CLEAVON LITTLE

'Cleavon Jake Little' (June 1, 1939 – October 22, 1992) was an American film and theatre actor, best known for his lead role as Bart in the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy ''Blazing Saddles'' and as the irreverent Dr. Jerry Noland in the early seventies series ''Temperatures Rising''.
Little was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He grew up in California and attended college at San Diego State University. After receiving a full scholarship to Juilliard he moved to New York and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Art.
Little became known for his work in comedic roles. He made his off-Broadway debut in the 1968 political satire ''MacBird'' and in 1970 he won a Tony award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his work in the Broadway musical ''Purlie''. A year later Little was hired as an ensemble player on the syndicated TV variety weekly ''The David Frost Revue''.
For his star performance in Brooks' classic comedy ''Blazing Saddles'', Little was nominated for a BAFTA award for Best Newcomer.
He died of colon cancer at the age of 53.

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