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Ron O'Neal

Ron O'Neal

Posted: 26 Jul 2015 3:19PM GMT
Classification: Obituary


Ron O'Neal, whose role as cocaine dealer Youngblood Priest in the 1972 film " Superfly " epitomized the " blaxploitation " film genre of that era, has died. He was 66.
Mr. O 'Neal died Jan. 14 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a long bout with cancer, according to his wife, Audrey Pool O'Neal.
Born in Utica, N.Y., Mr. O'Neal was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he became involved in Karamu House, an experimental interracial theatrical troupe.
He headed back to New York in 1966 and became involved in theater, teaching school in Harlem to support himself. The payoff for the young actor came with a 1970 Obie Award for his performance in Joseph Papp's Public Theatre production of " No Place To Be Somebody."
His performance in the play brought Mr. O'Neal to the attention of the producers of " Superfly, " who fell in love with his street-smart, rugged interpretation of an ultra-violent cocaine dealer who wants out of the business after one last big score.
"Superfly" was a surprise hit, leading Mr. O'Neal to reprise the role and take over directing chores in the sequel, 1973's "Superfly TNT. "
Unfortunately for Mr. O'Neal, his bad-boy persona became entwined with the entire blaxploitation film genre, which quickly devolved into parody.
Undaunted, he embarked on a long career as a character-role player on TV and film, appearing in low-budget films as " Mercenary Fighters " (1987) and " Up Against the Wall " (1991), which he also directed.
In 1996, he joined other former ' 70s black action stars, including Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Richard Roundtree and Pam Grier, in a reunion of blaxploitation superstars in the film "Orginal Gangstas."
Mr. O'Neal capped his career with a performance in 2002 's "On The Edge," teaming again with Williamson and rapper Ice-T.
He is survived by his wife.
Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 1/25/2004.
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