Nipsey Russell, a multifaceted personality, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1918, and began his journey in the entertainment industry in the 1950s with stints in Rock and Roll Review and other music revues.
In the 1960s, Russell's career took a significant turn as he landed his first major role as Officer Anderson in the popular television show Car 54, Where Are You? (1961),a position he held for a year. Following this, he became a mainstay on various television programs, making appearances on Laugh-In, The Dean Martin Show (1965),and the Jackie Gleason Show, among many others. Russell's unique personality and charm made him a sought-after guest on numerous small shows, capable of injecting energy and humor into almost any program.
As the 1970s approached, Russell's popularity continued to grow, and he became a staple on television game shows, appearing on To Tell The Truth, Match Game PM (1975),and many other programs. He was affectionately known as television's poet laureate, frequently appearing on the Tonight Show and other popular talk shows of the time.
Despite his limited film roles, Russell will always be remembered for his iconic portrayal of the Tin Man in the 1978 remake of the classic film The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz (1978),although the movie initially underperformed at the box office. However, over time, it has developed a cult following and is now regarded as a beloved classic.
Russell's talents extended beyond television and film, as he was an accomplished actor and singer on stage, boasting a strong presence on Broadway for many years.
