Cleavon Little | |
|---|---|
 Little and Jayne Meadows on Temperatures Rising (1972) | |
| Born | Cleavon Jake Little June 1, 1939 Chickasha, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | October 22, 1992 (aged 53) Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1960–1992 |
| Spouse |
Valerie Wiggins
(m. 1972; div. 1974) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards |
|
Cleavon Jake Little (June 1, 1939 – October 22, 1992) was an American stage, film and television actor. He began his career in the late 1960s on the stage. In 1970, he starred in the Broadway production of Purlie, for which he earned both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award. His first leading television role was that of the irreverent Dr. Jerry Noland on the ABC sitcom Temperatures Rising (1972–1974). While starring in the sitcom, Little appeared in what has become his signature performance, portraying Sheriff Bart in the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy film Blazing Saddles.
In the 1980s, Little continued to appear in stage productions, films, and in guest spots on television series. In 1989, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his appearance on the NBC sitcom Dear John. He later starred on the Fox sitcom True Colors (1991–1992).