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Nipsey Russell Obituary
The actor, who had been suffering from cancer, died Sunday afternoon at Lenox Hill Hospital, said his longtime manager Joseph Rapp.
Born in Atlanta, Russell launched his television career as Officer Anderson in the 1961 television series "Car 54, Where are You?" He also appeared in the 1994 film version.
He became a fixture on popular television game and talk shows, where he was welcomed for his poetic delivery that earned him the moniker the "poet laureate of television." He also took his signature four-line poetry on the road for readings and performances.
Russell also appeared in the films "Nemo" in 1984, "Wildcats" in 1986 and "Posse" in 1993.
He settled in New York after graduating from the University of Cincinnati and serving as an Army captain in Europe during World War II, Rapp said.
Russell never married. "He always said, 'I have trouble living with myself, how could I live with anyone else,'" Rapp said. "But he was a wonderful guy, very quiet, never bragged."
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
342 Entries
Julie Siebe
January 6, 2025
I'm watching him on Match Game. He was a funny creative guy. I really liked him.
Tj Ettle
January 5, 2025
Nipsey may you rest in peace with the Lord Jesus will miss youtj
Barbara Wicks
November 10, 2024
❣
Rita Logan
October 22, 2024
I just saw Nipsey on an old episode of Hollywood Squares. What a wonderful man he was. He was positive and clever as all get out!
How you can show support
October 8, 2024
I loved his wit and genuine sweet personality
September 25, 2024
Thanks for the smiles!
Anna Lawrence
September 4, 2024
Loved your work and you
August 5, 2024
He was always entertaining and funny. I always enjoyed you on anything you appeared. You were wonderful on the game shows especially when you recited a poem. Rest in peace dear soul. TGM
Alma Null
July 26, 2024
Watching you on to tell the truth, RIp. Such a sweet soul
LOUIS A HAMAN
July 6, 2024
Nipsey was a very happy smiling person
Sharon Seward
May 23, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Sharon Britt and Britt Jr
Eleanor Bridges
April 16, 2020
I just wish you could have met Nipsey Hussell you two could have rapped and told jokes all day
fan
July 14, 2019
He made me laugh many times
Cecelia Wynn
May 3, 2019
Rest in peace!!!!! Loved your mind and sense of humor!!!! See you later!!!
Ronda Patino
April 18, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marni Corrigan
April 15, 2019
I met Nipsy a few times when I was 15 by Lincoln center he was a very nice guy so humble so sweet.
April 14, 2019
Still lifting the family in prayer. RIP Nipsey
NIKA SIMMONS
April 12, 2019
I guess the Lord felt your work on earth is done! I look forward to the miracles you will create in Heaven REST IN PARADISE SIR you will be missed
Betty Davis
December 12, 2018
Rest In Heaven, You Are Missed.
Dianne Tabron
December 9, 2018
Well wonderful actor had a great voice
D. Travillion
August 3, 2018
Nipsey Russell was a great creative talent. Rest in paradise sir!
Denise Travillion
August 3, 2018
Nipsey Russell was a great creative talent. Rest in paradise sir!
Iris W.
July 28, 2018
Rest in peace luv u nipsy.
Ginny Gagnon
March 17, 2018
I loved Nipsey Russell.
He was funny, a good actor and I loved when he rhymed too.He was also a kind and caring man.R.I.P sir.
Renée Coleman-Hernández
February 18, 2018
My mom, deceased 2010, also liked this giant of an artist also!
Nina Danner
January 31, 2018
Great comedian! I just loved you Nipsy!!! Fly with the angels! R. I. P.
Pat Cox
December 28, 2017
He was very funny and its a sbame be died
Mary Anderson
September 19, 2017
I love me some Nipsey Russell he was just naturally funny! I miss hearing his quick wit!
Lisa Fryar
September 16, 2017
I liked him alot..he will be missed
M Penn
August 28, 2017
Loved when he rhymed. Im watching the Wiz on TV right now. So much talent
REGENA WOODY COOK
August 22, 2017
love,love,love,MR.NIPSEY RUSSELL.
Denny Wymore
July 19, 2017
I miss your wit and quips. I love watching reruns of game shows your were on just to hear your wit and see that fabulous smile❤
Joy Braziel
July 15, 2017
One of the greatest days of my life happened in the Chicago airport. I was a teenager traveling to a national student council convention and walked past Mr Russell. I turned to my friends and we had the is that really him conversation. We gathered up our courage and walked over to him. He said he was Nipsey Russell and chatted with six kids from New Mexico and took pictures with us. He was on his way to film Wildcats. It was such a nice thing to let us interrupt him. He was very kind to us. Wildcats has always been a favorite movie of mine since that chance meeting.
Nessia Winn
June 30, 2017
Love you Nipsey... your SMILE.
Doris Riggins
June 19, 2017
I love Nipsey
Lillian Couthen
May 16, 2017
May God be with you always
Nazarene Mckinney
May 14, 2017
You will never be forgotten! That signature smile will always warm our hearts.
Tre'neise Roberson
April 22, 2017
I was a little girl 8 yrs. old and my parents and i would watch " the flip wilson show while eating a bowl of ice cream, flip was funny,sometimes "serious", it was always fun to watch, you've been gone awhile, "flip", but you a "still" very much "remembered" continue to "rest in peace" miss yoy.
Carol G
April 2, 2017
NIPSEY Russell also played On the Love Boat
GREAT PERSON and great actor.
March 5, 2017
Nipsey you where was the funniest you were so pleasant you had a smile that would brighten up the sky. God bless you in heaven and please say hi to my dad Steve Johnson
Sherby Frazier
January 19, 2017
I was a tremendous fan for many decades. You were a remarkable talent! Thank you for all the great entertainment! I pray you rest in heavenly peace.
Brice Myles
November 10, 2016
God bless your memory..your story was and is still inspiring..how u worked as a car-hop on the drive-in at The Varsity in downtown Atlanta..a place i ate at quite often. Thanks for all the memories and laughs. Gone but never forgotten!!!
nilda cortes
October 27, 2016
Watching Hollywood Squares and saw you...I had no idea you had passed. Such a handsome smile that I will always remember. Rest in peace.
Sarah Jones
October 18, 2016
Rest in peace
Pamela Neilson
October 13, 2016
I saw you perform at Muhlenberg College in 1966. You preceded Harry Belafonte. Not only were you very funny you went to the trouble to learn about the college and the people in the administration. When you talked about the dean of women Mrs. Jensen, the wife of the president of the college poked her husband and was laughing so hard she almost fell out of her chair. I enjoyed your performance so much I became a big fan. Thank you for many hours of fun.
Pamela Neilson
October 12, 2016
I saw you perform at Muhlenber College in 1966. You preceded Harry Belafonte. Not only were you very funny you went to the trouble to learn about the college and the people in the administration. When you talked about the dean of women Mrs. Jensen, the wife of the president of the college, poked her husband and was laughing so hard she almost fell out of her chair. I enjoyed your performance so much I became a big fan. Thank you for many hours of fun.
Mo & Angela
September 15, 2016
Always in our hearts
Laura G
August 1, 2016
Watching Match Game show and you always make me laugh. R.I.P.
Cheryl Johnson
July 25, 2016
Extremely talented. Gone but never forgotten
Valenda Newell
June 26, 2016
One of the first to appear on game shows in the 1960's, TO TELL THE TRUTH, HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, 25,000 PYRAMID and the list goes on & on & on. HE was a breath of fresh air on TV, showing his quickness and wit that could not be matched...I MISS YOU SMART BLACK MAN...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...RIP
Sharon May
March 13, 2016
Thank you for your contributions to this world. Love your comedy.
January 24, 2016
Watching the sitcom 227 didn't know he passed he was a great person R.i.P.
Jennifer Harris
January 15, 2016
Watching The Wiz your beautiful smile and your presence will always be classic.. gone but never forgotten
Linda Ivory
December 25, 2015
Watching the wiz...and thought about him... the tin man
Andrew White
December 25, 2015
Watching the wiz thinking about nipsey Russell rest in peace
Luke Myles Sr
November 20, 2015
He was a true star that shined Bright! Thank you for your trail blazing landmark contributions, Rest well Mr. Nipsey Russell
shail workman
November 20, 2015
I enjoy all that he did so I pray he is resting well in heaven
Janice LaDay
June 21, 2015
I only watch the WIZ just to watch Nipsey Russell dance and sing as the TIN MAN. I can just watch it over and over! He was KING! I miss you. Rest In Peace with all the other great Stars that have paved the way for so many!
Janice M. LaDay
Pamela R. Lopes
June 12, 2015
It is one thing to see an icon on tv or in the movies, and yet another to meet them in person. I met Nipsey one evening walking down the street in New York City. When I recognized him, he greeted me with the biggest smile, warmest "Hello" and a handshake. For that moment he made me feel like I was the celebrity. What a wonderful, talented and funny man he was. I will forever miss his poetic humor and his timing and quick wit. I hope he meets my parents in Heaven, and shares a laugh with them.
Yevette Little
June 2, 2015
Love watching you on tv ,,,You are truly missed RIP Mr. RUSSELL GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN!!
Linda Fields
April 26, 2015
Rest in peace,and thank-u 4 ur contribution to the entertainment world,u were just great
deana rose
October 24, 2014
Rest in heaven.
October 20, 2014
Your success was like a ladder, and when you got there you were on the TOP.Thanks for WIT and your WISDOM but most importantly thank you for being YOU. HEAVEN will be funnier now cause you re in it RIP my friend. Barbara Vanagas,Douglaston NY
Harry Simpson
October 2, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Julius, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
DARYL Charles
September 26, 2014
I remember mr. RUSSEL on Love American Style. Guess im datong myself. He was a class act.
August 17, 2014
I will always remember Nipsey Russell in Barefoot In the Park...Love American Style episodes...nostalgia...fifth grade
T.C. Kansas City
Mary
August 13, 2014
You were a very kind man to a lonely little girl who spent summers & Saturdays @ her families dry cleaners. I so enjoyed the times l got to visit w/ you. Thank you. You won't be forgotten.
Scott Berry
July 23, 2014
Gone but not forgotten ease on down with no heavy loads
July 10, 2014
Still happily watching Nipsey on Match Game reruns, and love him for his true wit and brilliant poetic satire.
Jimmie Thomas
April 2, 2014
Your the best, ever told or seen.america love you. Jimmie. Thomas
wayne brown
March 18, 2014
always a joy to watch Nipsey on match game and the wiz even in Chris Rocks rap truly a blessing sent down to make us all smile thank you Nipsey you have earn your place in the stars with our Heavenly Father
Lyris Cunningham
February 9, 2014
Watching him too.....ease on down the road today. I love The Wiz and your tin man character. You will be forever missed.
Domethra Ray
February 4, 2014
Watching Nipsey Ease On Down The Road! Miss him very much. He'll never be forgotten! RIP
LaVon Harvey
December 19, 2013
Wow I did not realize that Mr Russell guest book were still available!!Watching him on the Match Game today!! Sleep in Peace,love watching you on all your shows etc,wish you were still here to make us laugh.
Renea Whitehead
November 7, 2013
I did not know Mr. Russell was gone, GOD gives nothing but his best. So Nipsey take your rest. OUR HEAVENLY FATHER loves you best. "A legend"
ted gutierrez
September 18, 2013
You were the best, just talking about how you made us laugh.
RIP Mr. Russell Ted
Kenya Ben
August 30, 2013
Watching the wiz Rip nipsey
David Foster
July 15, 2013
One of the GREATEST,I have so many enjoyable memories watching him.
David Foster
July 15, 2013
One of the GREATEST,I have so many enjoyable memories watching him.
Amy G.
May 23, 2013
RIP...AMEN.
Amy G.
May 23, 2013
RIP Mr. Nipsey Russell...You were great...May you live on...Amen!
Kay Bryant
March 17, 2013
Watching the wiz now with my daughter and grandson
You are a light that will always shine.
March 15, 2013
I have enjoyed watching you for many years...always made me laugh XX
Richard Owen
March 3, 2013
You Were A True Comedic Talent. Rest In Peace, Kind Sir. See You On The Other Side Some Beautiful Day.
rich white
February 18, 2013
Watching on the Pymird Show with Dick Clark, Mr. Russell (Nipsey); you are a treat to watch even to this day. Hey had a dog at the Varsity the other day, miss you
February 9, 2013
Slide some oil to me, if you don't have STP, Crisco will do just fine. You were fabulous in The Wuz. Your dancing and singing gave the project the punch that it needed. Thank you so much, Mr. Russell! Your spirit lives on.
Lance Gwaltney
February 7, 2013
I'm watching you on match game right now. What a talent you were.
Richard
December 31, 2012
Watching you right now on 1000000 pyramid. You wre fun.
Carol Butcher
November 14, 2012
I will always remember your poetic, comedic sense of humor and the contributions you made in television. Most of all, your handsome face and beautiful bright (teeth) smile. RIP "Tin Man!"
Rachel S
October 23, 2012
You were so good on game shows.
Your poetry was spot on.
You are greatly missed.
Carol-Ann
October 23, 2012
What a kind and gentle man - your poetry will never be forgotten. You are still missed.
October 4, 2012
You were one of a kind Mr. Russell. Always made us laugh and your poems were the best. RIP. Karen (Rhode Island)
Patty U
October 3, 2012
You made us laugh with your poetry and quick wit. You will not be forgotten. RIP
betty
September 5, 2012
you are missed
Terry Urbina - Robles
August 27, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. Russell. You are always missed
Lisa Lawson
August 10, 2012
Rest In Peace
Lee Ploski
August 3, 2012
I always enjoyed Nipsey's poems, his humor and his acting. He is one of those tv actors who you watch in your youth, and become part of your family when you see them. Nipsey you never be forgotten. RIP
Gina Usner
July 11, 2012
Rest I peace
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