Nipsey Russell Dies

[undergroundrailroad]

Actor Nipsey Russell Dies


(New York-WABC, October 3, 2005) - Actor Nipsey Russell, known as "the poet laureate of television," passed away yesterday afternoon at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Eyewitness News has learned Russell died of cancer, confirmed his longtime manager, Joseph Rapp. He was in his early 80s.
Rapp said Russell was born in 1923, although some reports had him born in 1924. The manager said his age was never clear because Russell did not retain a birth certificate.

Russell achieved his first major role as Officer Anderson in "Car 54, Where Are You?"

He appeared on a string of game shows and variety shows, such as the "Dean Martin Roasts," "Laugh-In," "Jackie Gleason Show," among many others.

[fortyfeetunder]

1. He was so funny!

And he told jokes that could be said on daytime TV. For a kid my age then that was important.

I am sorry to learn about his passing!

[kwassa]

2. I always liked Nipsy, too

I thought he was always a very stylish performer with a great sense of comedy and timing.