April 11, 1937 – died July 22, 1988) was an American actor and theater director. He is best known for playing the main character, Ben, in the 1968 horror film Night of the Living Dead. Later in his life, he directed the Maguire Theater at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. He also worked as the artistic director for the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art in Manhattan.

Who Was Duane Jones?

Duane L. Jones was an important figure in both film and theater. He made history with his acting roles. He also spent many years teaching and leading theater groups. His work helped open doors for other actors.

His Early Life and Learning

Duane Jones was born in New York City. His mother was Mildred Jones. He had a sister named Marva and a brother named Henry.

He went to the University of Pittsburgh and earned a degree. He also studied in Paris at the Sorbonne. After that, he trained to be an actor in New York City. While filming Night of the Living Dead, he also earned a master's degree in Communications from New York University.

Before Acting: A Teacher and Leader

Before he became a famous actor, Jones was a teacher. He taught literature at Long Island University. He also participated in a special exchange program in Niger.

He helped create English language training programs for the Peace Corps. He also helped design the Harlem Preparatory School. At this school, he was the head of the English department.

Becoming a Film Star

Duane Jones's most famous role was Ben in the 1968 film Night of the Living Dead. This movie was very important for a few reasons. It was the first time an African-American actor played the main hero in a horror film. It was also one of the first times a black actor got a major role when the script did not specifically ask for one.

The director, George A. Romero, said that Jones was simply the best actor for the part. This showed that talent was more important than race for the role.

His Impact on Movies

Jones's role in Night of the Living Dead was a big step forward. It helped change how black actors were seen in Hollywood. He proved that black actors could play leading roles in any type of movie.

Working in Theater and Teaching Acting

From 1972 to 1976, Jones led the literature department at Antioch College. After that, he became the executive director of the Black Theater Alliance. This was a group of theater companies. He worked there from 1976 to 1981.

He continued to act and direct plays until he passed away in 1988. As the executive director of the Richard Allen Center for Culture and Art, he worked to promote African-American theater. He also taught acting styles at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. After leaving the Academy, he taught a small group of students privately. These students came from different backgrounds.

His Later Years and Legacy

Duane Jones passed away on July 22, 1988. He was 51 years old. He died from a heart attack at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, Long Island, New York. His body was cremated, and his ashes were given to his family.

How He is Remembered

Duane Jones left a lasting mark on the world.

• The Duane L. Jones Recital Hall at the State University of New York at Old Westbury is named after him.
• In The Walking Dead comic book series, a character named Duane Jones is named in his honor.

Movies He Appeared In

See also

In Spanish: Duane Jones para niños