Actor Who Played Hon. Elijah Muhammad in “Malcolm X” Dies at the age of 78
The man who played the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in the film, “Malcolm X” has died at the age of 78. Albert Freeman Jr.’s death was confirmed this week by Howard University. Freeman was an acting professor on campus and artistic director of the school’s theater arts department.
“He was a brilliant professor, a renowned actor and a master director who made his mark in the classroom as well as on stage, screen and television. … He has mentored and taught scores of outstanding actors. He was a resounding voice of Howard and will be missed,” university spokeswoman Kerry-Ann Hamilton said in a statement.
Freeman won an NAACP Image Award for his role in the Malcolm X film, which was made in 1992. The film has long been considered a classic and one of the greatest movies ever made. Oddly enough, Freeman also played Malcolm X himself in “Roots: The Next Generations.”
A great actor and a great man….!!!!
Al Freeman Jr. a great actor,indeed!
He truly will be missed. He was a great actor and strong black man.
l Freeman, Jr. was a consummate professional as an actor. I was convinced that if I closed my eyes while watching MALCOLM X, I would be convinced that the ‘real Hon. Elijah Muhammad was standing in front of me. RIP, friend. That performance wll go down in cinema history as one of the best of all times.
_George E. Ferguson, Cincinnati, OH
I go way back with Al Freeman when he starred in “My Sweet Charlie”. Not to insult the author, l think he should have been addressed as Al Freeman in the title of this article, instead of ” the man who played Malcolm X”.
Met this great man at Safeway in SW DC,he was gracious and very humble. The shame was, that no young person recognized him. The cashier, and the young’ins in line were clueless, even when I told them that he played the Honorable Elijah Muhammad in the film, “Malcolm X. May the Creator be pleased with the newest addition to the honor roll of our GREAT ancestors
My favorite Al freeman roles are When we we colored and Down in the Delta. Both were made in the 90,s both are great.
One of the best actors in the world.
I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF MEETING MR.FREEMAN MANY YEARS AGO IN PENN STATION IN NEW YORK.I TOLD HIM THAT I REALLY THOUGHT THAT HE WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL ARTIST.THANK GOD I GOT A CHANCE TO MEET HIM BEFORE HE PASSED.MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
A great actor the world has lost today; I am truly sad.
Gone too soon, but not before we enjoyed you – here on earth – you will be missed! Thanks for your face on the screen and the good you shared with us for years to come!
GREAT ACTOR ,I REMEMBER IN DEEP IN THE DELTA A CHARLES BURNETT FILM.HE WAS TRULY A MASTER AT HIS CRAFT.R-I-P MR.AL FREEMAN JR!
I met and spoke to Mr. Freeman when I was a resident of Pentagon City, Va., outside of Washington, DC. I commended him on his performance in various movies. It was truly an honor to meet such a remarkable gentleman. May God be with him.
Many are too young to know, but Al Freeman Jr. was one of the first Black Soap Opera Stars. I believe he was a Police Officer, which was monumental for its time… Rest in Peace our dignified elder!