Paul Winfield biography

Synopsis

Actor Paul Winfield was best known for his portrayal of a Louisiana sharecropper in the film Sounder, which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Prior to his nomination only two other African American's had ever been nominated for a leading role. Winfield turned out several acclaimed performances in television miniseries, including his role as Martin Luther King Jr. in 1978's King.

Acting Career

Actor Paul Winfield was born on May 22, 1939, in Los Angeles, California. After studying at numerous West Coast universities, including the University of Portland, Stanford and UCLA, Winfield landed a role on the TV sitcom Julia in 1967. He continued on the series for a few years, during which time the actor also earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance as dignified sharecropper Nathan Lee Morgan in the film Sounder.

During the late 1970s, Winfield turned out several acclaimed performances in television miniseries, including his role as Martin Luther King Jr. in 1978's King and as Dr. Huguley in Roots: The Next Generation the following year, both of which earned him Emmy nominations. In 1994, he won his first Emmy for his guest role in the drama series Picket Fences.

Winfield continued to appear in several comedy and drama series on television until his death in March 2004 at the age of 62.