Veteran actor Lee Weaver dies at 95 after decades in television and film
The beloved performer, known for roles across classic series and films, passed away at his Los Angeles home.
Veteran actor Lee Weaver, whose career spanned more than six decades of stage, screen, and voice work, has died at the age of 95. According to Forbes, Weaver passed away at his home in Los Angeles on September 22, surrounded by family.
In a statement, his loved ones said Weaver “wove joy, depth, and representation into every role he played and everything he did.”
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 10, 1930, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Weaver’s path to entertainment was anything but conventional. Before stepping into acting, he served four years in the U.S. Army and later worked as a linotype engineer for The New York Times. He also promoted shows at New York City’s iconic Birdland jazz club before pursuing a career in theater.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Weaver began performing on stage in the 1950s, earning early recognition for his strong voice and expressive range. His transition to television came soon after, with his first screen role in the adventure series Sheena, Queen of the Jungle.
Lee Weaver Rise to Recognition
Through the 1960s and 1970s, Weaver became a familiar face on American television. He appeared in several popular shows of the era, including I Spy, The Wild Wild West, Good Morning World, Mannix, and Julia. His work during this time reflected a growing movement for better representation of African American actors in mainstream media.
Weaver’s versatility also led to guest appearances on well-known series such as Kojak, Good Times, Soap, The Jeffersons, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His ability to move easily between comedy and drama made him a sought-after character actor across multiple genres.
Expanding Into Film and Voice Acting
Beyond television, Weaver enjoyed a long and varied film career. He lent his distinctive voice and presence to projects such as How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Donnie Darko (2001), and The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005).
In later years, Weaver took on roles that reflected both humor and wisdom, including an appearance as Mel Cordray on the Netflix series Grace and Frankie.
Weaver was married to actress Ta-Tanisha for 54 years. The couple shared one daughter, Leis La-Te, and often spoke about the importance of love, family, and community within Hollywood.
Friends and colleagues have remembered Weaver as a kind and dedicated performer whose warmth carried beyond the screen. His work across decades contributed to shaping television history and opened doors for future generations of Black actors.
Lee Weaver’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career built on consistency, compassion, and craft. His family’s statement reflected the quiet dignity with which he lived and worked, noting that his legacy would “continue in the laughter and humanity he brought to audiences around the world.”
