Joe Seneca facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joe Seneca
Seneca during filming of 1986's Crossroads
Born	Joel McGhee Jr. (1919-01-14)January 14, 1919 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died	August 15, 1996(1996-08-15) (aged 77) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, singer, songwriter
Years active	1940s–1996

Joe Seneca (born January 14, 1919 – died August 15, 1996) was an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for playing Willie Brown in the movie Crossroads (1986). He also played Dr. Meadows in The Blob (1988) and Dr. Hanes in The Cosby Show.

Life and Career

Joe Seneca was born Joel Seneca McGhee, Jr. in Cleveland, Ohio. Before he became an actor, he was part of an R&B singing group. The group was called The Three Riffs. They performed in fancy supper clubs in New York City during the late 1940s.

Songwriting Success

Seneca was also a talented songwriter. He wrote some very popular songs. One big hit was "Talk to Me", sung by Little Willie John. Another famous song he wrote was "Break It to Me Gently". This song was a huge success for Brenda Lee in 1962. It became a hit again for Juice Newton in 1982.

Acting Roles

Joe Seneca played many different characters in movies and TV shows. In the 1982 movie The Verdict, he played Dr. Thompson. This doctor was called to help a lawyer named Frank Galvin (Paul Newman).

His most famous roles include playing the blues musician Willie Brown in the 1986 movie Crossroads. He also played Dr. Meddows in The Blob (1988). Dr. Meddows was the leader of a government team trying to stop a strange creature.

Seneca also appeared many times on The Cosby Show. He played Dr. Zachariah J. Hanes, who was the president of Hillman College. On an episode of The Golden Girls, he played Alvin Newcastle. This character was a man dealing with Alzheimer's disease. Joe Seneca also appeared in Spike Lee's movie School Daze. In that film, he played President McPherson of Mission College.

He played Eddie Haynes on the TV show Matlock in 1989. Later, he played a witness in an episode of Law & Order in 1993.

Music Videos and Other Appearances

Joe Seneca also appeared in Michael Jackson's music video for "The Way You Make Me Feel" in 1987.

In 1990, he played "Blind Otis Lemon" on the TV show Doogie Howser, M.D.. This character was a homeless blues legend. He got one last chance to sing in a club before an operation that might make him deaf.

Later Life

Joe Seneca passed away on August 15, 1996, at the age of 77. He died from health issues like coronary arrest or asthma. He was married to his wife, Betty Seneca, until his death.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Joe Seneca para niños