Leonard Jackson (actor)

Leonard Jackson was an African American stage, film, and television actor, perhaps most widely known for his roles in several PBS television series for children as well as his roles in films such as The Brother from Another Planet, Car Wash, and The Color Purple.

Jackson, in his early years known as L. Errol Jaye, was born February 7, 1928 in Jacksonville, Florida. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. After attending Fisk University, his professional acting debut was on the stage, in New York Shakespeare Festivals 1965 offBroadway production of Troilus and Cressida. In March 1968, he played Mr. Carpentier, the title character, in The Electronic Nigger, part of a trio of oneact plays by Ed Bullins, during The American Place Theatre production of the plays premiere. He played a pastor in the Broadway premiere of The Great White Hope, which ran for over 500 performances at the Alvin Theatre during 19681970.

Source: Wikipedia