Geoffrey Holder, a versatile artist who was well known for his multiple talents and perhaps more famously known as an actor and dancer and a pitchman for 7Up, has died. The artist died on Sunday at age 84.
The artist died of what doctors are terming Pneumonia complications. The family's attorney confirmed the death was brought about by the said complications.
The star, who stood an impressive 6 foot 6 and had a deep Carribbean voice, was a talented artist who could sing, dance, paint, perform at the theater, film and TV. Holder won two Tony awards in 1975 for the acclaimed musical "The Wiz" a vibrant retelling of "The Wizard of Oz." He also earned credits for his directing and costumes. Notably a Tony for best costume design.
Geoffrey Holder was born in a middle class family on August 1, 1930. He was born in Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He was one of four children in his parents' family. Geoffrey attended Queen's Royal College in Trinidad where he struggled with a stammer. "At school, when I got up to read, the teacher would say, 'Next,' because the boys would laugh," he said in an interview.
Growing up, Geoffrey Holder was most influenced by his older brother Arthur Holder, who went by his childhood nickname Boscoe. Boscoe Holder taught Geoffrey how to paint and dance. Their two careers would later mirror each other in many ways. Boscoe too was a celebrated dancer, choreographer, painter and performing artist.
Geoffrey Holder married Carmen de Lavallade, a ravishing young dancer in his dance team. They had a son together, Leo. Both wife and son survive him. Boscoe Holder died in 2007.
Many of his more memorable works appear in 1967's Doctor Dolittle, 1982's Annie and also in 1973's Live and Let Die. He worked with celebrated actors such as Eddie Murphy in 1992's Boomerang and most recently did voice work in 2005's Charlie and the chocolate Factory.
