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Ted Ross

Theodore "Ted" Ross (June 30, 1934 – September 3, 2002) was an American actor renowned for his portrayal of the in the Broadway musical and its 1978 film adaptation. Born in , as Theodore Roberts, he earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 1975 for his stage performance in , marking a pinnacle in his theater career. Ross's work spanned stage, film, and television, often embodying dignified, charismatic characters, and he remained active until a in 1998 led to his retirement. Raised in , after his family relocated there when he was seven, Ross was influenced by his mother, Elizabeth Russell, a nightclub singer. He dropped out of Roosevelt High School in 1950 and enlisted in the , serving two years. After his discharge in 1952, he honed his performing skills by winning a contest that year with "." Ross transitioned to entertainment, starting as an MC in Dayton clubs during the 1950s before making his professional stage debut in 1969 as Weasel in the production Buck White. Ross's breakthrough came with The Wiz in 1975, but his Broadway credits also included roles in Purlie (1970–1972) and Raisin (1973). In film, he reprised the Lion in The Wiz (1978) and gained recognition as Bitterman, the butler, in Arthur (1981) and its sequel Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988), alongside appearances in Ragtime (1981), Amityville II: The Possession (1982), and The Fisher King (1991). On television, he featured in episodes of The Jeffersons (1975), Benson (1979), The Cosby Show (1984), and had a recurring role as Dean Harris in A Different World (1987–1988). Later in life, he opened the jazz club "Your Place" in Dayton in 1997, reflecting his roots in music and performance. Ross passed away in Dayton at age 68 following complications from his stroke.

Early life

Birth and family

Theodore Ross Roberts was born on June 30, 1934, in . His mother, Elizabeth Russell, worked as a singer during the 1920s and 1930s, providing an early cultural backdrop to his upbringing. No public records detail his father or any siblings, though his mother's profession immersed the family in the milieu. At age seven, Ross relocated with his family to , where they settled into a community rich with African American cultural life. Dayton's West Fifth Street emerged as a key influence, serving as the city's vibrant hub akin to in the early , lined with clubs and theaters that hosted top-tier entertainment. Ross developed a passion for performance through frequent visits to these venues during his pre-teen years, including spots like the Owl Club and Theater's Midnight Rambles. He was particularly captivated by live acts featuring luminaries such as , whose sophisticated orchestrations and stage presence left a lasting impression on the young Ross. This exposure to the dynamic local music and entertainment scene ignited his lifelong interest in and , shaping his early dreams of a stage career.

Education and youth

Ross attended Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio, but dropped out in 1950 at the age of 16. Following his family's relocation to Dayton when he was seven, Ross immersed himself in the city's vibrant nightlife during his adolescent years. He was particularly drawn to the West Fifth Street club district, Dayton's equivalent to , where he frequented venues such as the Owl Club and Theater's Midnight Rambles to watch live performances by artists including . These outings, however, were not well-received at home due to his young age. Physically mature for his age—with a mustache and a confident demeanor—Ross would dress up in shades and a to gain entry into these adult-oriented spots, where he sat poised, legs crossed, enjoying flavored Coca-Colas while absorbing the music. "I’d sit there in my shades, cross my legs and listen to the music," he later recalled. This early fascination with performance and entertainment scenes revealed his budding and interest in showmanship, traits that would later define his professional path.

Career beginnings

Military service

Ted Ross enlisted in the United States in 1950 at the age of 16 after dropping out of Roosevelt High School. He served during the early 1950s, though specific details regarding his duties, locations, or particular experiences remain undocumented in primary accounts. His time in the military provided structure and exposure to a diverse array of individuals from across the country, which later contributed to the discipline and adaptability he brought to his entertainment career.

Initial entertainment pursuits

Following his discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Ted Ross pursued opportunities in , drawing on his pre-service experience as an emcee at a , nightclub during the early 1950s. While on leave in 1952 at age 18, Ross had won $5 in an amateur night contest at the Top Hat bar on Germantown Street by performing Judy Garland's "," an event that sparked his interest in . This military background provided stability, allowing him to transition into performing after service. In the years immediately after his discharge, Ross worked as a singer and emcee in local clubs across the country, gradually building experience in live performance venues. He also joined a singing group called the Fabulous Tones, performing in regional circuits during the 1950s and 1960s, though opportunities for African American performers remained limited amid broader industry segregation. These early gigs in Dayton and beyond involved hosting shows and delivering vocal sets, often in small jazz and supper clubs, where he honed his stage presence despite facing challenges in securing steady work outside local scenes. Ross's breakthrough into professional theater came in 1969 with his stage debut in Oscar Brown Jr.'s musical Buck White, which originated as a workshop production in Watts, California, before transferring to . This role marked his entry into scripted stage work after over a decade of club performances, representing a pivotal shift from informal entertainment to structured theatrical productions. The production's move to circuits provided Ross with exposure to larger audiences and industry professionals, though the show's short run highlighted the competitive hurdles in gaining prominent roles during that era.

Stage career

Broadway roles

Ted Ross achieved his greatest Broadway success portraying the Cowardly Lion in the musical The Wiz, which premiered on January 5, 1975, at the Majestic Theatre and ran for 1,672 performances until January 28, 1979. In this all-Black adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, Ross's Lion was characterized by a blend of comedic bravado and vulnerability, drawing on the character's quest for courage through soulful numbers like "I'm a Mean Ole Lion," which he delivered with an energetic abandon that critics noted overwhelmed the song's subtlety while amplifying its humorous intent. During rehearsals, Ross focused on developing the Lion's physicality, emphasizing limited but expressive footwork to convey the beast's timid yet aspiring nature, as highlighted in early reviews that praised his ability to maximize the role's choreographic constraints. His performance earned him the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical in 1975, marking a pivotal recognition of his interpretive depth. Prior to The Wiz, Ross appeared in the short-lived musical Buck White (December 2–6, 1969) as Weasel, a role in an all-Black production starring Muhammad Ali that explored themes of Black empowerment but closed after seven performances due to mixed reception. He also understudied Gitlow in the original run of Purlie (March 15, 1970–November 6, 1971) and performed as a Singer and Field Hand in its 1972 revival (December 27, 1972–January 7, 1973), contributing to the show's satirical take on Southern racial dynamics through ensemble vocals and movement. Additionally, in Raisin (October 18, 1973–December 7, 1975), an adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, Ross played Bobo Jones, a minor but pivotal character whose interactions underscored the family's economic struggles, adding to the musical's Tony-winning acclaim for its faithful yet rhythmic expansion of Lorraine Hansberry's work. These roles solidified Ross's reputation as a versatile American performer capable of infusing humor, , and cultural resonance into diverse characters, from the flamboyant to ensemble figures in socially conscious musicals, helping to elevate Black representation on the Great White Way during a transformative era for theater diversity. Audience and critical reception often highlighted his stage presence as a bridge between and authenticity, with in particular drawing enthusiastic crowds for its innovative fusion of soul and mythology, where Ross's became a fan-favorite symbol of joyful self-discovery.

Regional theater and awards

Ross continued his stage career in regional theater productions after establishing himself on Broadway. In 1990, he took on the lead role of Troy Maxson in August Wilson's Fences at the Playhouse in the Park, a performance that allowed his family to see him on stage for the first time since the . This role highlighted his versatility in portraying complex, working-class characters in Wilson's oeuvre, drawing on his own experiences to bring depth to the troubled patriarch grappling with family and racial tensions. These performances underscored Ross's commitment to theater beyond , often in venues that fostered with socially resonant narratives. Ross's stage achievements culminated in significant recognition, most notably his Tony Award win. For his portrayal of the in the Broadway production of , which served as a catalyst for his award-winning profile, he was nominated in the Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical category at the 29th Annual . The nominations, announced on March 27, 1975, placed him alongside competitors including for Where's Charley?, John Bottoms for Dance with Me, Douglas Henning for The Magic Show, and Gilbert Price for . At the ceremony held on April 20, 1975, at the , Ross won the , one of seven awards for that evening. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude collectively to his collaborators, stating, "Time doesn't allow me to make all the individual things. So to all of you out there and you do know who you are, very much," reflecting the spirit of the production. This honor affirmed his impact in musical theater, though no additional nominations or awards from his regional work are documented.

Screen career

Film roles

Ted Ross began his film career with a supporting role as Sallison "Sallie" Potter, the cigar-chomping, hearse-driving owner of the Ebony Aces baseball team, in the 1976 sports The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, directed by . In this depiction of league players during the , Ross's Potter serves as an antagonistic figure exploiting his team, highlighting racial and economic tensions in pre-integration baseball; critics noted the film's lighthearted yet poignant tone, with Ross's performance adding to the ensemble's charm without overshadowing leads like . Ross's most iconic film role came in 1978 as the Cowardly Lion (also credited as Fleetwood Coupe de Ville) in Sidney Lumet's urban musical adaptation The Wiz, reprising his Tony-winning Broadway portrayal but reimagined in a fantastical New York City setting. Unlike the stage version's more traditional fantasy elements, the film version features the Lion awakening from a stone statue outside the New York Public Library and later transforming into or associating with a yellow Cadillac Fleetwood, emphasizing themes of urban alienation and self-discovery among Black characters; reviewers praised Ross for bringing heartfelt vulnerability and humor to the role, with Roger Ebert highlighting his engaging presence amid the film's ambitious spectacle. The performance, opposite stars like Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, solidified Ross's screen persona as a charismatic, relatable everyman. In 1981, Ross portrayed Bitterman, the patient and sensible chauffeur to the eccentric millionaire Arthur Bach (Dudley Moore), in Steve Gordon's comedy Arthur. As a steadfast foil to the film's chaotic humor and John Gielgud's acerbic butler Hobson, Bitterman's understated loyalty provides grounding comic relief, with Ross's warm delivery earning nods in ensemble critiques for enhancing the movie's screwball dynamics. He reprised the role in the 1988 sequel Arthur 2: On the Rocks, directed by Bud Yorkin, where Bitterman navigates Arthur's marital and financial woes with continued affability, though the film received mixed reviews for diluting the original's charm—Ross's steady performance remained a highlight amid the sitcom-like plotting. That same year, Ross appeared in Milos Forman's historical drama Ragtime as a Black lawyer advocating for justice in a courtroom scene amid the era's racial strife. His brief but dignified portrayal underscores the film's exploration of early 20th-century inequality, contributing to the ensemble's authentic texture without drawing singular acclaim. In 1982's horror prequel Amityville II: The Possession, directed by Damiano Damiani, Ross played Mr. Booth, the defense attorney attempting to argue demonic possession for his client in a trial sequence. The role, a minor but pivotal legal figure, aligns with the film's sensationalized take on the infamous hauntings, where Ross's professional demeanor contrasts the mounting supernatural tension; critics viewed it as a competent supporting turn in a schlocky genre entry. Ross also appeared as Captain Reed, a no-nonsense commanding officer, in the 1984 ensemble comedy Police Academy. His authoritative presence added to the film's chaotic humor centered on misfit recruits training at a police academy. In 1988, he played Dr. Adams in the coming-of-age drama Stealing Home, contributing to the story of childhood friends reconnecting later in life. Ross's final film appearance was as the Limo Bum, a homeless man encountered in a poignant street scene, in 's 1991 fantasy-drama . Starring and , the film delves into themes of madness and redemption in ; Ross's uncredited or minor role adds to the urban underbelly's authenticity, marking a subdued close to his screen career before his death in 2002. Overall, Ross's reflects versatile character work in comedies, musicals, and dramas, often embodying resilient Black figures in mainstream productions.

Television appearances

Ted Ross began his television career in the mid-1970s with a regular role as Sawyer Dabney, a shrewd attorney, on the short-lived NBC sitcom Sirota's Court, which aired from December 1976 to April 1977 and featured him alongside Michael Constantine as the eccentric night court judge. The series, created by Saul Turteltaub and Bernie Orenstein, highlighted Ross's ability to portray street-smart, humorous legal figures in a courtroom setting, co-starring with Fred Willard and Cynthia Harris in ensemble sketches emphasizing urban justice with comedic flair. In 1978, Ross guest-starred on in the episode "How Slowly They Forget," playing Cornelius X. Mayflower, an old Navy buddy of who aids in navigating bureaucratic hurdles for a community help center. This role showcased his comedic timing in ensemble dynamics with and , extending the authoritative yet affable personas he later embodied in films like . Ross appeared in several television movies during this period, including Minstrel Man (1977), where he portrayed Charlie Bates, a minstrel singer in a story of Black vaudeville history, opposite . He also starred as Woody in the drama Death Penalty (1980), a about , and as Prettyman in F.D.R.: The Last Year (1980), a biographical depicting the final months of President , co-starring with . His success in films such as provided a gateway to more prominent guest spots on network sitcoms in the 1980s. On in 1982, Ross played Mr. Hackett, a stern IRS auditor in the episode "In the Red," bringing a no-nonsense authority to the role opposite Robert Guillaume's titular housekeeper-turned-governor's aide. This performance echoed the dry-witted, imposing characters he played on screen, emphasizing bureaucratic tension with humor. Later in the decade, Ross recurred as , the stern yet fair administrator of , first appearing on in the 1987 episode "Hillman," where he interacts with () during a college visit. He reprised the character in two episodes of the : the pilot (1987), introducing the dean to new students like (), and "My Dinner with Theo" (1988), involving academic advising with Malcolm-Jamal Warner's . These roles solidified Ross as a paternal, authoritative figure in family-oriented Black sitcoms, co-starring with and , and extended his film persona of reliable, comedic mentors. Additional guest appearances included Leon, a supportive friend, on What's Happening Now!! in the 1986 episode "Goodbye, Mr. Ripps," reuniting with Ernest Thomas and Haywood Nelson in nostalgic high school antics. On The Equalizer in 1986, he portrayed Pike, a bookie entangled in a horse-racing scam, in the episode "Tip on a Sure Thing," delivering a gritty, streetwise performance alongside Edward Woodward's vigilante. These diverse TV credits from the 1970s to 1990s, often as comedic or authoritative Black characters, mirrored and amplified the versatile supporting roles that defined his film career, appearing in over a dozen series episodes across drama and comedy genres.

Later life and death

Personal interests

In his later years, after returning to , in 1997, Ross pursued interests in music by opening Your Place, a on West Third Street, where he occasionally performed as a singer and emcee. This endeavor allowed him to engage with the local community through live performances and hospitality, echoing the musical influences from his Dayton upbringing.

Death and immediate aftermath

Ted Ross died on September 3, 2002, at the age of 68 from complications of a he had suffered four years earlier. He passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital and Health Center in , where he had resided in recent years after returning to his home state. Ross's health had declined significantly following the 1998 stroke, which confined him to a nursing home and effectively ended his acting career in the late 1990s. No further stage, film, or television roles are documented after this period, marking a short-term interruption that spanned the final years of his life. Following his death, Ross was cremated, with his ashes scattered. Contemporary media coverage included obituaries in major outlets, highlighting his Tony Award-winning performance as the in The Wiz and his contributions to theater and film, though no public statements from immediate family were reported.

Legacy

Honors and recognition

Ted Ross garnered major acclaim for his portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, which premiered in 1975. At the 29th Annual Tony Awards ceremony on April 20, 1975, held at the Shubert Theatre in , he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, beating nominees including for Purlie and for Shenandoah. In addition to the Tony, Ross received the for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for The Wiz that same year, highlighting his comedic timing and vocal performance in the role. Later in his career, Ross was honored in his hometown of , for his achievements in theater and contributions to . These tributes included recognitions from Wayman Chapel AME Church and the Miami Valley Alumni Club, as well as designation as a Achiever by local radio station WROU-FM.

Cultural impact

Ted Ross's portrayal of the in the 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz played a pivotal role in advancing all-Black theatrical productions, as the musical marked the first high-budget show with an exclusively African American cast and creative team, thereby elevating Black representation in mainstream theater. This milestone not only incorporated African American musical styles like R&B, , and to reimagine L. Frank Baum's , but also infused the narrative with themes of empowerment and cultural heritage, resonating deeply within Black communities and influencing subsequent works that celebrated and Black aesthetics. The 1978 film adaptation, in which Ross reprised the role, extended this impact to cinema, defining Black cultural expression through its all-star cast and becoming a touchstone for generational storytelling that affirmed Black joy and liberation. Ross's energetic and comedic performance as the Lion, blending vulnerability with bravado, influenced later actors portraying the character or similar archetypes in The Wiz revivals and adaptations, setting a standard for infusing the role with authentic Black humor and resilience. For instance, Tony-winning performer has cited Ross's work as inspirational, noting how it exemplified the courage required for Black artists to thrive in theater amid historical barriers. This portrayal helped redefine the beyond its original depictions, contributing to a legacy where the character symbolizes overcoming personal and societal fears in Black narratives. Through his Tony Award-winning role and other appearances in musicals like and Ain't Misbehavin', Ross bolstered the visibility of actors in comedy and musical theater during the post-1970s era, a period when such productions increasingly highlighted African American talent and broke racial casting norms on . His contributions underscored the potential for performers to lead in humorous, ensemble-driven stories, paving the way for greater inclusion and commercial success in the genre. In modern contexts, Ross's legacy endures through tributes in productions like NBC's Live! (2015), which honored the original by featuring an all-Black cast and adapting elements from the 1978 film to emphasize ongoing themes of Black empowerment. Scholarly discussions continue to analyze 's cultural ripple effects, including its role in fostering empowerment narratives and authentic representation in Black media and theater.

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