Lou Myers (actor) facts for kids

Lou Myers (born September 26, 1935 – died February 19, 2013) was an American actor. He was known for playing many different characters, especially grumpy old men! His most famous role was Mr. Vernon Gaines in the popular TV show A Different World.

Lou Myers' Early Life and Career

Lou Myers was born in Cabin Creek, West Virginia. He started his acting journey on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. He was an understudy in a play called The First Breeze of Summer. An understudy learns a role so they can perform if the main actor can't.

Myers was a talented actor who appeared in many movies, stage plays, and TV shows. He was often chosen to play older, sometimes grumpy, characters. Besides acting, Lou Myers was also a very good pianist.

Becoming Mr. Vernon Gaines

Lou Myers is best remembered for his role as Mr. Vernon Gaines in the TV sitcom A Different World. This show was very popular and focused on students at a fictional historically Black college. Mr. Gaines was a beloved character known for his feisty personality.

Awards and Recognition

Lou Myers won several awards for his acting. He received an NAACP Image Award for his role as the Stool Pigeon in the play King Hedley II. The NAACP Image Awards celebrate outstanding performances by people of color in film, television, music, and literature.

He also won the Off-Broadway AUDELCO Award for his part in the play Fat Tuesday. Off-Broadway shows are smaller productions in New York City, often known for their unique and experimental performances.

In 2005, Lou Myers was recognized as one of 50 "Outstanding Creative Artists" from West Virginia. This honor was part of the Appalachian Education Initiative, and he was featured in their book Art & Soul.

Lou Myers' Final Years

Lou Myers passed away on February 19, 2013, at the Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. He had been battling pneumonia for several months. His last film role was in a movie called Dreams, which was released in 2013.