Edmund Cambridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edmund Cambridge
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| Born |
Edmund James Cambridge, Jr.
September 18, 1920 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | August 18, 2001 (aged 80) New York City, U.S.
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| Other names | Ed Cambridge Edmund J. Cambridge |
| Years active | 1936–2001 |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
Edmund James Cambridge Jr. (born September 18, 1920 – died August 18, 2001) was a talented American actor and director. He was a very important person in the world of theater. He helped start two major groups: the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) and the Kilpatrick-Cambridge Theater Arts School.
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Edmund Cambridge's Life Story
Edmund Cambridge was born in Harlem, New York, on September 18, 1920. Harlem is a famous neighborhood in New York City.
When he was just 15 years old, Edmund started his acting career. He worked as a "chorus boy" at Swan's Paradise in Harlem. A chorus boy is someone who sings and dances in a group in a show. This job ended when his mother found out he was sneaking out of bed to perform!
Later, Edmund became the President of the Original Cambridge Players. This group helped bring a play called The Amen Corner to Broadway. Broadway is a famous theater district in New York City. The play opened in April 1965 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
A founding member of the group, Juanita Moore, was friends with famous people like Marlon Brando and James Baldwin. It was Juanita Moore who asked Marlon Brando for money. He lent $75 so James Baldwin could write The Amen Corner.
In 1968, Edmund Cambridge joined Robert Hooks, Douglas Turner Ward, and other actors. Together, they started the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC). This company was very important for Black actors and playwrights.
Edmund directed one of the NEC's first plays, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. This play, written by Lonne Elder III, won many awards. Edmund also directed another highly praised play called Eden by Steve Carter at the NEC.
Edmund Cambridge lived in Los Angeles for a long time. He passed away on August 18, 2001, in New York City. He died from injuries after a fall.
What Shows Did Edmund Cambridge Work On?
Edmund Cambridge was a busy actor and director. He appeared in many plays, TV shows, and movies.
Acting Roles
He acted in plays like The Taming of the Shrew and Our Lan'. On television, you might have seen him in popular shows. These include Good Times, The Jeffersons, Starsky and Hutch, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He also appeared in ER and Sister, Sister.
In movies, he had roles in Cool Breeze, Trouble Man, and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. His final acting appearance was in the TV show The Bernie Mac Show in 2001.
Directing Work
Besides acting, Edmund Cambridge was also a talented director. He directed several plays, especially for the Negro Ensemble Company. Some of his notable directing credits include:
- Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (1969)
- Behold! Cometh the Vanderkellans (1971)
- Eden (1976 and 1980)
- Nevis Mountain Dew (1981)
Awards and Recognitions
Edmund Cambridge was recognized for his excellent work.
- In 1980, he won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his direction of the play Eden.
