Howard E. Rollins Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland in the year 1950, marking the arrival of the youngest of four children to parents Howard E. Rollins Sr., a steelworker, and Ruth R. Rollins, a domestic worker. This significant event took place in a city that would later serve as the backdrop for Rollins' early beginnings in the world of theater.
Rollins' academic pursuits led him to Towson State College, where he studied theater, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the entertainment industry. His breakthrough in acting came when a friend convinced him to audition for a role in the production of "Of Mice and Men" at a local Baltimore theater. This experience not only introduced Rollins to the world of acting but also revealed a natural talent that would serve him well throughout his career.
In 1974, Rollins made the bold decision to leave his hometown and relocate to New York City, driven by a desire to further his acting career. This move proved to be a pivotal moment in his life, as it opened doors to new opportunities and allowed him to hone his craft.
Throughout his career, Rollins earned numerous accolades, including an Oscar nomination for his powerful performance as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the film "Ragtime" (1981) and an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actor on the NBC daytime drama "Another World" (1964). He is also remembered for his outstanding portrayal of Virgil Tibbs on the long-running hit TV series "In the Heat of the Night" (1988),which was based on the 1967 movie of the same name.
In addition to his work in film and television, Rollins made his final feature film appearance in the 1995 drama "Drunks."
Tragically, Rollins' life was cut short when he was diagnosed with lymphoma in late 1996. Just six weeks later, he succumbed to complications from the disease at the age of 46, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence those in the entertainment industry.
