- Lee Weaver, the beloved character actor known for roles in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “The Bill Cosby Show,” has died at the age of 95.
- His extensive career spanned decades, including memorable appearances in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Donnie Darko,” and as the recurring character Buck Naked on “Hill Street Blues.”
- Before his acting career, Weaver was a prominent promoter at the legendary Birdland jazz club, booking icons like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Sarah Vaughan.
- His family remembered him as someone who “wove joy, depth and representation into every role he played and everything he did.”
Hollywood Loses a Versatile and Familiar Face
Lee Weaver, a prolific character actor whose face was recognizable across generations of film and television, has died at 95. His family announced that he passed away on September 22 at his home in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of memorable and diverse performances.
From the Coen Brothers to Classic Sitcoms
Many will remember Weaver for his scene-stealing role in the Coen brothers’ 2000 film, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” He played the blind seer on the railroad handcar, who delivered a mysterious prophecy to the three escaped convicts played by George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson.
Weaver was also a staple on television. He portrayed Brian Kincaid, the brother of Bill Cosby’s character, on “The Bill Cosby Show” from 1969-71. He later appeared on “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World.” He co-starred with Loni Anderson and Jack Elam in the 1986-87 NBC comedy “Easy Street” and gained a cult following as the exhibitionist Buck Naked on Steven Bochco’s acclaimed series “Hill Street Blues” and “NYPD Blue.”
A Life Forged in Jazz and Service
The Road to Hollywood
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 10, 1930, Lee Wellington Weaver’s journey was anything but ordinary. After enlisting and serving four years in the U.S. Army, he moved to New York. There, he worked as a linotype engineer for The New York Times while moonlighting as a promoter at the world-famous Birdland jazz club. In this role, he booked a staggering list of legends, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.
His deep connection to the jazz world was immortalized by his childhood friend, saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who recorded the song “The Weaver” in his honor.
A Career Rich with Roles
Weaver’s filmography is a testament to his versatility as a working actor. His credits include significant films such as “Vanishing Point” (1971), “Heaven Can Wait” (1978), “The Onion Field” (1979), “Bulworth” (1998), “Donnie Darko” (2001), and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005). Most recently, he appeared on the popular Netflix series “Grace and Frankie.”
A Lasting Legacy
Weaver is survived by his wife, actress Ta-Tanisha, and their daughter, Leis La-Te. His career was a masterclass in character acting, bringing depth, humor, and humanity to every role, big or small, ensuring he will be remembered by the millions who saw his work.