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Whitman B. MayoAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 15.11.1930
Country:  USA |
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Whitman B. Mayo - Biography
Whitman B. Mayo was born in 1930 in New York City, USA. He spent his childhood in Harlem and Queens. At the age of 17, he moved with his family to Southern California and joined the army for two years in 1951. Mayo pursued his education at Chaffey College of the University of Los Angeles (UCLA), where he began acting in theatrical productions. During this period, he worked in various jobs such as crop picker and parole officer to support himself.
Acting Career
In the mid-1960s, Mayo became a member of the New Lafayette Theater repertory troupe in New York City, which marked the beginning of his acting career. He gained popularity through his role as Grady Wilson in the sitcom "Sanford and Son," which initially started as a small role but eventually became a significant character in the series. Mayo appeared in 37 episodes of the show, which brought him recognition among viewers.
Throughout his career, Mayo primarily worked in television, appearing in numerous popular shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including "Baretta," "Starsky and Hutch," "Diff'rent Strokes," "Hill Street Blues," and "227." He also ventured into film, starring in the sports comedy "The Main Event" in 1979 alongside Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal. Mayo's filmography includes movies such as "D.C. Cab" (1983), "Boyz n the Hood" (1991), and "The Seventh Coin" (1993).
Other Ventures
Apart from his acting career, Mayo tried his hand in other fields. In 1975, he opened a travel agency in Inglewood, California. Later, he relocated his business to Fayetteville, Georgia, where he resided in his later years. In Atlanta, Georgia, he taught drama at Clark Atlanta University. Mayo's versatility as a performer extended to his involvement in various television projects, including "Full House," "In the Heat of the Night," "Family Matters," "Martin," and "ER."
Personal Life and Legacy
Mayo was married three times. His first wife was Melva Washington, whom he married in 1956. They divorced after ten years, and Mayo remarried Patricia York, but their marriage ended in 1974. In the same year, he married Gail Reid, who remained with him until his death and gave birth to three children.
Whitman Mayo passed away on May 22, 2001, due to a heart attack at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. It is noteworthy that the hospital shares the same name as his most famous on-screen character, Grady Wilson.
Overall, Mayo's acting career spanned over 45 roles in both television and film, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
