Cleavon Little

Cleavon Little
Little and Jayne Meadows on Temperatures Rising (1972)
Born	Cleavon Jake Little (1939-06-01)June 1, 1939 Chickasha, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died	October 22, 1992(1992-10-22) (aged 53) Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.
Education	San Diego City College San Diego State University (BA) Juilliard School (GrDip) American Academy of Dramatic Arts
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1960–1992
Spouse	Valerie Wiggins ​ ​ (m. 1972; div. 1974)​
Children	1
Awards	Drama Desk Award (Purlie, 1970) Tony Award (Purlie, 1970) Primetime Emmy Award (Dear John, 1989)

Cleavon Jake Little (June 1, 1939 – October 22, 1992) was an American stage, film and television actor. He began his career in the late 1960s on the stage. In 1970, he starred in the Broadway production of Purlie, for which he earned both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award. His first leading television role was that of the irreverent Dr. Jerry Noland on the ABC sitcom Temperatures Rising (1972–1974). While starring in the sitcom, Little appeared in what has become his signature performance, portraying Sheriff Bart in the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy film Blazing Saddles.

In the 1980s, Little continued to appear in stage productions, films, and in guest spots on television series. In 1989, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for his appearance on the NBC sitcom Dear John. He later starred on the Fox sitcom True Colors (1991–1992).