Joe Seneca
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Joe Seneca (January 14, 1919 โ August 15, 1996) was an American film and television actor who had a lengthy Hollywood career, portraying bit parts in many major films and television sitcoms spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s. Seneca was born Joel McGhee in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to his Hollywood career, Seneca belonged to the R&B singing group "The Three Riffs", performing at upscale supper clubs in New York City. He was also a songwriter and had big hits with "Talk to Me" which was sung by Little Willie John and "Break It to Me Gently", which was a smash twice, once by Brenda Lee in 1962, and once by Juice Newton in 1982. His song "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" was recorded by Ike & Tina Turner, Manfred Mann and The Spencer Davis Group. Arguably his most well-known roles are that of bluesman Willie Brown in Crossroads and Dr. Meddows in The Blob, the evil head of a government team sent to contain the title creature. Seneca also made multiple appearances on The Cosby Show as Hillman President Dr. Zachariah J. Hanes. He also played Alvin Newcastle [1]on an episode of The Golden Girls entitled "Old Friends." Joe appeared in Spike Lee's "School Daze" as the Mission College President McPherson in 1988. Joe appeared on Matlock: The Blues Singer Episode May 9, 1989. Joe also appeared in Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" Music Video In the late 80's. He died from asthma at the age of 77. Description above from the Wikipedia article Joe Seneca, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Known For
Credits
- 1996 ยทA Time to Killas Reverend Isaiah Street
- 1994 ยทChristyas
- 1994 ยทThe Vernon Johns Storyas Deacon Wilkes
- 1993 ยทThe Saint of Fort Washingtonas Spits
- 1993 ยทseaQuest DSVas Professor Bingham
- 1992 ยทMalcolm Xas Toomer
- 1991 ยทMississippi Masalaas Williben Williams
- 1990 ยทLaw & Orderas Lionel Jackson
- 1989 ยทDoogie Howser, M.D.as
- 1989 ยทTarzan in Manhattanas Joseph
- 1988 ยทThe Blobas Dr. Meddows
- 1988 ยทChina Beachas
- 1988 ยทSchool Dazeas President Harold McPherson
- 1987 ยทFriday the 13th: The Seriesas Hedley
- 1987 ยทBig Shotsas Ferryman
- 1987 ยทA Gathering of Old Menas Clatoo
- 1987 ยทMoments Without Proper Namesas
- 1986 ยทThrobas
- 1986 ยทSamaritan: The Mitch Snyder Storyas Reverend
- 1986 ยทCrossroadsas Willie Brown
- 1986 ยทMatlockas
- 1985 ยทAmazing Storiesas Ben Dumfy
- 1985 ยทSpenser: For Hireas
- 1985 ยทThe Equalizeras Fossil
- 1985 ยทThe Golden Girlsas Alvin Newcastle
- 1985 ยท227as
- 1985 ยทSilveradoas Ezra
- 1984 ยทSolomon Northup's Odysseyas Noah
- 1984 ยทThe Cosby Showas Dr. Zachariah J. Hanes
- 1984 ยทThe House of Dies Drearas Pluto
- 1984 ยทThe Evil That Men Doas Santiago
- 1982 ยทThe Verdictas Dr. Thompson
- 1981 ยทThe Gentleman Banditas
- 1979 ยทKramer vs. Krameras Partygoer
- 1979 ยทThe Tenth Monthas Doorman
- 1977 ยทWilmaas Ed Rudolph
- 1974 ยทThe Taking of Pelham One Two Threeas Police Sergeant