Beloved Character Actor Lee Weaver, 'The Bill Cosby Show' Star, Dies at 95

Lee Weaver, a renowned character actor who captivated audiences with his memorable performances, has passed away at the age of 95. Weaver, who was known for his work on shows like 'The Bill Cosby Show' and 'Hill Street Blues,' died on September 22nd at his home in Los Angeles.

Weaver's family has expressed their profound grief, stating that he "wove joy, depth and representation into every role he played and everything he did." The actor's diverse career spanned decades, with standout roles that left a lasting impression on viewers.

On 'The Bill Cosby Show,' Weaver played the character of Brian Kincaid, the brother of Bill Cosby's gym teacher, Chet Kincaid. He also stole scenes as the exhibitionist Buck Naked on the popular police drama 'Hill Street Blues' and 'NYPD Blue.' Additionally, Weaver appeared in the Coen brothers' film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' and the NBC comedy 'Easy Street,' where he portrayed a down-on-their-luck roommate.

Weaver's journey to Hollywood was not a straightforward one. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, he was raised by his aunt and uncle until the age of 14, when he left home to attend high school in Tallahassee and then Florida A&M. After serving in the U.S. Army for four years, Weaver moved to New York, where he worked as a linotype engineer for The New York Times and moonlighted as a promoter at the legendary Birdland jazz club.

Despite his diverse experiences, Weaver's true passion lay in acting, and he went on to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His ability to bring depth and nuance to every role he played has earned him a lasting legacy as a beloved character actor.