Leonard Jackson (actor) facts for kids

Leonard Jackson (born February 7, 1928 – died December 22, 2013) was an American actor. He was well-known for his roles in many TV shows for children on PBS. He also appeared in popular movies like The Brother from Another Planet, Car Wash, and The Color Purple.

Early Life and Stage Acting

Leonard Jackson was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 7, 1928. When he was younger, he was known as L. Errol Jaye. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he went to Fisk University.

His first professional acting job was on stage in 1965. He performed in an off-Broadway play called Troilus and Cressida. Later, he acted in a Broadway play called The Great White Hope. This play ran for over 500 shows from 1968 to 1970.

A few years later, as Leonard Jackson, he returned to Broadway. He performed in the musical Lost in the Stars. He also acted in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, which was named "Best Play" by critics. In 1991, he was in Mule Bone, a play written by famous authors Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston.

TV Shows for Kids and Other Roles

Leonard Jackson was a familiar face on PBS television. He had special roles in several children's TV series. On Sesame Street, he played Mr. Hanford. He was also First Class Engineer Henry "Harry" Cupper on Shining Time Station. You might also remember him from Square One TV and Mathnet.

He also appeared in many other TV shows. These included dramas like Law & Order and Homicide: Life on the Street. He was also in comedies such as The Cosby Show and The Jeffersons. He acted in TV movies too, like Separate but Equal.

Film Roles

Leonard Jackson had many roles in movies. Here are some of his films:

• Uptight (1968)
• Five on the Black Hand Side (1973)
• Car Wash (1976)
• The Brother from Another Planet (1984)
• The Color Purple (1985)
• Eddie Murphy Raw (1987)
• Boomerang (1992)
• Basquiat (1996)
• Conspiracy Theory (1997)

Death

Leonard Jackson passed away on December 22, 2013. He was 85 years old. He died in Manhattan, New York, from Alzheimer's disease. He was survived by his wife, Ada Jackson.