Nathaniel Taylor (actor) facts for kids

Nathaniel Taylor (born March 31, 1938 – died February 27, 2019) was an American actor. He was most famous for playing the character Rollo Lawson. Rollo was a recurring character in the popular 1970s TV show Sanford and Son. Nathaniel Taylor also appeared in other TV shows like Grady and Sanford.

He acted in several movies and TV shows. Later in his life, he opened a special studio for young actors. Some of his other well-known TV appearances were in The Redd Foxx Show and What's Happening!!. He also acted in films such as Trouble Man (1972) and Willie Dynamite (1974).

Early Life and Beginnings

Nathaniel Taylor was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 31, 1938. He grew up with two brothers, Richard and Eugene, and three sisters, Betty, Mary, and Rose.

Before he became an actor, Taylor worked as an electrician. He worked at the Performing Arts Society of Los Angeles (PASLA). His friend and mentor, Larry Clark, suggested he try acting. Clark helped him prepare for an audition. Taylor then met with Redd Foxx, a famous actor. They talked about their hometown, St. Louis. Foxx was impressed and offered Taylor the role of Rollo Lawson.

Acting Career Highlights

Nathaniel Taylor is best known for his role as Rollo Lawson. This character was a friend of Lamont Sanford in the popular 1970s TV show Sanford and Son. He played Rollo in 32 episodes. He later played the same character in the spin-off show Sanford from 1980 to 1981.

In the late 1970s, Taylor also played Ike. Ike was the brother-in-law of a character named Rerun in the TV show What's Happening!!. He also appeared in The Redd Foxx Show in 1986. Taylor was a guest star in episodes of other TV shows, including The Bill Cosby Show, Adam 12, and Police Story.

Besides TV, Taylor also acted in movies. He was in Trouble Man (1972), which had music by Marvin Gaye. In 1974, he appeared in the film Willie Dynamite. He also acted in The Hunter (1980). In 2016, he was in a short film called Auditioning for Nathaniel, playing himself.

Personal Life and Passing

Nathaniel Taylor was married to Loretta Taylor until his death. They had two children together. He also had five children from an earlier marriage to Bernice Gordon-Taylor. After he stopped acting regularly, Taylor opened a performing arts studio. This studio helped young actors learn and grow.

Nathaniel Taylor passed away on February 27, 2019. He was taken to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after having a heart attack. He died there from complications related to his heart condition.

Filmography

Movies

Television Shows

Documentaries