Nipsey Russell

Biography

Julius "Nipsey" Russell (September 15, 1918 – October 2, 2005) was an American comedian, best known today for his appearances as a guest panelist on game shows from the 1960s through the 1990s, especially Match Game, Password, Hollywood Squares, To Tell the Truth and Pyramid. His appearances were distinguished in part by the short, humorous poems he would recite during the broadcast. These lyrics became so closely associated with Russell that Dick Clark, Bill Cullen, Betty White, and others regularly referred to him as "the poet laureate of television." He also had a leading role in the film version of The Wiz. Russell was also a frequent guest on Dean Martin's Celebrity Roasts.

Known For

Spin City

as Nipsey Russell

The Wiz

as Tinman

Wildcats

as Ben Edwards

The Love Boat

as Dan Manhoney

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

as Self

Posse

as Snopes

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

as Self

Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

as Self (uncredited)

Police Woman

as Charlie Witt

Car 54, Where Are You?

as Police Captain Dave Anderson