Adolph Caesar

Adolph Caesar (December 5, 1933 – March 6, 1986) was an American film and theater actor. Known for his signature deep voice, At age 12, he contracted laryngitis which resulted in his notably deep voice.

After graduating from George Washington High School in 1952, Caesar enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War era, serving as a hospital corpsman for five years, and achieving the rank of chief petty officer. Upon his discharge from service, he decided to pursue a career in theater, studying drama at New York University, graduating in 1962.

Caesar reprised his role as Waters in Norman Jewison's 1984 film A Soldier's Story, an adaptation of Fuller's play. His performance was acclaimed and earned him numerous accolades, including Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. He also won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Later career On the basis of his Soldier's Story success, Caesar was cast in Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple as Old Mister Johnson, the father of Danny Glover's character. He also appeared on an episode of The Twilight Zone and an ABC Afterschool Special. Caesar's last completed film was Club Paradise, which was released posthumously.

Personal life and death Caesar had three children with his wife Diane, whom he was married to until his death.

Caesar was working on the Los Angeles set of the 1986 film Tough Guys (with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas) when he suffered a heart attack and died a short time later. His role was recast with Eli Wallach. He was interred at the Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, New York.

Works Film Year Title RoleDirector Notes 1969 Che! Juan AlmeidaRichard Fleischer 1975 Tarzoon: Shame of the Jungle Brutish (voice)PichaBoris Szulzinger English-language version 1979 The Hitter NathanChristopher Leitch 1980 Fist of Fear, Touch of Death HimselfMatthew Mallinson 1984 A Soldier's Story Sgt. Vernon WatersNorman Jewison 1985 The Color Purple Old Mister JohnsonSteven Spielberg 1986 Club Paradise Prime Minister Solomon GundyHarold Ramis Released posthumously

Television

Theatre (partial)

Awards and honors