David Downing (actor)


David Downing was an American stage, film, and television actor. He was one of the original members of the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City.
Downing, a native of Harlem, New York City, attended the High School of Performing Arts. As a child actor, he made his professional debut on Broadway in The Green Pastures. He served a tour of duty with the U.S. Armed Forces in Okinawa.
As part of the Negro Ensemble Company in the 1960s and 70s, Downing appeared in productions including the Obie Award-winning musical The Great MacDaddy, and the successful play Ceremonies in Dark Old Men. Downing later appeared in the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, Miss Evers' Boys.
Downing has appeared in films, including Gordon's War, and numerous television shows, including The Jeffersons, Baretta, Backstairs at the White House, and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Downing died in Los Angeles in November 2017 at the age of 74.

Filmography (selected)

Film

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
2005The Bernie Mac ShowFatherEpisode: Prison Break
1998JAGChaplainEpisode: With Intent to Die
1992-1993RocDr. Brown / Uncle WarrenTwo episodes
1991Cast a Deadly SpellThadius PilgrimTV movie
1990-1991The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirReverend White / PresenterTwo episodes
1989227Father Gabbay / WalterTwo episodes
1988Meet the Raisins!RedVoice, TV special
1987Designing WomenSamEpisode: Anthony Jr.
1983Hill Street BluesChester DavidEpisode: Moon Over Uranus: The Sequel
1982Father MurphyMarcus WashingtonEpisode: The Dream Day
1979-1982The JeffersonsEdgar Thornton / Albert FoxThree episodes
1979Backstairs at the White HouseButler DixonTV miniseries
1978Bert WilliamsTV Movie
1977Little House on the PrairieJackson HenryEpisode: The Wisdom of Solomon
1977What's Happening!!Mr. BarnesEpisode: The Firing Squad
1976All in the FamilyJohn KastenEpisode: Mike's Move
1976BarettaSullyEpisode: Count the Days I'm Gone
1975That's My MamaQuincyEpisode: Queen of the Ribs
1975Movin' OnLee AndrewsEpisode: ...To Be in Carolina