Do the Right Thing Actor Paul Benjamin Dies At 81

Actor Paul Benjamin passes away at the eld of 81 . A veteran character actor , Benjamin was well known for his memorable function in 1989 classicDo the Right Thing , directed bySpike Lee .

In 1969 , Benjamin made his feature article picture introduction inMidnight CowboystarringDustin Hoffmanand Jon Voight , the father of actressAngelina Jolie . The film initially received an hug drug paygrade , but at long last earned seven Oscar nominations , admit three wins . Benjamin portrayed a mixologist in New York City . Three years later , Benjamin co - headlined the crime filmAcross 110th Street , starring opposite Anthony Quinn , Yaphet Kotto , and Anthony Franciosa . After building up his acting resume throughout the 1970s , Benjamin set down a patronise function in 1979’sEscape from Alcatraz , a prison house motion-picture show classic starringClint Eastwood . A tenner later on , Benjamin hit his most iconic part in Lee ’s aforementionedDo the Right Thing , a breakthrough film about racial tautness in Brooklyn . Benjamin impersonate a corner man known as ML . During the 2000s , Benjamin appear in popular tv set series likeThe ShieldandLaw & Order . He also portray Al Ervin in three episodes of NBC’sER . This past decennium , Benjamin appeared in two feature motion picture , The Talk ManandOccupy , Texas .

Meanwhile , many of Benjamin ’s fellow performers have also posted message on social media . Accomplished actorWendell Pierce(The Wire ) notice that Benjamin“lead by example”and described him as“a piece of dignity , pride & grandeur . ”In addition , actor and filmmakerRobert Townsendrecalled crop with Benjamin on the 1991 melodic dramaThe Five Heartbeats . ComedianOrlando Jonesalso shared his thoughts about Benjamin ’s career , specifically their creative collaboration for the gaming “ Naked Angels , ” which was write by Jones and send by Benjamin . CandymanactorTony Toddkept his message brief , remembering Benjamin as“an inspiration . ”

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While Benjamin ’s acting career had slowed over the past ten , his cinematic legacy remains intact . And given thatDo the Right Thingjust of late celebrated its 30th anniversary , Benjamin ’s retiring collaborator will surely recall their memory about the late actor and share further stories on social media . As new witness experienceDo the Right Thingfor the first meter - now and in the year to come - Benjamin ’s legacy will only maturate strong .