Nipsey Russell Biography: Julius ‘Nipsey’ Russell was born on September 15, 1918, and was an American comedian and actor. He began his entertainment industry career by performing in venues. In 1952, he collaborated with Mantan Moreland on a stage performance, marking his first significant partnership. Following his appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” his renown increased. Russell was the first black artist to be a regular panellist on a daily network game show when he debuted on ABC’s “Missing Links” in 1964. Dick Clark, Bill Cullen, and Betty White, among others in the television industry, have referred to him as “the poet laureate of television.” Join us today as we celebrate his life.
Nipsey Russell Birthday
Nipsey Russell was allegedly born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 15, 1918. According to a source, his birth date is undetermined and his birth certificate has been lost. According to his obituary, he was 80 years old at the time of his death, as approximated by his friends. Before enrolling in 1936 at the University of Cincinnati, he attended Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. He enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army as a physician on June 27, 1941, and returned from Europe as a second lieutenant in 1945. Nipsey Russell’s first civilian employment was as a carhop at the Atlanta drive-in The Varsity. He supplemented his income by providing consumers with comedic entertainment. In the early 1950s, he had established himself as a talented comedian in Atlanta’s club scene.
In 1952, Russell supplanted Ben Carter in a stage performance with film comedian Mantan Moreland as Moreland’s dapper straight man. He gave a noteworthy performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and made multiple appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jack Paar.” Russell’s witty banter with Paar proved he could hold his own as a guest, resulting in a slew of appearances on variety programmes of the day. Russell was promised a regular part in “Car 54, Where Are You?” by television producers. Russell was one of the first African Americans to co-star in a sitcom when, from 1961 to 1963, he played Officer Anderson on the NBC comedy series. In 1965, Russell became a co-host on ABC’s “Les Crane Show” alongside Les Crane. 1970 ABC sitcom “Barefoot in the Park” co-star. He appeared regularly on “The Dean Martin Show” and “The Dean Martin Comedy World” from 1973 to 1976. After that, he made sporadic appearances on television programmes and served as a guest host on “The Tonight Show” during the reign of Johnny Carson. Russell frequently performed in Las Vegas, including a run of performances at the Frontier Hotel in 1978 and 1979 and a show at the Sands Hotel Cop Room in 1979 with Sergio Franchi. He performed at Kutsher’s Country Club in Monticello, New York, on January 1, 1977.
Nipsey Russell had never married and had no children throughout his entire existence. In his final years, Russell’s numerous appearances on NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” helped him acquire popularity among the younger generation. He would appear and recite his signature poetry during comedic sketches with booked visitors. Tom Bergeron hosted “Hollywood Squares” at the time, where he made his final television appearance in 2004. Russell passed away in New York City on October 2, 2005, at the age of 87, after a lengthy battle with stomach cancer. According to his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes were dispersed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Nipsey Russell Net Worth, Height
Name | Julius ‘Nipsey’ Russell |
Nickname | Harlem’s Son of Fun |
Birth date | September 15, 1918 |
Death date | October 2, 2005 (age 87) |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Height | 5′ 9″ |