Joe Seneca
Biography
Joe Seneca was an American film and television actor born Joel McGhee in Cleveland, Ohio on January 14, 1919. He died on August 15, 1996, at the age of 77. Before his Hollywood career, he was a member of the R and B singing group The Three Riffs, performing in New York City supper clubs, and worked as a songwriter with hits including Talk to Me sung by Little Willie John, Break It to Me Gently performed by Brenda Lee in 1962 and Juice Newton in 1982, and It's Gonna Work Out Fine recorded by Ike and Tina Turner. His acting career spanned from the 1970s to the 1990s, with notable roles including Willie Brown in Crossroads, Dr. Meadows in The Blob, and Dr. Hanes in The Cosby Show.
Career overview
Joe Seneca was an American film and television actor born Joel McGhee in Cleveland, Ohio on January 14, 1919. Before his Hollywood career, he was a member of the R&B singing group The Three Riffs, performing at upscale supper clubs in New York City. He was also a songwriter, creating hits such as Talk to Me, which was sung by Little Willie John, and Break It to Me Gently, which became a smash twice through recordings by Brenda Lee in 1962 and Juice Newton in 1982. Additionally, his song It is Gonna Work Out Fine was recorded by Ike.
During his lengthy Hollywood career spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s, Seneca portrayed bit parts in many major films and television sitcoms. Among his known roles are Willie Brown in Crossroads in 1986, Dr. Meadows in The Blob in 1988, and Dr. Hanes in The Cosby Show. His filmography also includes Kramer versus Kramer, Golden Girls, and A Time to Kill. He accumulated forty-three known acting credits throughout his career on screen.
Joe Seneca passed away on August 15, 1996, at the age of seventy-seven. His contributions to the entertainment industry encompassed both his work as a songwriter and recording contributor in the music field and his extensive acting presence in film and television productions across multiple decades.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
43 titles- The Longest Memory (1997) as Whitechapel
- A Time to Kill (1996) as Reverend Isaiah Street
- Christy (1994) as Joseph Scott
- The Vernon Johns Story (1994) as Deacon Wilkes
- seaQuest DSV (1993) as Professor Bingham
- The Saint of Fort Washington (1993) as Spits
- Malcolm X (1992) as Toomer
- Mississippi Masala (1991) as Williben Williams
- Solomon Northup's Odyssey (1991) as Noah
- Law & Order (1990) as Lionel Jackson
- Mo' Better Blues (1990) as Big Stop's Friend
- Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989) as Blind Otis Lemon
- Tarzan in Manhattan (1989) as Joseph
- China Beach (1988)
- The Blob (1988) as Dr. Meddows
- School Daze (1988) as President Harold McPherson
- Friday the 13th: The Series (1987) as Hedley
- Big Shots (1987) as Ferryman
- A Gathering of Old Men (1987) as Clatoo
- Moments without Proper Names (1987) as Self
- Matlock (1986) as Eddie Haynes
- Crossroads (1986) as Willie Brown
- Throb (1986)
- Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story (1986) as Reverend
- The Golden Girls (1985) as Alvin Newcastle
- The Equalizer (1985) as Fossil
- Amazing Stories (1985) as Ben Dumfy
- 227 (1985)
- Spenser: For Hire (1985)
- Silverado (1985) as Ezra
- Heart of the Garden (1985)
- The Cosby Show (1984) as Dr. Zachariah J. Hanes
- The Evil That Men Do (1984) as Santiago
- Terrible Joe Moran (1984) as Pittsburgh Billy
- The House of Dies Drear (1984) as Pluto
- American Playhouse (1982) as Noah
- The Verdict (1982) as Dr. Thompson
- The Gentleman Bandit (1981)
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) as Partygoer
- The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979) as Mr. Sweets
- The Tenth Month (1979) as Doorman
- Wilma (1977) as Ed Rudolph
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) as Police Sergeant
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Joe Seneca best known for?
Joe Seneca is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including A Time to Kill (1996), Christy (1994), Cold Mountain (2003), Malcolm X (1992).
When and where was Joe Seneca born?
Joe Seneca was born on January 14, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. They passed away on August 15, 1996.
How many credits does Joe Seneca have?
Joe Seneca has accumulated over 43 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1974 to 1997.
What is Joe Seneca's background in cinema and television?
Joe Seneca was an American film and television actor born Joel McGhee in Cleveland, Ohio on January 14, 1919. He died on August 15, 1996, at the age of 77. Before his Hollywood career, he was a member of the R and B singing group The Three Riffs, performing in New York City supper clubs, and worked as a songwriter with...
Joe Seneca by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Christy (1994) as Joseph Scott — aged about 75
- The House of Dies Drear (1984) as Pluto — aged about 65
- Malcolm X (1992) as Toomer — aged about 73
- The Golden Girls (1985) as Alvin Newcastle — aged about 66
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) as Partygoer — aged about 60
- China Beach (1988) — aged about 69
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