Ji-Tu Cumbuka dies at 77

American actor Ji-Tu Cumbuka has died aged 77.
Cumbuka, who had roles in acclaimed historical TV drama Roots, as well as in the films Bound for Glory, Brewster’s Millions and Harlem Nights, passed away in hospital in Atlanta, Georgia last Tuesday (04Jul17) after a long illness, according to his niece Amber Holifield.
Holifield wrote on Facebook, “In my Uncle Ji-Tu’s final days until his final moments he was surrounded with love and support! It’s (sic) was a blessing for all of us to be together in his final hour, and not to mention we pretty much stayed at the hospital with him, and boy did he enjoy our company.”
She concluded her message by writing, “I am so proud and blessed to be able to say that he is my uncle. Rest In Peace Uncle Ji-Tu you will always be loved and remembered!
Cumbuka was a regular on U.S. TV, starring in shows including The Six Million Dollar Man, Ironside, Kung Fu, Sanford and Son, Knight Rider, Hunter, Knots Landing and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Born in Atlanta in March 1940 He appeared in films including Blacula, Maurie, Mandingo, Bound for Glory and Fun With Dick and Jane and also had a small part in Elvis Presley’s final film as an actor, 1969’s Change of Habit.
Cumbuka’s final role came in a 2004 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation., in which he played a hotdog vendor. The actor, who stood at six feet five inches (196 centimetres) tall, published a memoir in 2012, A Giant to Remember, the title of which was inspired by his first name and surname which mean “giant” and “to remember” in Swahili.
He also founded Help Somebody Foundation and Ministries, a religious charity he founded to provide education to the less fortunate. The charity is accepting donations made in the actor’s memory.