Today In Black History: Geoffrey Holder
Actor, Dancer, Musician, Painter, Author, Educator
Issue #866 Today In Black History, Wednesday, June 4, 2025
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Geoffrey Holder was born on August 1, 1930, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, where he was exposed to the rich cultural tapestry of Caribbean traditions. Even at a young age, he immersed himself in dance, theater, visual arts, and music. He made his performance debut at the age of seven in his brother Boscoe Holder's dance company.
In 1953, he choreographer Agnes de Mille invited him to work with her in New York. Upon arriving, he joined Katherine Dunham's dance school, where he taught folkloric forms for two years. From 1955 to 1956, he performed with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet as a principal dancer.
Holder began his movie career in the 1962 British film All Night Long, a modern remake of Shakespeare's Othello. In 1973, he played a henchman, Baron Samedi, in the Bond movie Live and Let Die, and also contributed to the film's choreography. His deep voice and charismatic presence made him a standout character, contributing to the film's success.
One of his most notable achievements was winning two Tony Awards in 1975 for his work on the Broadway musical "The Wiz" – one for Best Direction of a Musical and the other for Best Costume Design. His innovative vision and vibrant costume designs added a fresh and dynamic perspective to the production.
In addition to his movie appearances, Holder was a spokesman in advertising campaigns for the soft drink 7 Up in the 1970s and 1980s, declaring it the "uncola.”
In 1990, Holder performed at the 62nd Academy Awards, singing "Kiss the Girl" and "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid.
In 1993, Holder did a series of commercials for the Armory Auto Group auto dealership in Albany, New York.
Holder was also a skilled visual artist and exhibited his paintings in galleries around the world. His artwork reflected a unique blend of colors, textures, and emotions that captured the essence of his Caribbean roots.
In 1956, he won a Guggenheim Fellowship in fine arts. A book of his photography, Adam, was published by Viking Press in 1986.
Holder married actress, choreographer, and dancer Carmen de Lavallade in 1955. They spent their lives in New York City and had one son, Léo.
Geoffrey Holder died in Manhattan of complications from pneumonia on October 5, 2014, aged 84.
Today In Black History
In 1790, Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable founded the city of Chicago.
In 1831, the Second National Black Convention was held in Philadelphia with fifteen delegates from five states.
In 1950, Mississippi Valley State University was founded in Itta Bena, MS.
In 1977, Joseph Lawson Howze was installed as bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi.
Ah….7UP.
Fun Fact: Holder was originally cast as the voice of Sebastian The Crab in Disney’s Little Mermaid. But his Friend Samuel Wright was given the role, while Holder preformed the choreography.