Ron Taylor (actor)

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Ron Taylor
Taylor as Coach Wingate in Twin Peaks
Born
Ronald James Taylor

(1952-10-16)October 16, 1952
Galveston, Texas, U.S.
DiedJanuary 16, 2002(2002-01-16) (aged 49)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Actor, singer and writer
Years active1977–2002
Spouse
DeBorah Sharpe
​
(m. 1980)​
Children1

Ronald James Taylor (October 16, 1952 – January 16, 2002) was an American actor, singer and writer. He grew up in Galveston, Texas, and later moved to New York City to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduating, Taylor began working in musical theater, appearing in The Wiz (1977), before getting his break with the 1982 off-Broadway production Little Shop of Horrors. Taylor voiced the killer plant Audrey II in the show, which ran for five years and over 2,000 performances.

Taylor created and starred in the musical revue

Tony Award
nominations.

He also had numerous television roles, appearing in Family Matters, The Simpsons, Twin Peaks, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Ally McBeal, Matlock and L.A. Law. His performance in the latter, as a singer who performed the American national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner" at baseball games, led him to perform the anthem at several real-life sporting events. Taylor was married and had one son. He died in January 2002 after suffering a heart attack.

Early life

Taylor was born on October 16, 1952, in Galveston, Texas to Marian and Robert "Bruno" Taylor and had two sisters, Roberta and Frances.[1][2][3][4] He attended O'Connell High School,[5] and Wharton County Junior College, where he was a football player, and a participant in the school choir and theater. The choir teacher suggested he join after overhearing him singing The Temptations.[1] He favoured music over football, and at the age of 19 attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York,[1][3] intending to become a singer.[6]

Career

Theater

Early theater work

"Being in the box bothered me at first, because I am used to being on stage, and when you sing on stage, there is open space; you can throw your voice all the way to the end of the house. When you are in that small space, it plays a psychological trick on you. You feel you have nowhere to sing to. I had to keep telling myself: 'O.K., I have a microphone right here, I don't have to push. They can hear me.' You know I can't hear anything in there. I can't hear applause."

—Taylor on his role in Little Shop of Horrors.[7]

Taylor, a "barrel-chested bass-baritone",[3] had an extensive career in musical theater. Upon graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Taylor was unable to read sheet music and could "barely" play the piano, but found work as a singer.[3] In 1977 he played the Cowardly Lion in a national touring production of The Wiz.[1][3][6] Taylor subsequently played Great Big Baby in the 1978 Broadway production Eubie! and Caiaphas in a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar.[7]

He voiced Audrey II, the "street-smart, funky, conniving" talking killer plant which is an "anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado", in the original

Drama Desk Awards, Taylor won the award for Outstanding Special Effects for his performance, which he shared with Robinson.[9][11]

In the 1984

Philadelphia Inquirer who said they "speak as in one voice and behave like comedians who have been stranded without good material."[14]

It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues

Taylor created and starred in the musical revue

The Thrill is Gone", "Blues Man" and "Let the Good Times Roll".[17] It was initially performed as a 45-minute production at 25 local high schools.[16] Because of their positive reception, the show was expanded to two hours and 50 songs, with three people being added to the original cast of four, and was regularly performed at the Denver Center.[1][6]

Taylor described the performance as "very cordial", with the audience close to performers, and that "one show is never the same as the next because of the songs, of what they are. Blues is about how you feel today. One day, you're down; another day is real happy and giddy. We're all laughing. Randy's direction captures that. It's always so personal, bringing the audience into the piece."[6] As well as African music, the revue includes "country, gospel, the old blues, Appalachian music," featuring music by Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Mahalia Jackson, Jimmy Rogers, Nina Simone and Muddy Waters.[6]

In 1995, the revue ran for a month at the

New York Times critic Lawrence Van Gelder wrote that the show had a "cornucopia of splendidly interpreted song," and "is a potent blend of visual eloquence and historical sweep that engages the eye and touches the heart while its songs soothe the ear, occasionally work mischief on the funny bone, and always raise the spirits."[15]

A week after opening at the Beaumont, the show received four

Ambassador Theatre, where the box office takes began to break even.[16] The show closed in January 2000 after a total run of eight months on Broadway.[3][19]

For the rest of the year,

The Press-Enterprise, in a review of one of the San Diego performances, praised Taylor, saying he "has the lung power to simply take over any show, especially his own" and "shows surprising grace and athleticism as well as the kind of leonine masculinity that certain big men (Orson Welles, Babe Ruth) possess". Trageser also praised the writing, calling it "a superb job not only of selecting the songs, but in choosing arrangements that blow away all the cobwebs history has laid on many of them."[18]

It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues was the longest-running show Taylor appeared in, as well as his final Broadway appearance.[3] Taylor planned an IMAX film version of the production;[21] and nine years after his death, it was revived by the New Harlem Arts Theater at the Aaron Davis Hall on the City College of New York campus.[22]

Film, television and music

Taylor had numerous television roles. He voiced jazz musician

season two episode "Dancin' Homer", but was in New York and unable to record his part.[10] Keith Phipps of The A.V. Club said the role gave Taylor "television immortality".[25] He also reprised the role on a recording of Billie Holiday's song "God Bless the Child" on the 1990 The Simpsons' album The Simpsons Sing the Blues.[26] He appeared as a Klingon chef in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,[6] and played wrestling instructor Coach Wingate in Twin Peaks.[25] Other television roles included guest spots on NYPD Blue, ER, Profiler, Family Matters, Home Improvement and Ally McBeal.[1][3][5][9][10][27] Taylor also had a recurring part in the 2000 series City of Angels,[1] and played a blues singer in a two-part episode of Matlock, a role that was written for him.[10] He also appeared in more than 20 films. These included Trading Places, Amos & Andrew, A Rage in Harlem (as Hank),[10] The Mighty Quinn and Rush Hour 2.[1][5][9]

After a 1991 appearance on the series

Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.[6]

Taylor was part of the blues group The Nervis Bros and performed across the United States.[1][9] He also sang with Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Etta James, Slash and Sheila E.[1]

Personal life

Taylor met DeBorah Sharpe in 1977 during the production of The Wiz where she was the understudy for Dorothy.[1] They married in 1980 and had a son, Adamah.[1][6] In his spare time, Taylor often helped teach vulnerable young people through a variety of projects, including at the George Street Playhouse in New Jersey.[5][9] He noted "things have come out of the air for me...I'm grateful; that's why I work with kids. I've had a blessing in my career, to have gone as far as I've gone."[6] A 1995 piece in The Plain Dealer described Taylor as "A jolly giant of a man, he looks like a natural force – a mountain, perhaps, who can tell great stories."[6] Taylor was a Christian.[16]

Taylor suffered a small stroke in 1999; he was able to perform again in It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues 73 days later.[16] He died from a heart attack at his home in Los Angeles on January 16, 2002, at the age of 49.[1] His funeral took place on January 28 at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ.[1][9]

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Notes
1983 Trading Places Big Black Guy
1984 The Ice Pirates Pimp Robot Voice; uncredited
1984 Exterminator 2 Dude
1987 Who's That Girl 1st Dock Worker
1988 Astronomy Johnny's Dad Short film
1988 Dead Heat Shoot Out Zombie
1989 The Mighty Quinn Officer McKeon
1989 Collision Course Auto Worker At Bowling Alley #2
1989 Relentless Captain Blakely
1989 Second Sight Carl
1990 Heart Condition Bubba
1990 Downtown Bruce Tucker
1990 Masters of Menace Man At Door
1991
A Rage in Harlem
 Hank
1991 Rover Dangerfield Mugsy / Bruno Voice
1992 There Goes the Neighborhood Bubble Man
1993 Amos & Andrew Sherman
1993 Deadfall The Baby
2002 Ritual Superintendent Archibald (final film role)

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1984 Robert Klein: Child of the 50s, Man of the 80s Irving Television special
1984 My Little Pony: Rescue at Midnight Castle Scorpan Television special; voice
1984 Miami Vice Linus Oliver Episode: "Calderone's Return: The Hit List (Part 1)"
1984 3-2-1 Contact Pawn Shop Owner Episode: "Space: Living There"
1988 Night Court Attendant Cal Episode: "Fire"
1989 Wiseguy Monroe Blue 2 episodes
1989-1990 Matlock Deacon Holmes / Tyler Mullins 4 episodes
1990 China Beach Mess Sergeant Episode: "Warriors"
1990 Quantum Leap Papa David Harper Episode: "Black And White On Fire"
1990-1993 Family Matters Darnell Coleman / Pastor Peebles 3 episodes
1990–1991 Twin Peaks Coach Wingate 2 episodes
1990–1995 The Simpsons
"Bleeding Gums" Murphy
(voice)		 Episodes: "Moaning Lisa" and "'Round Springfield"
1991 Amen "String Bean" Episode: "Ernie and the Sublimes"
1991 L.A. Law Ron Miller Episode: "On the Toad Again"
1991 Fever Merton Television film
1991 Home Improvement Kyle Episode: "Nothing More Than Feelings"
1992 Vinnie & Bobby Stanley 3 episodes
1992 Batman: The Animated Series Orderly (voice) Episode: "Dreams in Darkness"; voice
1993 Lush Life The Clerk Television film
1993 A Cool Like That Christmas Reverend
1993-1997 NYPD Blue Prisoner #1 / Bus Driver 2 episodes
1993–1994 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Klingon Chef Episodes: "Melora" and "Playing God"
1994 In the Line of Duty: The Price of Vengeance Reddick Television film
1994 The George Carlin Show Norman Episode: "George Goes on a Date: Part 1"
1994 ER Bob Episode: "Hit and Run"
1998 Profiler "Fat Cat" Episode: "Ties That Bind"
1999 Ally McBeal Singer In Bar Episode: "Saving Santa"
2000 City of Angels Lester Bell 3 episodes

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s McLellan, Dennis (January 25, 2002). "Ron Taylor, 49; Versatile Singer and Actor". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  2. The Galveston County Daily News
    . January 23, 2002.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m McKinley, Jesse (January 26, 2002). "Ron Taylor, 49, Voice of Blues and a Plant, Dies". The New York Times. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Ron Taylor". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  5. ^ a b c d Westbrook, Bruce (February 23, 1993). "Actor Taylor reaches out to area kids". Houston Chronicle. p. 10.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Evett, Marianne (August 20, 1995). "Nothin' But Blues Show Traces Music's History, Influence". The Plain Dealer. p. 1J.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Crossette, Barbara (October 8, 1982). "Making A Plant Grow: A Hidden Art On Stage". The New York Times. Retrieved August 16, 2011.
  8. ^ ""Little Shop of Horrors", Casting – Character Breakdown". Music Theatre International. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h "Ron Taylor". Variety. January 21, 2002. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i Henderson, Randi (June 11, 1991). "'L.A. Law' 'case' gives actor chance to sing anthem at Orioles game". The Baltimore Sun. p. 1C. Archived from the original on September 29, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  11. ^ "1982–1983 29th Drama Desk Awards". Drama Desk Awards. Archived from the original on July 3, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  12. ^ a b Rich, Frank (November 12, 1984). "Theater: A Musical 'Three Musketeers' Opens". The New York Times. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
  13. ^ "The Three Musketeers". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  14. Philadelphia Inquirer
    . p. F04.
  15. ^ a b c Gelder, Lawrence Van (April 1, 1999). "Theater Review: In Every Color, Finding the Blues". The New York Times. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Feiden, Douglas (November 17, 1999). "It Ain't Nothin' But A Survivor The Behind-The-Scenes Story Of How A Scrappy Little Show Surprised B'way". New York Daily News. p. 46.
  17. ^ a b Jones, Kenneth (January 21, 2002). "Ron Taylor, Tony Nominee for Ain't Nothin' But the Blues, Dead". Playbill. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  18. ^
    The Press-Enterprise
    . p. F04.
  19. ^
    The Record
    . p. 19.
  20. ^ "Search Past Winners". Tony Awards.com. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  21. ^ Dillard, Sandra (February 4, 2001). "'Nothin' But the Blues' goes IMAX". The Denver Post. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  22. ^ Saltz, Rachel (August 2, 2011). "Exploring the Far Reaches and Forms of the Blues". The New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
  23. ^ Jean, Al; Reiss, Mike (2005). The Simpsons season 6 DVD commentary for the episode "'Round Springfield" (DVD). 20th Century Fox.
  24. ^ Stickney, Dane (July 23, 2007). "Where would the world be without the Simpsons?". Omaha World-Herald. p. 01E.
  25. ^ a b Phipps, Keith (February 20, 2008). "Twin Peaks "Episode 17," "Episode 18"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  26. The Record
    . p. 9.
  27. ^ "Obituaries". New York Daily News. January 27, 2002. p. 45.

External links

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