Raymond Allen (television actor)
Raymond Gilmore Allen (March 5, 1929 – August 10, 2020) was an American television actor. He was known for his appearances on television during the 1970s. He had recurring roles as Ned the Wino on Good Times, as Aunt Esther's husband, Woodrow "Woody" Anderson on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, and as mechanic Merle the Earl on Starsky and Hutch. He reprised his role as Uncle Woody Anderson in the Sanford and Son spin-off, The Sanford Arms. Allen also made guest appearances on The Jeffersons, What's Happening!!, The Love Boat, and the film Wattstax.[1]
Raymond Allen | |
|---|---|
| Born | Raymond Gilmore Allen March 5, 1929 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | August 10, 2020 (aged 91) California, US |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1946–1985 |
| Known for | Woodrow "Woody" Anderson – Sanford and Son Ned the Wino – Good Times |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Williams
(m. 1963–1977) |
| Children | 3 |
Life
Although he had not appeared in any acting roles since 1985, he continued making public appearances where he spoke and signed autographs. According to his MySpace page, he was forced to retire from acting due to illness.[2] Allen was married to Barbara Williams from 1963 to 1977; they had three children who include daughters Ta-Ronce Allen and Brenda Allen, as well as son Raymond Gilmore Allen Jr. (deceased).
Death
Allen died on August 10, 2020 from a respiratory illness. He was 91.[3] His daughter, Ta-Ronce Allen confirmed the news on her Facebook page[4]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Fight That Ghost | Fast Delivery Bill | |
| 1973 | Mean Mother | Opening Scene Henchman | |
| 1975 | Darktown Strutters | Six Bits |
References
- "Raymond Allen". IMDb. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
- "Raymond Allen (raymondgallen) on Myspace". Myspace. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
- Evans, Greg (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen Dies: 'Sanford And Son', 'Good Times' Actor Was 91". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- Allen, Ta Ronce (August 10, 2020). "Just wanted to let The Allen Family and friends know that Dad received his wing two hours ago. His warmth, kind heart and cleaver sayings will be missed. His laughter will ring in heaven. Rest In Heavenly Peace Raymond Allen. The last of 12 siblings". Facebook. Retrieved August 11, 2020.