Broadway, Film and TV Actor Al Freeman, Jr. Passes Away at 78

Emmy Award-winning Broadway, film and television actor Al Freeman, Jr. has died, Howard University reported on Friday, August 10, 2012. Freeman, who taught acting at the school, was 78.

Freeman is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee's 1992 film Malcolm X. On the screen, he also appeared in Finian's Rainbow, King, Down in the Delta and more.

On Broadway, Freeman starred in James Baldwin's Blues for Mister Charlie and appeared in Look to the Lilies, Kicks and Co., Medea and Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright. His Off-Broadway credits include Dutchman, Trolius and Cressida and Long Day's Journey Into Night for The Public Theater.

Freeman was the first African American to win a Daytime Emmy Award for his role as police Captain Ed Hall on the TV soap One Life to Live in the '70s and '80s. He also received Emmy nominations for his performances in My Sweet Charlie and Roots. His other TV credits include The Cosby Show, Law & Order, Homicide: Life on the Street, Hot L. Baltimore and The Edge of Night.

Kim James Bey, chair of Howard University's theatre department, confirmed Freeman's death in a statement but gave no further details. Bey said another statement would be released shortly.

Photo credit: ABC Photo Archives – © 2010 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

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