Rod Perry (actor) facts for kids

Roderick Maurice Perry (born July 30, 1934 – died December 17, 2020) was an American actor. He was most famous for playing Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay in the 1970s TV show S.W.A.T.. Rod Perry also starred in two movies from the mid-1970s: The Black Godfather (1974) and The Black Gestapo (1975). He appeared in other TV shows like Barney Miller, Good Times, and Babylon 5. He was also in the TV movies The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) and Trapped Beneath the Sea (1974).

In 2003, Rod Perry had a small role in the movie version of S.W.A.T.. He played the father of the character he acted as in the original TV series. This character was played by LL Cool J in the movie. Rod Perry was also the father of singer DeQn Sue. She released her album Zeitgeist in 2014.

Rod Perry's Acting Journey

Rod Perry started his acting career in films in 1970. His first movie was an Indian and Philippine film called The Evil Within. In this film, he played a character named Rod Stevens.

Early TV and Movie Roles

After his first film, Rod Perry played Joe Pittman in the TV movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. His character, Joe Pittman, married Miss Jane Pittman, who was played by the famous actress Cicely Tyson. Then, he had a main role in the movie Street Wars, also known as The Black Godfather.

Becoming a S.W.A.T. Star

In 1975, Rod Perry became well-known for his role as Sgt. David "Deacon" Kay in the TV series S.W.A.T.. This show ran from 1975 to 1976. As "Deacon," his job was to handle communication for the team. In 1975, he also played General Ahmed in the movie The Black Gestapo.

Later Appearances

Rod Perry continued acting into the 2000s. In 2005, he appeared in the movie Halloween House Party. He worked alongside actors like Joe Torry and Buddy Lewis in this film.

Notable Works

Rod Perry had a long career in both movies and television. Here are some of his most remembered roles:

• The Evil Within (1970) – Rod Stevens
• The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974) – Joe Pittman
• The Black Godfather (1974) – J.J.
• Trapped Beneath the Sea (1974) – Jimmy
• The Black Gestapo (1975) – General Ahmed
• S.W.A.T. (1975-1976) – Sergeant David 'Deacon' Kay (37 episodes)
• Barney Miller (1974-1975) – Sgt. Wilson
• Project U.F.O. (1978) – Robert Lee Armstrong
• Good Times (1979) – Jeffrey
• Babylon 5 (1994) – General Netter
• S.W.A.T. (2003) – Deke's Dad
• Halloween House Party (2005)