Arthur Wellesley French Jr. (November 6, 1931 – July 24, 2021) was an American actor and director, best known for his work in the theatre.
Life and career
French was born in Harlem, New York City, on November 6, 1931, the son of Arthur and Ursilla French, who both emigrated to the U.S. from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Throughout a career that spans over fifty years, French is best known for his work on the stage. He worked extensively with the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) and has played a wide variety of roles. He was also a supporting character in the 1976 comedy film Car Wash.
His later film credits were in 2 Days in New York and Red Hook Summer, both released in August 2012. He died on July 24, 2021, at the age of 89 in Manhattan, New York.
Selected credits Theatre Acting Year Production Role Theatre(s) Notes1962Raisin' Hell in the SonProvincetown Playhouse1969Ceremonies in Dark Old MenWilliam JenkinsSt. Mark's Playhouse1971Black GirlEarlTheatre de Lys1971Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural DeathEthel Barrymore Theatre1978Nevis Mountain DewAyton MorrisSt. Mark's Playhouse1981The Amen CornerBrother BoxerCrossroads Theater Company1983You Can't Take It With You DonaldPlymouth TheatreRoyale Theatre1991Mule BoneRev. SingletaryMayor Joe Clark (understudy)Ethel Barrymore Theatre1995Henry VIEarl of SalisburyTheater at St. Clements Church2001Fire DrillCarlUrban StagesPart of "Free Market," a collection of eight short plays.Kickin SummitSkiUrban StagesPart of "Free Market," a collection of eight short plays.Give Us This DayDadUrban StagesPart of "Free Market," a collection of eight short plays.The Border Crossers LoungeMother PerezUrban StagesPart of "Free Market," a collection of eight short plays.2005The Master BuilderDoctor HerdalPearl Theatre2006Two Trains RunningHollowayPeter Norton SpaceLucille Lortel Award, Outstanding Featured Actor 2007Dividing the EstateDoug59E59 Theater A2009MedeaThe Riverside TheatreThe Book of LambertLa MaMa etc. Dividing the EstateDougHartford Stage
Directing Year Production Theatre(s) Notes1967One Last LookOld Reliable Theatre TavernOne of the first produced plays written by steve carter
Film Acting Year Title Role1976Car WashCharlie1986'Round MidnightBooker1992Malcolm XPullman Porter1994CrooklynWest Indian Store Manager2012Where is Joel Baum?Detective Robertson20132 Days in New YorkLee RobinsonMovie 43Old Man2014God's PocketLucien "Old Lucy" Edwards
Television Acting Year Title Role Notes1986–1987Another WorldAl Edwards2 episodes2018New AmsterdamBrentSeason 1, Episode 15
References
External links
Arthur French at the Internet Theatre Database