Nipsey Russell
Biography
Nipsey Russell was an American comedian. He was known for his appearances as a guest panelist on game shows from the 1960s through the 1990s, including Match Game, Password, Hollywood Squares, To Tell the Truth, and Pyramid. Russell was also a poet, reciting humorous poems during his television appearances. He became closely associated with these poems, earning the nickname "the poet laureate of television" from Dick Clark, Bill Cullen, Betty White, and others. Russell had a leading role in the film version of The Wiz and was a frequent guest on Dean Martin's Celebrity Roasts. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on September 15, 1918, and died on October 2, 2005.
Career overview
Nipsey Russell was an American comedian known for his appearances on various game shows from the 1960s through the 1990s. He was a frequent guest on several popular programs, including Match Game, Password, Hollywood Squares, To Tell the Truth, and Pyramid. Russell's distinctive contribution to these shows was his recitation of humorous poems during broadcasts, earning him the nickname "the poet laureate of television" from his peers.
In addition to his work on game shows, Russell also had a notable role in the film version of The Wiz. His performances on television and in film showcased his comedic talents and ability to connect with audiences.
Russell's appearances on Dean Martin's Celebrity Roasts further highlighted his comedic skills and versatility as a performer. His extensive experience in the entertainment industry, spanning multiple decades and formats, solidified his reputation as a talented and engaging comedian.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- 100 Centre Street (2001) as Wallace Roy
- Spin City (1996) as Nipsey Russell
- Car 54, Where Are You? (1994) as Police Captain Dave Anderson
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self
- Posse (1993) as Snopes
- Wildcats (1986) as Ben Edwards
- Your Number's Up (1985) as Host
- Dream One (1984) as Mr. Rip / Benjamin
- $weepstake$ (1979)
- The Wiz (1978) as Tinman
- Fame (1978) as Vinny
- Wiz on Down the Road (1978) as Tinman
- The Love Boat (1977) as Dan Manhoney
- Police Woman (1974) as Charlie Witt
- The Dean Martin Comedy World (1974) as Host
- Match Game (1973) as Self
- The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts (1973) as Self
- Barefoot in the Park (1970) as Honey Robinson
- King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis (1970) as Self (archive footage)
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968) as Self (uncredited)
- The Strolling '20s (1966) as Self
- The Dean Martin Show (1965)
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Merv Griffin Show (1962) as Self
- Tonight Starring Jack Paar (1957) as Self
- The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Nipsey Ralston
- The Red Skelton Show (1951) as Self
- The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self
- The Ed Sullivan Show (1948) as Self