Raymond Allen (television actor)

Raymond Gilmore Allen (March 5, 1929 – August 10, 2020)[1] was an American television actor. He was known for his appearances on television during the 1970s. He had recurring roles as Ned the Wino on Good Times, as Aunt Esther's husband, Woodrow "Woody" Anderson on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, and as mechanic Merle the Earl on Starsky and Hutch.[2] He reprised his role as Uncle Woody Anderson in the Sanford and Son spin-off, The Sanford Arms. Allen also made guest appearances on The Jeffersons, What's Happening!!, The Love Boat, and the film Wattstax.[3]

Raymond Allen
Born
Raymond Gilmore Allen

(1929-03-05)March 5, 1929
DiedAugust 10, 2020(2020-08-10) (aged 91)
NationalityAmerican
OccupationActor
Years active1946–1985
Known forWoodrow "Woody" Anderson – Sanford and Son
Ned the Wino – Good Times
Spouse
Barbara Williams
(m. 1963⁠–⁠1977)
Children3

Life

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Although he had not appeared in any acting roles since 1985, as his last appearance was from the television film Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster.[4] He continued making public appearances where he spoke and signed autographs. According to his MySpace page, he was forced to retire from acting due to illness.[5] Allen was married to Barbara Williams from 1963 to 1977; they had three children who include daughters Ta-Ronce Allen and Brenda Allen, as well as son Raymond Gilmore Allen Jr. (deceased).

Death

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Allen died in August 2020 from a respiratory illness in California, at the age of 91.[6][7] His daughter, Ta-Ronce Allen confirmed the news on her Facebook page.[8][9]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1946 Fight That Ghost Fast Delivery Bill
1973 Mean Mother Opening Scene Henchman
1975 Darktown Strutters Six Bits

References

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  1. ^ The Hollywood Reporter Staff (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen, Actor on 'Sanford and Son,' Dies at 91". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  2. ^ "Raymond Allen Filmography". Fandango. Archived from the original on May 30, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2021 – via Wayback Machine.
  3. ^ Cordero, Rosy (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen, Good Times and Sanford and Son actor, dies at 91". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  4. ^ Sippell, Margeaux (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen, 'Sanford and Son' Actor, Dies at 91". TheWrap. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  5. ^ "Raymond Allen". MySpace. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  6. ^ Evans, Greg (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen Dies: 'Sanford And Son', 'Good Times' Actor Was 91". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  7. ^ Uria, Daniel (August 11, 2020). "'Sanford and Son,' 'Good Times' actor Raymond Allen dies at 91". UPI. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  8. ^ Nichols, Mackenzie (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen, Actor Known for 'Sanford and Son' and 'Good Times,' Dies at 91". Variety. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  9. ^ Fox, Kirk (August 11, 2020). "Raymond Allen (1929–2020), "Sanford and Son" actor". legacy.com. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
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