Geoffrey Holder was once characterized as a Rennaissance Man by Esquire Magazine, and for good reason. He was a dancer at the Metropolitan Opera. His choreography has been heralded and his costumes and settings have also been well-reviewed. His accomplishments are too many to name.
He is remembered as villain Baron Samedi in the James Bond film Live and Let Die. He is also remembered as Punjab in the film version of Annie.
On Broadway, he appeared as a featured dancer in House of Flowers, as a performer in Josephine Baker's musical revue, and in the all-black cast of Waiting for Godot.
The Wiz led to another directorial effort: the stylish, yet unsuccessful Timbuktu (in 1978).
Recently, Holder provided narration for the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 2005.
He married dancer Carmen de Lavallade in 1953 and has been married to her ever since. They have one son.
For more information on Geoffrey Holder, his life, career and art, please look for:
Geoffrey Holder: A Life in Theater, Dance and Art
by Jennifer Dunning