Cleavon Little
| Cleavon Little | |
|---|---|
Little in Blazing Saddles (1974)
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| Born |
Cleavon Jake Little June 1, 1939 Chickasha, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | October 22, 1992 (aged 53) Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Colorectal cancer |
| Alma mater |
San Diego City College |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1964–92 |
| Spouse(s) | Valerie Wiggins (m. 1972; div. 1974) |
| Awards |
Drama Desk Award (Purlie, 1970) Tony Award (Purlie, 1970) Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Guest Actor (Dear John, 1989) |
San Diego City College
San Diego State University
Juilliard School
American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Cleavon Jake Little (June 1, 1939 – October 22, 1992) was an American stage, film, and television actor. He began his career in the late 1960s on the stage. In 1970, he starred in the Broadway production of Purlie, for which he earned both a Drama Desk and a Tony Award. In 1972, he starred as the irreverent Dr. Jerry Noland on the ABC sitcom Temperatures Rising. Two years later, Little starred in the role for which he is best known, as Sheriff Bart in the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy Blazing Saddles.
In the 1980s, Little continued to appear in stage productions, films, and in guest spots on television series. In 1989, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor for his appearance on the NBC sitcom Dear John. From 1991 to 1992, he starred on the Fox sitcom True Colors.
Little was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was the brother of singer DeEtta Little, best known for her performance of "Gonna Fly Now", the main theme to Rocky. He was raised in California, graduating in 1957 from Kearny High School and attended San Diego City College, and then San Diego State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in dramatic arts. After receiving a full scholarship to graduate school at Juilliard, he moved to New York. After completing studies at Juilliard, Little trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
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