Although Robert Hooks starred in the blaxploitation film, Trouble Man, he was not defined by the genre. That period of black cinema brought long overdue recognition to so many talented actors of color, and while many of them were banished to obscurity when the decade ended, Robert Hooks continued working.
Like a lot of actors in film and television, Robert Hooks got his start on the Broadway stage, first replacing Louis Gossett, Jr. in A Raisin in the Sun, and then taking over for Billy Dee Williams in the Broadway production of A Taste of Honey. Soon he was originating roles on Broadway and in 1967 he earned a Tony nomination for his leading role in the musical, Hallelujah, Baby! which brought him to the attention of ABC when they were casting their police drama, N.Y.P.D.
As black detective, Jeff Ward, Robert Hooks was one of the stars of N.Y.P.D., a rarity for a black actor in the early days of television. Not only did his character become the face of the show, but it also welcomed the casting of many African American actors as guest starts. The stories were realistic, gritty, and completely different from anything else on television in 1967. That's probably why it only lasted two seasons.
Robert Hooks was able to work in both television and movies, which was not something actors did in the '60's and '70's. With film work that ranged from Aaron Loves Angela to Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, as well as guest starting on television in everything from Marcus Welby, M.D. to Seinfeld, Robert Hooks career not only endured, but excelled.
And he never forgot his roots in theatre. Robert Hooks, along with Gerald S. Krone, and Douglas Turner Ward, founded the Negro Ensemble Company, which helped start the careers of Denise Nicholas, Esther Rolle, Roscoe Lee Browne, Adolph Ceasar, Godfrey Cambridge, Glynn Turman, Richard Roundtree, and Ron O'Neal, just to name a few.
Having Robert Hooks attached to a film, television, or a theatrical production means a quality, no-nonsense performance that will elevate any project. If you see his name in the credits, stick around. You'll soon find yourself searching for more.
Robert Hooks was a creative icon. A fine actor who could play brilliantly any role placed in front of him. He took his children on the creative journey with him,and his equally brilliant and accomplished son Kevin more than does his father proud.
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