Veteran actor Lee Weaver, known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on September 22 at his Los Angeles home at the age of 95, according to reports. His family shared that he “wove joy, depth, and representation into every role he played and everything he did.”
Born on April 10, 1930, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Weaver began his entertainment career on stage in the 1950s. Before that, he served four years in the U.S. Army, worked as a linotype engineer for The New York Times, and promoted events at the iconic Birdland jazz club.
He later transitioned to television, making his screen debut in Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Over the next two decades, he became a familiar face on TV with roles in Good Morning World, I Spy, The Wild, Wild West, Mannix, Julia, and The Bill Cosby Show. Weaver also guest-starred in hits like Kojak, The Blue Knight, Soap, Good Times, The Jeffersons, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
In addition to live-action roles, Weaver found success in voice acting, contributing to films such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Donnie Darko (2001), and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005). More recently, he appeared as Mel Cordray in two episodes of Netflix’s Grace and Frankie.
Weaver is survived by his wife of 54 years, actress Ta-Tanisha, and their daughter, Leis La-Te.
Rest in peace, Lee Weaver, and thank you for the unforgettable performances.