Remembering Lee Weaver: Celebrated Actor from ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou,’ ‘The Bill Cosby Show,’ and ‘Easy Street’ Passes Away at 95

Lee Weaver, the beloved actor known for his memorable roles on shows like The Bill Cosby Show and movies like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, has passed away at 95. His family shared that he brought joy and depth to every character he played.

During his career, Weaver portrayed Brian Kincaid, the brother of Bill Cosby’s character, in The Bill Cosby Show from 1969 to 1971. He also made an impact as Buck Naked in both Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. One of his standout moments came in O Brother, Where Art Thou? when he played a blind man who provides cryptic guidance to three convicts.

Weaver’s filmography includes appearances in classics like Vanishing Point (1971) and Heaven Can Wait (1978). Born on April 10, 1930, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he had a unique journey. Raised by his aunt and uncle, he later moved to Tallahassee for high school before attending Florida A&M. He served in the Army before moving to New York, where he worked at The New York Times and promoted acts at the famous Birdland jazz club.

In his early acting days, Weaver was seen in Sheena: Queen of the Jungle and Al Capone (1959). He also had fun interactions with Bill Cosby on I Spy and The Tonight Show, where he humorously didn’t make it on stage due to time constraints. Over the years, he showed up on various shows including The Cosby Show and A Different World.

The 70s saw Weaver’s star continue to rise with roles in series like Adam-12 and Good Times, as well as voice work in G.I. Joe. He also made appearances in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Most recently, he played Mel Cordray on Grace and Frankie. His legacy lives on not just through his performances but through the characters he brought to life. He is survived by his wife, actress Ta-Tanisha, and their daughter, Leis La-Te.

Weaver’s journey reminds us of the rich tapestry of experiences that shape an artist, from the jazz club scene to iconic television moments. His contributions enriched entertainment and left a mark on audiences everywhere.

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