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Scoey Mitchell, the comedian and actor best known for his role in Neil Simon’sBarefoot in the Park,has died at the age of 92.
Mitchell died Saturday, March 19, his brother, Billy Mitchell, announced Monday evening. He reportedly died of kidney failure during his stay at a healthcare facility in Torrance, California, perThe Hollywood Reporter.
“He had a very successful and colorful career during 70s and 80s as an actor, writer and film director,” his brother wrote onFacebook. “He sacrificed much in the struggle to get blacks behind the camera, into production and into positions that are taken for granted today. Its important to remember those few that opened up the doors for so many!”
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Mitchell — né Roscoe Mitchell Jr. — was born March 12, 1930 in Newburgh, New York. He started his career as a stand-up comedian before getting his big break in 1970 on the television adaptation ofBarefoot in the Parkopposite Tracy Reed.
The ABC sitcom ran for just 12 episodes before being canceled but was the first American sitcom to have a predominantly Black cast since the early 1950s.
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The actor, who was often credited as Scoey Mitchlll, also appeared on-screen inPolice Story,Rhoda, Lou Grant,Me & Mrs. C, Voyage of the Yes, Cops, 13 Eastand more, according to hisIMDbbio. Throughout his career, Mitchell also appeared on a number of game shows, including Match Game, Password Plus, Hollywood Squares, andTattletales.
His only movie credit came in 1986, portrayingRichard Pryor’s father in the semi-autobiographical filmJo Jo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling.
source: people.com
