Nipsey Russell
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.
Filmography (28 titles)
8.2Show100 Centre Street
Wallace Roy · 2001
7.0ShowSpin City
Nipsey Russell · 1996
3.5MovieCar 54, Where Are You?
Police Captain Dave Anderson · 1994
7.3ShowLate Night with Conan O'Brien
Self · 1993
5.4MoviePosse
Snopes · 1993
6.3MovieWildcats
Ben Edwards · 1986
9.0ShowYour Number's Up
Host · 1985
3.9MovieDream One
Mr. Rip / Benjamin · 1984
$weepstake$
1979
9.0MovieFame
Vinny · 1978
6.2MovieThe Wiz
Tinman · 1978
7.5MovieWiz on Down the Road
Tinman · 1978
6.3ShowThe Love Boat
Dan Manhoney · 1977
6.4ShowPolice Woman
Charlie Witt · 1974
The Dean Martin Comedy World
Host · 1974
5.4ShowThe Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
Self · 1973
7.9ShowMatch Game
Self · 1973
Barefoot in the Park
Honey Robinson · 1970
7.3MovieKing: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis
Self (archive footage) · 1970
6.8ShowRowan & Martin's Laugh-In
Self (uncredited) · 1968
MovieThe Strolling '20s
Self · 1966
7.4ShowThe Dean Martin Show
1965
6.6ShowThe Merv Griffin Show
Self · 1962
7.5ShowThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Self · 1962
Tonight Starring Jack Paar
Self · 1957
7.4ShowThe Red Skelton Show
Nipsey Ralston · 1951
7.0ShowThe Bob Hope Show
Self · 1950
6.8ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show
Self · 1948