R.I.P. SuperFly, 66

Superfly" film star Ron O'Neal dies at 66

By BRUCE HARING
Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES --
Ron O'Neal, whose role as cocaine dealer Youngblood Priest in the 1972 film "Superfly" epitomized the so-called "blaxploitation" film genre of that era, has died. He was 66.

O'Neal died Wednesday evening at Cedars Sinai Medical Center after a long bout with cancer, according to his wife, Audrey Pool O'Neal.

Born in Utica, N.Y., O'Neal was raised in Cleveland, where he became involved in Karamu House, an experimental interracial theatrical troupe.

He headed 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 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 O'Neal to reprise the role and take over directing chores in the sequel, 1973's "Superfly TNT."

Unfortunately for 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 such 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 "Original Gangstas."

O'Neal capped his career with a performance in 2002's "On The Edge," teaming again with Fred Williamson and rapper Ice-T.

He is survived by his wife. Funeral services will be private.

What! Ultra-violent cocaine dealers who want out of the business after just one more score do not die of cancer. Damn cancer.

*pours out tha 40oz.*

Like Mayfield said, "...the dudes...envied him for so long..."

RIP

damn

A. That sucks

and...

B. Googuse, you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge of all things old school black.