Actor Roscoe Lee Browne died of cancer on 11 April 2007. Born in Woodbury, New Jersey, on 2 May 1925, he set the world record in the 800-yard dash in 1951. He won an Emmy in 1986 for Outstanding Guest Performer in a Comedy Series, for his role on The Cosby Show, and was nominated for one in 1976 for his role on Barney Miller. He was also nominated for the Best Actor Tony for his role in the 1992 play Two Trains Running.
His distinctive voice and very staid screen presence gained him many serious roles, and also comedic parts. His genre film appearances include: Treasure Planet (2002), Babe: Pig in the City (1998), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), Babe (1995), Moon 44 (1990), Night Angel (1989), The Haunting of Harrington House (1981), and Logan’s Run (1976).
His genre television appearances include: Static Shock, 30 episodes as “Kingpin” on the late 1990s’ Spider-Man, Batman, SeaQuest DSV, The Real Ghost Busters, 13 episodes of 1987’s Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light, Planet of the Apes, and The Invaders.