David Downing

David Downing was an American stage, film, and television actor. He was one of the original members of the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City.

Downing, a native of Harlem, New York City, attended the High School of Performing Arts. As a child actor, he made his professional debut on Broadway in The Green Pastures. He served a tour of duty with the U.S. Armed Forces in Okinawa. and the successful play Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. Downing later appeared in the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, Miss Evers' Boys.

Downing appeared in films, including Gordon's War, and numerous television shows, including The Jeffersons, Baretta, Backstairs at the White House, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Downing died in Los Angeles on November 1, 2017, at the age of 74.

Filmography (selected)

Film Year Title Role Notes 1971 Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up to Me Heff 1972 Up the Sandbox John 1973 Gordon's War Otis Russell 1978 Coming Attractions 'Dark Town' Singer 1989 Listen to Me Officer of the Court 2006 Circus Camp Jamaica Joe

Television

Year Title Role Notes 2005 The Bernie Mac Show Father Episode: Prison Break 1998 JAG Chaplain Episode: With Intent to Die 1992-1993 Roc Dr. Brown / Uncle Warren Two episodes 1991 Cast a Deadly Spell Thadius Pilgrim TV movie 1990-1991 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reverend White / Presenter Two episodes 1989 227 Father Gabbay / Walter Two episodes 1988 Meet the Raisins! Red Voice, TV special 1987 Designing Women Sam Episode: Anthony Jr. 1983 Hill Street Blues Chester David Episode: Moon Over Uranus: The Sequel 1982 Father Murphy Marcus Washington Episode: The Dream Day 1979-1982 The Jeffersons Edgar Thornton / Albert Fox Three episodes 1979 Backstairs at the White House Butler Dixon TV miniseries 1978 Ziegfeld: The Man and His Women Bert Williams TV movie 1977 Little House on the Prairie Jackson Henry Episode: The Wisdom of Solomon 1977 What's Happening!! Mr. Barnes Episode: The Firing Squad 1976 All in the Family John Kasten Episode: Mike's Move 1976 Baretta Sully Episode: Count the Days I'm Gone 1975 That's My Mama Quincy Episode: Queen of the Ribs 1975 Movin' On Lee Andrews Episode: ...To Be in Carolina