Ji-Tu Cumbuka

Cumbuka was born in 1940 in Helena, Alabama, to a Baptist minister. After attending Texas Southern University he moved to California to pursue his acting career, and went to Columbia College in New York City, earning a Bachelor of Arts in theatre and a master's degree in cinematography. He landed a role in the 1968 movie Uptight directed by Jules Dassin. == Acting career ==

Cumbuka appeared in such television productions as the Roots miniseries, Daniel Boone, ''Young Dan'l Boone, Knots Landing, The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazzard, Murder She Wrote, Walker, Texas Ranger, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Amen, 227'', Cumbuka also appeared in numerous films. He appeared as former NBA guard Oscar Robertson in the biodrama pic Maurie (1973) about the life of Maurice Stokes. In Harlem Nights (1989), he plays the toothless drunk gambler who gets shot over money. Other films in which he appeared include (but are not limited to) Change of Habit with Elvis Presley (1969), Blacula (1972), Trader Horn (1973), Lost in the Stars (1974), Mandingo (1975), Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde (1976), Bound for Glory (1976), The Jericho Mile (1979), ''Doin' Time (1985), Brewster's Millions (1985), Volunteers (1985), Out of Bounds (1986), Moving (1988), and Caged in Paradiso'' (1990). Cumbuka wrote, produce, and acted in the gospel musical play Help Somebody, co-starring with Kene Holliday, Hall Williams, Ali Woodson, and Glynn Turman. It debuted in Washington, D.C. in the late 90s. == Death ==

Cumbuka died at the age of 77 on July 4, 2017, after a six-month battle with cancer. In a statement to CNN, Eddie Murphy said, "It's a sad day for everyone in the industry. He was a great actor and a good man." == Filmography ==